What Is the Best Writing Pen?

By Samantha Di Nardo

Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen- Lustrous Chrome best writing pen

What Is the Best Writing Pen?

By Samantha Di Nardo

Even though all pens essentially serve the same purpose, the best writing pen can make a significant difference.

Each pen type has unique characteristics that influence the appearance of your writing and its smoothness on paper.

From the ink type and nib sizes to the paper type and price, there’s always a category of best pen for what ever you need.

In this article, I am going to take you through a quick tour of the different writing styles and show you the best Dayspring Pens has to offer for when your pen needs to hit the page. 

Which Is The Best Writing Pen Type?

Pens come in various forms and sizes. Consequently, how you write with certain models may differ from that of others.

Indeed, it helps to have a grasp of what makes a pen good for you.

While some of them roll seamlessly over the paper, some bring liquid ink down to the nib. On the other hand, some are great for writing on the go and some for a relaxing writing session.

These are the different types of pens:

  • Ballpoint Pen
  • Fountain Pen
  • Rollerball Pen
  • Gel Pen
  • Felt-Tip Pen
  • Stylus

However, there are two major categories for writing that I am going to use. Firstly, what is the smoothest pen for writing, and secondly, what is the easiest pen for writing.

If you are interested in the experience of sitting down with a pen and writing, the first category will be your go-to. 

However, for people who are looking for function over form, the second category will be your jam. 

A Fast Breakdown of Each Pen Type

Ballpoint Pen

A ballpoint pen has small ball rolls at the tip of the pen with oil-based ink. It’s versatile, works well on any surface, and the ink won't dry out quick. As a result, it's great for daily use!

Fountain Pen

Fountain pens use a feed that brings liquid ink down to a pen nib. This pen has flowing liquid ink for smooth continuous writing. Note that the ink dries quickly, so requires a bit more upkeep than other types. However, it's great for sitting down for a little writing or journalling.

Rollerball Pen

A rollerball pen fuses the best parts of ballpoint and fountain pens. It has both a small ball that rolls at the tip of the pen and smooth liquid ink, creating a wonderful writing experience without the pesky maintenance. Best for taking notes and signing documents. 

Gel Pen

Gel pens are basically just rollerballs, distinguished only by the presence of gel ink. This gel ink flows like a liquid, but doesn't dry out as fast making it more user friendly. 

Felt Tip Pen

Felt tip pens are categorized by the presence of porous fibers at the tip. Consequently, these fibers absorb the ink that’ll be used for writing. Pens like this include markers and highlighters.

Stylus Pens

Stylus pens are non-ink-based pens intended to be written on computer screens. As a result it's great for a drawing tablet to have a more pleasant interaction with a digital device. Often, stylus pens are multifunction pens with an ink side and a stylus side.

 Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Different Pen Styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain Pen, and Gel Ink Pen

Now that I've talked a little about what each pen style is, let's jump into our categories for finding the best pen. 

What Is The Smoothest Pen to Write With?

This question is all about how the ink hits the paper for the kind of writing that makes you wish you were a Civil War soldier writing to your beloved back home.

For an incredible writing experience, rollerballs and fountain pens are the way to go.

The key to smooth is liquid ink that effortlessly slides out of a pen with almost no writing pressure. 

However, to achieve this, finding a fountain pen or rollerball with well crafted mechanisms is a must.

I come across quite a lot of pens working at a pen company; here are some of my favorites that we offer in the liquid ink family.

Best Rollerball Pens

Waterman Hemisphere Black Gold Trim Rollerball Pen

Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball


Waterman Hemisphere Black Gold Trim Rollerball Pen

What I love about the Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball is kind of everything. Indeed, this is hands down one of my favorite pens of all time. 

Its slimmer barrel and all metal construction make it a great fit in the hand. Additionally, its fine point glides effortlessly, plus its unique angled cap and gorgeous silhouette makes it perfect for any occasion. A stunning and quality pen for any professional.

Product Features: 

  • Comes in a cap; a rollerball pen
  • Sleek dark lacquer coat with a 23 karat gold-plated Waterman accents
  • Stunning gold engraving available for free
  • Waterman warranty good for 3 years

Cross Bailey Medalist Selectip Rollerball Pen

Cross Bailey Medalist Selectip Rollerball Pen


Cross Bailey Medalist Selectip Rollerball Pen

The Selectip Rollerball Pen is perfect for anyone looking for larger pen. Aside from being a great writing tool, it’s also polished with 23-karat gold appointments to symbolize an air of elegance. Unleash the inner wordsmith in you with this fabulous pen.

