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A pen may seem insignificant… until the ink smudges across an assignment, the tip stops writing after just a few days or the grip becomes uncomfortable. At school, in the office, for journaling or creative projects, choosing between gel pens and ballpoint pens largely depends on the paper you use, the level of precision you need and how long you spend writing.
Before buying a multipack, it is worth looking beyond the marketing claims. A vivid colour is not necessarily easy to read, a fine tip can tire your hand during a long note-taking session and “quick-drying” does not guarantee the same results on every type of paper or with every writing pressure.
Gel pens with 0.5 mm or 0.38 mm tips produce precise lines, making them ideal for small annotations, planners and closely ruled notebooks. However, very fine tips require greater control and may feel less fluid on absorbent paper.
By contrast, 0.7 mm gel pens generally offer a more pronounced line and smoother writing experience. They are well suited to everyday notes, homework and office documents, although they naturally take up a little more space on the page.
Erasable pens use heat-sensitive ink that disappears through friction. This is convenient for exercises, schedules and drafts, but this technology has no place on a contract, official form, final signature or receipt printed on thermal paper.
Extreme temperatures can also alter the appearance of the ink. It is therefore best to reserve these pens for situations where the ability to make corrections matters more than long-term preservation.
A pack of 40 black ink pens can make sense for a classroom, association or shared office. For personal use, however, it may simply clutter your drawers and leave several pens to dry out before they are ever used.
Retractable models eliminate the risk of losing a cap and help prevent stains in your pencil case. Capped pens, on the other hand, protect the tip effectively as long as they are closed properly. The right choice therefore also depends on your storage habits—not just the number of pens in the pack.
Here is a simple guide for comparing the main configurations:
The measurement shown generally refers to the tip or its nominal width. It does not necessarily reflect the exact thickness of the line on every type of paper.
Gel ink is often appreciated for its smooth flow and intense colours. Ballpoint ink, which is generally oil-based, remains a popular choice for everyday documents and large multipacks of black or blue pens. Left-handed writers should consider quick-drying ink, while also checking the product specifications: the result depends on writing speed and paper weight as well.
For colour-coded notes, multicolour ballpoint pens and multi-ink gel models reduce the number of pens you need to carry. A four-colour M&G pen, for example, combines black, blue, red and green in a retractable format.
A non-slip grip improves control during extended writing sessions, particularly for pupils, students and professionals who write for several hours a day. Models with a quiet mechanism are also better suited to libraries and open-plan offices.
To preserve the ink:
Why this choice suits this profile: eight colours for school, revision notes, office work or your first journaling pages, with a fine tip suited to annotations.
The pack of eight means you do not have to buy each colour separately. The soft grip and retractable mechanism make everyday use more comfortable.
0.5 mm ballpoint tip, eight listed colours and gel ink described as water-resistant on the product page.
Why this choice suits this profile: its slim stainless-steel silhouette and fine nib are designed for those seeking a more personal writing experience at the office or in a notebook.
There is no large colour assortment here: the focus is on a fine nib, a well-balanced body and the use of compatible cartridges or a converter.
Matte stainless-steel body, fine steel nib and stated compatibility with standard international cartridges.
Why this choice suits this profile: a pack of ten black pens for intensive note-taking, classes, administrative tasks and office work.
The retractable tip protects pockets and pencil cases. The advertised quick-drying ink may also help reduce smudging when writing left-handed.
Medium 0.7 mm tip, non-slip knurled grip and ten black pens in the pack.
Why this choice suits this profile: its grip and adjustable nib angle are designed for right-handed children learning to use a fountain pen.
The version shown is intended for right-handed users only: check this before buying to avoid choosing a model that does not suit the child’s posture.
Nib adjustable to three angles, non-slip grip, cartridge included and blue erasable ink advertised by the manufacturer.
We have brought together an updated selection of products that meet these criteria for school, office work, journaling and creative projects.
For creative notebooks, journaling pens with 0.5 or 0.7 mm tips make it easy to alternate between headings, annotations and colour coding. Ohuhu metallic gel pens with 0.8 mm tips are designed for details on dark or coloured paper. For calligraphy, WRITECH brush pens feature a flexible tip and twelve vintage shades. They do, however, require consistent pressure and suitable paper.
Calligraphy pens, brush pens and beginner fountain pens are not substitutes for an everyday ballpoint pen: they are designed for different hand movements and a different visual result.
It depends on the amount of ink, line width, writing pressure and the surface covered. A ballpoint pen can be an economical choice for extended use, while a gel pen generally prioritises smoothness and intense colour. To avoid waste, choose a pack size that reflects your actual consumption.
A 0.7 mm tip is the most versatile option for notes and forms. A 0.5 mm tip is better suited to small handwriting, annotations and planners. In a pencil case or bag, retractable pens are particularly practical because there is no separate cap to lose.
No. They are suitable for exercises, schedules and notes that may need to be changed, but their heat-sensitive ink should not be used for documents that need to be preserved over time. For these purposes, choose permanent black or blue ink, after checking its legibility on the relevant surface.