Becko
Ah, pens. Something so simple, yet somehow deeply personal. Whether you’re jotting down notes in a meeting, journalling at home (like I do!), or just doodling in the margins during a long call, the type of pen you use can make a difference. I swear that I have neater writing with certain pens than others! One of the most common debates in the world of stationery lovers (yes, we exist!) is gel pens vs ballpoint pens.
So, what’s the difference? And which one should you go for? Let’s chat through it all—because trust me, there’s more to this than you might think!
First Off: What Is a Gel Pen?
A gel pen uses a water-based ink that’s been mixed with gel to make it thicker and more opaque. The ink flows freely and tends to be bright, bold, and vibrant. If you’ve ever written with one of those rainbow pens as a teen (glittery, pastel, or neon, anyone?), chances are it was a gel pen.
Gel pens are especially popular among students, artists, and anyone who loves a splash of colour in their notes. They glide smoothly across the page and tend to feel very satisfying to write with. But they’re not without their quirks, which we’ll get to shortly!
And What’s a Ballpoint Pen?
A ballpoint pen uses oil-based ink, which is thicker and dries quickly. The name comes from the small ball in the tip that rolls across the paper, transferring the ink as you write. Classic, right?
They’re probably what you’ll find in most office drawers or on the reception desk at your GP surgery. Ballpoints are practical, reliable, and built to last. They’re like the Ford Fiesta of the pen world—maybe not flashy, but dependable.
Gel Pens vs Ballpoint Pens- Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison to give you an idea of how they stack up:
| Feature | Gel Pens | Ballpoint Pens |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Type | Water-based gel ink | Oil-based ink |
| Writing Feel | Smooth, glides easily | Slightly more resistance |
| Ink Vibrancy | Very bold and colourful | More subdued, often black or blue |
| Drying Time | Slower, may smudge | Quick-drying, great for left-handers |
| Paper Compatibility | Can bleed through thin paper | Works well on most papers |
| Longevity | Ink runs out faster | Ink lasts longer |
| Price | Slightly more expensive | Usually cheaper and more available |
Gel Pens: The Good, The Bad, and The Glittery
Why People Love Them
-
Bright Colours: Gel pens come in an incredible range of colours, including metallics, pastels, and neons. Great for colour-coding or creative journalling.
-
Smooth Writing: They glide across the page with minimal pressure. Ideal for long writing sessions.
-
Perfect for Detail: The precise tip and strong pigment make them a favourite for artists and doodlers.
But Also…
-
Smudge Alert: If you’re a leftie (or just impatient), you might find gel pens smudge easily, especially on glossy paper.
-
Ink Runs Out Fast: Because the ink flows so freely, it doesn’t last as long.
-
Can Skip: Especially on cheaper paper, gel pens can sometimes leave gaps if the ink doesn’t stick well.
Ballpoint Pens: Classic, Reliable, and Slightly Underrated
What’s Great About Them
-
Reliable Writing: Great for quick notes, forms, and everyday writing.
-
No Smudging: Perfect for left-handers or anyone prone to smearing.
-
Lasts Forever: Okay, not forever, but the ink lasts a good while.
-
Cheap and Cheerful: Available almost anywhere, and usually very affordable.
On the Flip Side…
-
Not As Smooth: The writing can feel scratchy compared to gel pens.
-
Colour Choices Are Limited: Most come in black, blue, or red.
-
Harder to Press: Because of the thicker ink, you often have to apply more pressure to write.
Who Should Use Which?
If You’re a Student…
Go for gel pens—especially if you like colour-coding your notes or revising with diagrams. They’ll make your notes look amazing, and you’ll remember more thanks to the visual cues.
If You’re a Leftie…
You might want to lean towards a ballpoint. Gel ink’s drying time can be a nightmare when your hand drags across the page.
If You’re an Artist or Doodler…
Gel pens all the way. The bold colours and fine tips are perfect for detailed designs, sketching, or zentangle-style drawings.
If You’re a Note-Taker at Work…
Stick with a trusty ballpoint. It won’t run out halfway through a meeting, and it’ll work on pretty much any paper.
Which is More Eco-Friendly?
Let’s not forget the environmental angle when it comes to gel pens vs ballpoint pens. Pens are disposable items, and both gel and ballpoint pens generate waste. However, because ballpoint pens last longer, they might be slightly better from a waste perspective. That said, both types can be found in refillable or recyclable versions if you look around. Brands like Pilot and Lamy have refillable options.
If you’re eco-conscious, consider investing in one good-quality pen and buying refills rather than tossing a cheap pen every few weeks.
You can even recycle your used pens with schemes like TerraCycle UK.
A Quick Note on Price
Ballpoints are cheaper, hands down. You can pick up a pack of 10 for £1 at most supermarkets. Gel pens are a bit pricier, especially the colourful or artistic varieties. But if you care about the feel of your writing or want to impress with your journal, the extra cost might be worth it.
Popular Gel and Ballpoint Pen Brands in the UK
If you’re looking to try (or switch) pens, here are a few recommendations:
Top Gel Pens
-
Pilot G2 – Classic, smooth, reliable
-
Uni-ball Signo 207 – Lovely colours, smooth ink
-
Pentel EnerGel – Great for fast writing with vivid colours
-
Muji Gel Ink Pens – Cult favourite, minimalist design
Top Ballpoint Pens
-
BIC Cristal – The OG; basic but reliable
-
Parker Jotter – Fancy, refillable, stylish
-
Paper Mate InkJoy – Smooth feel, fun colours
-
Staedtler Ball 432 – A great everyday option
FAQs: Gel Pens vs Ballpoint Pens
Are gel pens better than ballpoint pens?
It depends on what you’re using them for! Gel pens are better for colourful, smooth writing, while ballpoints are better for everyday use and quick-drying notes.
Do gel pens smudge more than ballpoints?
Yes, they do—especially on glossy paper or if you’re writing quickly. If smudging is a problem, stick with a ballpoint.
Which pen lasts longer, gel or ballpoint?
Ballpoint pens tend to last longer because their ink is thicker and flows more slowly.
Are gel pens OK for exams in the UK?
Not usually. Most exam boards recommend black ballpoint pens because they’re legible, don’t smudge, and scan well for marking.
Can I recycle gel or ballpoint pens in the UK?
Yes—schemes like TerraCycle UK accept used pens, so you can recycle them rather than binning them.
Which pen is better for left-handed people?
Ballpoint pens are generally better for left-handers because they dry quickly and don’t smudge.
Can I use gel pens on all paper types?
Not always. Gel ink can bleed through thin paper or skip on glossy surfaces. Ballpoint pens are usually more versatile in that regard.
So, gel pens vs ballpoint pens—who wins? Honestly, they both have their strengths. It really comes down to what you’re doing and what kind of writing experience you prefer.
-
Want vivid, artistic writing? Go for gel.
-
Need a reliable pen for filling in forms or scribbling notes? Stick with ballpoint.
-
Fancy both? (No judgement here, we see you!) Keep a mix of both on hand and grab whichever suits the mood.
Whichever you choose, just make sure you enjoy the process. After all, writing by hand should be satisfying—whether you’re scribbling a shopping list or penning your next big idea.