Collection: Pens

Ink type does more than the barrel. Ballpoint uses a thick oil-based ink that survives being left uncapped and works on cheap paper. Gel and rollerball lay down a wetter, darker line that reads better but takes longer to dry, which left-handed writers smear across the page. Line width then follows the paper, since a fine tip skips on rough stock. See ballpoint, fineliners and refills.