Do you prefer Gel pens?

Ballpoint pens use a paste ink based on a dye solute in an alcohol solvent. Compared to ballpoint pens, gel pens:

Create a bolder line

Smudge less[citation needed]

Have occasional skips, due to the ball being less evenly coated with ink

Use more ink, leading to more frequent refills or replacements

Are more likely to leak ink when the stopper fluid drains out[2]

May be able to write on smooth, non-absorbent materials

Fountain pens and liquid-ink rollerball pens use a dye solute in a water-based solvent. Compared to these pens, gel pens:

Are less prone to bleed through to the other side of a piece of paper

Create finer, more controlled lines with fewer blots

Can create white or brightly coloured opaque lines on dark surfaces

May be able to write on smooth, non-absorbent materials

Comments

  • I used to use a gel pen made by Pilot until I found a liquid pencil made by Sharpie. Writes just like a rollerball pen but is eraseable. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?

  • gel if i'm writing for myself

    roller ball if i am writing to someone

    btw. nice explanation of the differences

  • Gel because they are prettier :)

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