Pro and Con List: Rollerball Vs Ballpoint Pens
The very first pen dates back to 3000 BC. Egyptians made use of bamboo-like grasses to form a writing device to use on papyrus. Fast forward many centuries and the choices of pen styles and colors are endless for consumers.
Just as each individual's handwriting is unique, so are preferences as to what makes a comfortable and perfect pen.
Two of the most well-known styles of pens are rollerball and ballpoint. What is the difference and which one is better? Read on to learn about both pens and for a helpful pro and con list to help you decide.
Rollerball and Ballpoint Pro and Con List
The rollerball and ballpoint pens are engineered using different types of ink. This primary difference among other attributes contributes to both the pros and cons of these pen styles.
Rollerball Pros
Because rollerball pens use water-based ink, the pen glides easily across the paper. These include gel pens. Writing doesn't require much pressure from the user. This type of ink also allows it to be more easily removed from fingers or clothing if mishaps occur.
It is also easier to create fine, dark lines with these types of pens. They have been engineered to not leak.
These pens can be kind to the environment as refills are typically available for purchase, extending the life of the pen.
Rollerball Cons
Due to the water-based pen ink used in rollerball pens, they tend to smudge easily. Water-based ink will take longer to dry than the ink of a ballpoint pen.
Over time the ink within a rollerball pen is more prone to dry out making it unusable. Ensuring a cap is on when not in use will help prevent this.
Because rollerball ink is less viscous than ballpoint ink, it is known to bleed through thin paper fairly easily.
Ballpoint Pros
The ballpoint pen uses oil-based ink which has a thicker consistency than water-based ink. This allows the ink to dry instantly and is not prone to smudging.
Due to the oil-based ink, these pens do not require a cap to prevent ink from drying out. The oil-based ink requires a heavier hand when writing which allows the user better control over each stroke.
The thicker nature of the ballpoint pen's ink makes it less likely to bleed through paper. Refill cartridges are now widely available and can be an environmentally friendly way to create less waste.
Ballpoint Cons
The pen ink in ballpoint pens is thicker than rollerball ink and can create messy, inconvenient blobs due to its consistency.
These pens do not flow as easily as rollerball pens and will require more pressure and effort from the writer.
Find the Right Pens For Your Needs
Take what you've learned from this pro and con list and find the perfect pen for your needs today. Check out our website for an amazing selection of pens.
We specialize in personalizing and branding all different types of pens for your unique needs. From businesses, churches, schools, and charities, we've got the personalized pen solution for you.