Ballpoint pen - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Even in our increasingly digital age, you still have to write a check, leave a quick note, or journal. The ever classic ink pen never goes out of style; A decent ink pen will work just fine at the bank and on your office desk, so it's always best to keep a few in your regular bag.
Before you jump into a rabbit hutch of down products, there are a few factors to consider. What will be the main purpose of your pen? If it's for quick note taking or doodling, a pen will probably suffice. But if you sign documents regularly or prefer to write by hand, you may want to look for a fancier fountain pen.
Regardless of your pen preferences, we at Real Indian are happy to help inform your decision. Read on to learn more about the different types of pens, features to look out for when shopping, and price ranges.
A Brief History of the Ink Pen
Ink is an ancient substance, dating back to 2500 BC. in ancient Egypt and China. Some variation of the pen has been around for as long as written language has existed. One of the earliest forms of the pen was a reed pen, made from a stick of reed with a sharp, cut tip. The cane feathers were eventually eliminated by quill feathers, taken from the flight feathers of large birds.
While both quills were dipped in ink, quill pens (created around the 7th century) were able to retain ink better. Quills remained popular until the creation of the ink pen as we know it today. Around the end of the 19th century, the ballpoint pen was patented and has flourished in different styles, shapes, and colors ever since. Today, the writer has a number of pen styles to choose from.
Types of Ink Pens
Ballpoint pens are ubiquitous ballpoint pens. You might have one of these somewhere in the bottom of your bag. The most popular writing instrument in the world, the ballpoint pen was initially made to replace the fountain pen.
The pens have a small metal ball at the tip. The ink is stored in a plastic reservoir, which is protected by an outer plastic cover. As the ball rolls, it dispenses new ink onto a surface. There are different types of pens. For example, retractable ballpoint pens have a mechanism at the top that exposes or hides the tip of the pen.
Fountain Pens came before ballpoint pens. They were the first ink pens that did not need a dip jar and the first to include an ink reservoir. Instead of the ink that feeds a rolling ball, a fountain pen has a pointed metal nib. The ink drips down the metal nib and onto its tip, flowing onto the paper. Although fountain pens are not as popular as ballpoint pens, many writers enjoy the experience of using them. Fountain pens have style; they have a sleek silhouette and a nice weight in the hand. Also, some writers find that ink flows much more easily from fountain pens than from ballpoint pens. Fountain pens are more expensive than ballpoint pens and require careful maintenance.
Marker Pens, also known as highlighters, aren't much different from highlighters. As the name suggests, the tip is made of a semi-white, porous material. Felt is common, but so are porous ceramics. A polyester cylinder serves as the ink reservoir and is covered by a plastic cover. Felt tip pens do not require as much pressure as ballpoint pens. They may bleed a little on the paper, but are less likely to smear.
Characteristic
- Ink Color
Black ink pens are universal. Dark blue ink is also common. Those who need ink pens for professional and formal purposes may want to stick with conventional colors.
On the other hand, people who frequently edit by hand (such as teachers and proofreaders) can benefit from a large number of ink colors. You can buy colored pens in bulk or individually. Even if you don't opt for a multipack, it's good to keep a few red or green pens next to the black ones.
- Ergonomic Comfort
It is not uncommon to find ink pens with a rubber or silicone filling on the tip, to relieve hand cramps. Ergonomic padding is found primarily in ballpoint pens, but pen cushions can also be purchased separately. A pad is not a bad idea for someone who writes extensively by hand.
Tips
Keep your pens from drying out. You can do this by storing them with their caps and tips pointing down. You can also try dipping the tips in candle wax to seal them when not in use.
Consider using an ink pen for artistic purposes. The versatile pen is useful for artists of all skill levels. We recommend using a ballpoint pen with ink that flows easily.
Tailor your choice of pen to your written language. A medium nib nib (think 1.0 to 1.2mm) is standard for writing the English language. However, if you write in characters (such as Mandarin or Japanese), a 0.5 fine point pen may be more suitable.