Product Features:

  • Comes in a cap made of polypropylene; a medium nib rollerball pen
  • Polished body featuring 23 karat gold-plated appointments
  • Ships in a durable Cross gift box
  • Brass customizable engraving 
  • Lifetime Warranty with Cross
 Shop Now: Cross Bailey Medalist Selectip Rollerball Pen

Best Fountain Pen

Pilot Metropolitan 

The Pilot Metropolitan is far and away the best entry level fountain pen I have used. Affordable and easily refillable, this pen is a great choice for any writer whether new to a fountain pen or an aficionado. The fine point nib starts easy and releases ink perfectly. Despite being under 20 bucks its well worth a try.

Product Features:

  • Fountain pen with a high-quality stainless steel nib 
  • Resin finish that comes with one black starter cartridge and an ink converter
  • Comes with a gift box
  • Great gift for executives, professionals, graduates, men, and women 

What is the easiest pen to write with?

Anyone looking for the easiest pen to write with is looking for something functional and convenient. Ballpoints and gel pens are ideal since they write on most surfaces, don't dry out, and don't require any maintenance.

Below are some of the best ballpoint pens and gel pens for everyday use.

Best Ballpoint Pens

Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen- Lustrous Chrome

Calais Chrome Ballpoint


Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen- Lustrous Chrome

The Lustrous Chrome is one of our best-sellers, and it’s clear to see why. With a medium barrel size and all metal construction this pen is all about reliability.

Additionally, it has a sleek design, ultra-smooth writing feel, and remarkable affordability. As a result, this pen can serve as the perfect corporate gift for your hardworking employees.

Product Features:

Start Here: Buy the Cross Calais Pen

Woodmark Rosewood Ballpoint Pen and Case

 

Rosewood Ballpoint and Case Set

Woodmark Rosewood Ballpoint Pen and Case

 

A more luxurious ballpoint pen option, the natural rosewood finish of the Rosewood Ballpoint Pen is coated in high-quality oil with a durable, protective topcoat. A mix of comfort, durability, and style, this pen can reward you with steady writing for years to come.

Product Features:

  • Twist-action pen that comes with matching case
  • Rosewood-carved ballpoint with gold tip accents
  • Black engraving 
  • Comes in a personalized Dayspring Pens Sleeve
Shop Now: Rosewood Ballpoint Pen

Best Gel Pens

Parker Jotter Gel Pen Stainless Steel Gold Trim

Parker Jotter Gel Pen in Stainless Steel with Gold Trim
Parker Jotter Gel Pen Stainless Steel Gold Trim

With a brand that’s been around for over 60 years, the Parker Jotter remains as stylish and professional as ever. The gel ink cartridge grants you smooth lines as you write across paper. If you want to write easily, this pen is right for you.

Product Features:

  • Click-action gel pen with black ink
  • Stainless steel body with Parker accents
  • Comes in a Parker package 
  • Tone-on-tone with colored monogramming
  • Comes with a two-year Parker warranty
Try It Today: Parker Jotter Gel Pen Stainless Steel Gold Trim

The Best Fun Writing Pens

Felt pens and styluses don't always make the cut for best pens for writing, but they can be incredibly fun and useful, so here are my two recommendations for them!

Best Felt Tip Pen

Prismacolor Premier Fine Line

The Prismacolor Premier Fine Line leaves a nice thin black line that won't smudge and doesn't bleed through. It is definitely not a fancy looking pen, but it writes better than any felt pen out there. Perfect for art projects and bullet-journalling.

Best Stylus Pen

Cross Tech3+ Multifunction Pen

The Cross Tech3+ is not primarily a stylus pen. The stylus is on the cap of a three-in-one pen: black ballpoint, red ballpoint, and mechanical pencil. This is my favorite open ever made by Cross. Each element writes exactly as it should and doesn't disappoint. 

Want More Pens?

Dayspring Pens is the place to be for high-quality personalized gift pens.
Whether you plan to give them to your colleague, boss or loved one, you’re bound to find the perfect writing companion for them.
Grab yourself a pen with us at Dayspring Pens.

Sam Di Nardo

Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018.

From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments.

A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens.

Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

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