The Jotted Line

What is a Gel Pen? A gel pen is a pen that contains a ball-and-socket mechanism whose ink is made from pigments that are suspended in a water-based gel. This type of ink produces vibrant colors or unique additives like neon, glitter, or sheen and allows for smooth, bold writing, a feature that makes them popular for artistic purposes. Gel Pen Ink vs Ballpoint Ink Even though gel pens work like how ballpoint pens work, the ink composition is critically different between gel ink and ballpoint ink. Composition of Gel Pen Ink and Ballpoint Pen Ink The ink used in gel pens is made of pigments carried in a water-based gel suspension, a mixture of finely distributed solid particles in a liquid. Pigments provide the vibrant, opaque colors associated with gel pens. Ballpoint pen ink, in contrast, mostly consists of dyes dissolved in oil-based solvents. Small caveat: some types of ballpoints use ink made of pigments, but they still use an oil-based carrier instead of gel. Characteristics of Gel Pen Ink and Ballpoint Pen Ink There are three main characteristic differences between gel ink and ballpoint ink: 1.) the viscosity of the ink 2.) how the ink binds to the paper and therefore how quickly it dries 3.) the color/additives it delivers. First off, the viscosity, or liquidity, of the ink. The ink in gel pens contains more liquid (less viscous). This creates a smoother writing experience as more ink moves more quickly through the pen tip, releasing a steady, rich line. Ballpoint pen ink is thicker (more viscous) than gel ink (think of lava flowing versus a river flowing). The ballpoint releases less ink, creating a thinner writing line and generally a duller color since less ink appears on the paper. Viscosity also affects how much pressure is needed to apply the ink. Ballpoint More viscosity = more pressure. Gel Pen Less viscosity = less pressure. Next, how the ink binds to the paper aka dry time. For gel pens: as you write, the ink dries by being absorbed into the fibers of the paper. This means the dry time of the ink is directly connected to how long it takes for the ink to soak into the paper. Dry times will vary depending on the additives in the ink (if the manufacturer wanted a fast drying gel pen that would soak quickly) and depending on the paper quality (the tightness of the fibers in the paper). Helpful Tip: Paper matters. It has a huge impact on writing experience and quality not just for fountain pen users. Find out more: What is the Best Fountain Pen Paper? Slower drying times increase the likelihood of smudging. While more liquid in the ink makes feathering and bleed through are a more common occurrence. Ballpoint pen ink binds to the writing surface instead of sinking into it. This means it dries rapidly and, as long as the pen can grip the material, the ball in the tip rolls and applies the ink so it can write on most surfaces. When ballpoint pen ink is applied on paper, the solvents evaporate or oxidize due to exposure to air. Lastly, the color/additives delivered by the ink. Gel ink is a better vehicle for pigments, glitters, metals, and opalescent because it suspends the particles in the liquid. When the liquid soaks into the paper, the solid additives are left on the top of the surface creating greater vibrancy and an opaque quality to the writing line. Ballpoint ink is limited by the size of the particle being added to the ink and the oil’s ability to carry it. If the particle is too large, the oil moves too slowly and clogs the mechanism. This is why ballpoints generally use dyes which dissolve into the ink over pigments that sit inside the ink. Therefore, the aesthetic quality of the ballpoint ink is limited. Luxury Gel Pen Highlight: The Parker Jotter The Parker Jotter has a long history as an exceptional EDC ballpoint pen. But its little talked about gel pen alternative is quite frankly exceptional. With all the same all metal construction for durability, addictive click ability, and iconic design, the Parker Jotter Gel Pen delivers a precision fine writing line in a vibrant, rich black ink that is a staff favorite at Dayspring Pens. Complete with custom engraving, it is an easy go to as a writer for your daily tasks or a thoughtful gift a person will be genuinely excited to use. CHECK PRICE What Are Gel Pens Best Used For? Gel pens are suitable for a variety of uses. Artistic Projects Due to gel pens ability to deliver a variety of colors/hues, gel pens are incredibly popular for artistic work. They also allow for greater control and smoother movement with their water-based ink. Gel ink can be layered to add depth and dimension. It also is generally water-proof compared to other water-based ink like fountain pen ink. Detail-oriented Work When doing detailed work like technical drawings, gel pens come in handy for their ability to create precise lines. The consistent ink flow also helps in maintaining neatness. With the wide variety of colors