Rollerball vs Ballpoint Pens Explained [Plus Video] (2024)

FAQs

Which pen is better, rollerball or ballpoint? ›

A Quick Guide. Ballpoint pens are versatile, easy to use and less likely to dry out. Rollerballs form a smooth, fluid line and can be used comfortably for long periods. Each writing instrument work wells with different writing styles and tasks.

If you need to remove the cap in order to write with the pen, it is either a fountain or a rollerball pen. Rollerball pens have a liquid ink refill. If you twist or push the back end of the pen to advance the refill to write, this is a ballpoint pen.

Rollerball ink flows much more freely, producing a vivid line that's thicker and more dynamic than most ballpoints, which makes them a great choice for writing in cards or sending a handwritten note.

Can I use a rollerball or fineliner refill in my ballpoint pen? No Rollerball and Fineliner refills cannot be used in a ballpoint pen and vice versa.

Rollerball Pens

Water-based ink flows faster and soaks into the paper more than ballpoint pen ink. The ease of flow requires less pressure and creates a smooth, comfortable writing experience.

A: . 05 is a fine tip and . 07 is a medium tip. If you don't like to push hard and like a broader stroke result, .

Rollerball Pen Skipping when Writing

Shake it, run it under warm water, apply pressure to it, it's all worth a try. The most likely cause of this issue, however, is the way you hold the pen.

As fountain pen's ink is water-based, on low-quality thin paper, it's likely to bleed which will ruin your script. A ballpoint pen will deliver consistent performance across all paper types which is why we've put an asterisk on the winner of this one.

Rollerball pens employ the same ballpoint mechanics, but with the use of water-based inks instead of oil-based inks. Compared to oil-based ballpoints, rollerball pens are said to provide more fluid ink-flow, but the water-based inks will blot if held stationary against the writing surface.

Even if, in his case, it's the freedom to play Rollerball, which Bartholomew also points out “was created to demonstrate the futility of individual effort.” And so the stakes are set: Jonathan's individuality against the very corporations that seek to squash everyone's individuality.

Why do rollerball pens stop working? ›

If there's still ink in your refill and your pen is stored at a cool temperature, the ink may have dried up and clogged the nib. Try running the nib of your pen under some warm running water for a few seconds. Wipe the nib with a clean, dry cloth and test the pen.

And because gel ink uses gel as well as water, it's thicker and more prone to skipping than rollerball ink. For the utmost in smoothness, opt for rollerball ink. For vivid color, go for gel. And for instant dry and a tactile feel of ink on paper, good ol' ballpoint is a good idea.

Smoothness of Writing (Winner: Rollerball)

The oil-based ink formulas cause the ball in a ballpoint pen to be less responsive which can result in a scratchy sensation when writing. The thinner ink found in rollerball reservoirs is much thinner and results in a much smoother writing experience.

The Montblanc pen price is due to a combination of factors. This premium brand works with master-craftsmen and internationally acclaimed designers. Unlike most companies, Montblanc still makes its own nibs. Many of their fountain pen nibs are made of gold inlaid with metals like ruthenium or rhodium.

Rollerball pens use water-based ink that has a low viscosity. As a result, the ink flows from the internal ink reservoir quickly with little resistance, resulting in a smoother writing line.

1. Longevity and Durability. The oil-based ink in ballpoint pens lends them a longer lifespan than their counterparts. Because of the dense nature of the ink, the pen doesn't run dry quickly, making it a long-lasting writing tool.

Simply put, we think rollerball pens make good gifts because they're great pens for everyday writing.

We recommend a ballpoint pen for practicality, although the pressure you need to apply when using one may tire your hand out before the exam is over. If you can avoid smudging, opt for a rollerball or a gel pen to prevent hand fatigue.

Generally, ballpoint and rollerball pens last for about four years, and fountain pen ink lasts even longer when they're used occasionally. Fineliner pen refills, on the other hand, will last between two and four years, depending on environmental factors and storage.