How to Choose the Right Pen: A Practical Guide to Ink Types and Writing Feel

Why Are There So Many Types of Pens?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a stationery shelf and thought, “Why are there 200 pens… and why do I want all of them?” — you’re not alone.

Since living in Japan, I’ve been amazed by how many pens appear in every stationery corner. At first, it was overwhelming. I’d test one, then another, then another… and somehow leave the aisle more confused than when I arrived. The pens come in different shapes, tip sizes, inks, and colors—so many that it feels like you could build an entire color wheel from one display.

Trying them is fun, but the real question is: which pen is right for your needs?

Do you want something smooth or more controlled? Thin lines or bold strokes? Quick-drying ink that won’t smudge? Something that won’t bleed through your notebook? A pen that can handle glossy paper? Or one that won’t betray you mid-exam?

Let’s figure it out together.

Below are seven (7) common pen types, how they feel, what they’re best for, what to watch out for, and a few recommendations you can try.

 

1) Ballpoint (Oil-Based)

Ballpoint pens are the most common type of pen—and for good reason. They’re dependable, affordable, and work on a wide variety of paper and surfaces. The oil-based ink dries quickly, which is a lifesaver if you take fast notes (or if you’re left-handed).

• Feel: Controlled, reliable; dries fast; writes on more surfaces
• Best for: Office forms, quick notes, everyday writing, signatures on the go
• Why buy: Low smear, very dependable, budget-friendly
• Try: Pentel Calme 0.35–0.5 — quiet click, smooth everyday writer (link)

Watch out for: Ballpoints can feel a little “draggy” compared to gel or rollerball pens, especially if you like effortless glide.

 

2) Gel Pen

A gel pen uses pigment suspended in a water-based gel. Gel ink is known for dark, crisp lines and a huge range of colors and tip sizes. If you love journaling or neat study notes, gel pens are usually a favorite.

I personally reach for gel pens constantly—especially for daily journaling. There’s something satisfying about the contrast of deep black ink on clean white paper. One of my go-to picks is the Zebra Co., Ltd. Sarasa Dry, because it dries quickly and helps keep pages smudge-free.

• Feel: Dark, crisp lines; available in many colors and micro tip sizes
• Best for: Studying, journaling, planners, tidy handwriting
• Why buy: Sharp edges, great legibility, smooth writing experience
• Try: Zebra Sarasa Nano 0.3/0.4/0.5 — precision superstar (link)

Watch out for: Some gel inks can smudge on certain papers (especially coated paper), so quick-dry versions are your best friend.

 

3) Rollerball (Liquid Ink)

Rollerballs use a water-based liquid ink (similar to fountain pen ink) dispensed through a rolling ball tip. The result is a smooth, fluid writing experience that often requires less pressure than ballpoints.

• Feel: Inky-smooth and saturated; glides effortlessly
• Best for: Letters, long handwriting sessions, bold signatures
• Why buy: Very smooth flow and strong color payoff

Note: Needs better paper; allow extra dry time

Watch out for: Rollerballs are more likely to smudge, bleed, or feather on thin paper. If your notebook paper is light or your pages are very smooth and coated, you may need to test first.

 

4) Fineliner (Porous / Felt Tip)

A fineliner has a thin, firm tip (often fiber or plastic) designed for clean, precise lines. If you love neat borders, underlines, diagrams, or detailed sketches, fineliners are incredibly satisfying.

I also love how tidy fineliners look on the page—especially when using rulers or templates. They’re one reason I fell in love with making my notes look structured and “clean.”

• Feel: Clean, even lines that work beautifully with rulers and templates
• Best for: Diagrams, underlining, annotations, sketching, technical drawing
• Why buy: Many use pigment ink → water/light resistant
• Try: Sakura Color Products Corporation Pigma series (link)
  

Watch out for: Fineliners don’t always love glossy paper, and heavy pressure can wear down the tip faster.

 

5) Brush Pen (Felt or Bristle)

A brush pen has a flexible tip that can create thin to bold strokes depending on pressure and angle. It’s perfect for expressive writing—especially calligraphy, headers, and illustrations.

Before journaling became my daily habit, I fell in love with calligraphy first. Seeing beautiful hand-lettered quotes online inspired me to practice—and then to start collecting brush pens in different colors.

• Feel: Expressive—press for bold, lift for fine
• Best for: Calligraphy, headers, illustrations, relaxing practice
• Why buy: Lets you create dramatic styles with one pen
• Try: Sailor Pen Shikiori Brush Set (link)
  

Watch out for: Brush pens take practice. If you want quick results, start with simple strokes and basic alphabets before jumping into full quotes.

 

6) Fountain Pen (Nib)

Fountain pens use a metal nib and liquid ink from an internal reservoir. They’re often loved not just for writing, but for the experience of writing—smooth flow, expressive line variation, and that “classic” feeling.

I didn’t think fountain pens were for me… until a client ordered a TWSBI fountain pen with a medium nib. That sparked my curiosity. I was advised to start beginner-friendly, and that’s how I discovered how enjoyable fountain pens can be.

• Feel: Characterful glide (EF/F/M/B nib options)
• Best for: Journals, letters, mindful writing, “slow” beautiful handwriting
• Why buy: Unique writing feel, customizable inks, collectible quality
• Try: Sailor Shikiori “Amaoto” Fountain Pen – Harusame (Spring Rain) (link)

Note: Paper matters—FP-friendly notebooks make a big difference

Watch out for: Ink dries slower, so smudging can happen. Also, you’ll refill ink more often if you write a lot.

 

7) Multi-Pen (2+1, 3+1, etc.)

Multi-pens combine multiple ink colors (and sometimes a mechanical pencil) in one body. They’re made for convenience—especially if you color-code your notes or need options without carrying multiple pens.

• Feel: Tap or slide to switch colors/tools (often ballpoint + mechanical pencil)
• Best for: On-the-go color coding, planners, meetings, students
• Why buy: Compact, practical, easy to organize notes
• Try: Pentel Calme Multi (2-color/3-color + pencil) (link)
  

Watch out for: Multi-pens can feel slightly thicker in the hand, and the ink refills are usually slimmer than single pens.

 

At the end of the day, the “right” pen isn’t the most expensive one or the trendiest one—it’s the one that fits you: your pressure, your pace, your paper, and your purpose.

So here’s your challenge: pick one pen type from this guide, try it for a week, and pay attention to how it changes the way you write. You might be surprised how much easier (and more enjoyable) your notes, journaling, or planning becomes—just by using the right tool.