What Is a Rollerball Pen?

The perfect pen can make any writer's experience more enjoyable. Certain types of pen flatter handwriting more than others and have better quality. One of the latest trends in pen technology is the rollerball pen.

Operation

Rollerball pens are modeled after the ballpoint pen. The pen has a ball that passes smooth ink through the tip of the pen.

Ink

Unlike the oil-based ball point pen, the ink of a rollerball pen is water or gel based. It is meant to resemble the ink of a fountain pen.

Reflection

Ballpoint ink can write on a variety of surfaces because it is made with oil and is therefore reflective. Rollerball ink only shows on a lighter surface.

Advantages

Rollerball pens have a number of benefits compared to other pens. Writers have to apply little pressure to rollerball pens. Rollerball pens also write bolder and come in more colors.

Disadvantages

Rollerball ink is water or gel based, so it often smears and bleeds through paper. The pens also have less ink than a ballpoint pen and can clog easier.

References

• Levenger: Rollerball Pens
• Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association: WIMA Summary of CPSC Position on Pens and Roller Ball Pens