available, you can easily color code your drawings or notes to make it easy to interpret them at a glance. Expert Tip: Gel pens are fantastic for nurses to use to color code their charting notes. Document Signing Most gel pens are waterproof and archive quality. They also start writing without preparing the pen (like a fountain pen or rollerball that may need to be primed). This makes them ideal for signing documents. Pros and Cons of Gel Pens and Ballpoints Gel pens and ballpoint pens both have their strong points and weaknesses. Before you pick either, here is what you need to consider. Gel Pen Pros Gel pens produce vibrant colors perfect for decorative work. The lines are fine and precise. They give a smooth writing experience. Less writing pressure to decrease hand fatigue. Gel Pen Cons Gel pens tend to be more expensive than regular ballpoint pens. They may skip or clog if left unused for a while. May not work on some paper types. The slower drying time increases the chances of smudging. Ballpoint Pen Pros Quick-drying ink that experiences minimal smudging. Ballpoint pens are generally more affordable and widely available than gel pens. They work well with a wide variety of paper types. Produce a regular ink flow thus consistent lines. Ballpoint Pen Cons Ballpoint pen ink colors are less vibrant than gel pens. Ink flow may feel less smooth compared to gel pens. Limited variety of ink colors available. The table below compares some key features of ballpoint pens and gel pens: Feature Gel Pens Ballpoint Pens Ink type Pigment-based, water-based gel Dye-based, oil-based Drying time Slower and prone to smudging if not careful Quick-drying with minimal smudging Paper compatibility Best on smooth, thin, non-absorbent paper Works well on almost any paper type Writing experience Smooth, glide-like Pen has a bit of drag Ink durability Water-resistant, fade-resistant once dry Long-lasting, less prone to fading Best used for Artistic projects, journaling, detailed work Everyday writing, note-taking, general use Conclusion Although exceedingly similar in appearance, the gel pen and the ballpoint pen are worlds apart in regards to their writing experience. If you need a steady pen that can write on any surface with the drop of a hat, the ballpoint is the way to go. If you are looking for a smooth, easy writer for note taking, drawing, or design work, it is hard to beat the quality of the gel pen. Which is your favorite to use? Leave a comment below! And for more reading about how pens work and which pens are best for your needs, check out my other articles: How Are Ballpoint Pens Made? All About Fisher Space Pens The Best Fountain Pen Brands 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.

Honestly, some of the staff favorite products at Dayspring Pens are actually items that are pen adjacent.  Just see TJ and Joe’s Holiday Gift Picks to confirm.  So, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the other items offered at Dayspring Pens and share why we as a staff like them so much.  The Journal The Padfolio The Tech Organizer The Desk Sets Coming Soon Custom Leather Journal The top pick when I ran around the building pointing a pen at people yelling the question was the Dayspring Pens Noteworthy Leather Journal.  What we like about the journal:  The smell of the real Italian leather and how soft (one might say supple…) it is The PAPER Its longevity as the leather patinas and the journal is refillable A true leather journal, the Noteworthy is crafted from Italian Leather with a finished outer surface and pressed suede interior.  “Fabulous leather and overall quality.  I have ordered numerous leather journal covers and this one is by far the best.” Maryann C. Available in luscious brown or classic black, each custom journal comes with a blue Abingdon rollerball and is filled with 100g dot-grid fountain pen paper.  And oh that paper… It will handle even the wetness fountain pen or rollerball ink without feathering or bleed through...we know...we did a paper test.  Each leather journal is custom engraved with a name or personal message with the same engraving on the pen.  TRY THE NOTEWORTHY TODAY Engraved Leather Padfolio Only slightly beat out by the custom leather journal, the leather padfolio is a personal favorite.  What we like about the padfolio:  The sturdy structure of the thick leather to protect the paper inside The smell of the Italian leather and the pressed interior The cutout for a pen in the spine The interior pocket for loose paper or a slim laptop I personally like the padfolio as it is just slightly more practical for my needs over the journal.  The sheets of that same 100gsm dot-grid paper are perforated for easy tearing and the structure of the leather is durable in my backpack or purse. The custom leather padfolio is available in two sizes: travel, which is compatible with A5 slim refills, and standard, which takes full legal pads. Both sizes come with an Abingdon Blue Rollerball. Professional quality meets professional appearance in the leather padfolio.  Custom engraving on this item is on the interior left pocket or on the front for logo engravings.  TRY A PADFOLIO     Personalized Tech Organizer Developed for the professional working remote, the Tech Organizer offers that same Italian leather quality with enough pockets and storage to accommodate your needs.  What we like about the Tech Organizer: The quality of the material The functionality of the varied pocket sizes It can be used for more than just electronic cords The leather Tech Organizer makes me wish I traveled more or worked less from the office just to have an excuse to use it.  Custom engraved on the front with a name or personal message, the Tech Organizer is designed for durability and practicality while still giving the luxury of soft, exceptional leather.  Inside is a large pocket to fit power blocks, external hard drives, or a portable speaker.  There is also a covered pocket perfect for longer cords or sticky notes. It's an essential engraved gift ready for the traveler and the coffee shop devotee.  TRAVEL EASY WITH A TECH ORGANIZER Custom Desk Sets A desk set with a personalized engraving makes a great addition to professional settings like an office, book shelf, or desk area.  You will find two different types of Desk Name Plate: the Rosewood Desk Wedge and the Rosewood Desk Wedge with Business Card Holder.  What we like about the Desk Wedge:  The stately appearance The option for two lines of engraving at no additional cost The rich red brown coloring of the rosewood varnished Simple, stately, a name plate is a necessity in an office where meetings are being hosted or in an open concept space.  ENGRAVE A DESK NAME PLATE Coming Soon I’m excited to say Dayspring Pens has some new professional accessories coming down the line. Check back here for updates as they come!  Frequently Asked Questions... What are the best personalized gifts? I've compiled a complete list of personalized gifts from a number of awesome vendors. These vendors offer such a wide range of gifts, like a customized book and a However, the only personalized gift that's not on that list that I think is awesome and potentially hilarious is custom shower curtains. What engraving should I get on a personalized gift for a loved one? It's really up to you! While it can feel daunting to think about how to personalize your item, a great go-to is just to get the name of the gift recipient on the gift. Another option for your loved one's personalized gift is a short, pithy phrase. I've compiled an extensive list of engraving quotes and phrases that might be worth taking a look at if you need inspiration. I'm in a rush, what gifts can I purchase that will arrive ASAP? Dayspring Pens offers Rush Production and rush shipping services. Just be sure to check the Rush Production option when you check out. A number of other vendors offer similar services. What's the deal with Dayspring Pens? Excellent question! Dayspring Pens engraves luxury pens for tens of thousands of customers just like you every year. Indeed engraved pens make the best personalized gifts for absolutely anyone. Each one is unique because you get to choose the engraving. Choosing the right personalized pen is also really easy. And a really great, high-quality pen doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. We use laser engraving machines to personalize gifts to your specifications so you can really make an impression on your loved ones.   Check out my complete overview of our engraving process for a more in-depth look at personalization. What brands does Dayspring Pens offer for personalized gifts for loved ones? We offer pens from premium brands like: Cross Waterman Parker Pilot Fisher Space Pens Dayspring Pens What styles of pens does Dayspring sell? Ballpoint pens Rollerball pens Fountain pens Gel ink pens Multifunctional and stylus pens We offer a lot of these styles as individual customized pens, but we also have a ton of pen and pencil sets to maximize your savings. A pen and pencil set comes standard with both writing instruments in a box together. The standard for engraving is that both writing instruments in the pen and pencil set are custom engraved to match each other, but you can also get them engraved differently to compliment. We also offer other gift set combinations like a ballpoint pen and rollerball pen, or a ballpoint pen and fountain pen set. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Pen Styles if you're not familiar with the different styles or you're not sure which one is best for you, and the list of our best sellers. The best sellers list is definitely a great reference for our customers' favorite pens. Conclusion If you're looking for personalized gifts for loved ones, look no further. If you're looking for other personalized gifts, look no further! 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.