Rollerball pens unite the utilitarian dependability of a ballpoint pen with the writing smoothness of a fountain pen. As a result, when it comes to pen types, rollerball pens offer the best of both worlds. Students, professionals and every status in between have likely used a rollerball pen, enjoying both their affordability and performance. 

Is a rollerball pen a ballpoint pen? Rollerball pens are writing instruments that use a ballpoint mechanism, deploying either water-based liquid or gelled ink, rather than the oil-based viscous inks found in ballpoint pens.

As mentioned, rollerball pens use a water-based ink, which skip less on the page while providing a smoother ink delivery. In turn, less pressure is required when putting pen to paper. Consequently, if you are writing a great deal, you’re less likely to experience hand cramps using a rollerball pen as opposed to a ballpoint pen. 

Ballpoint pens are the most predominant pen used in their classrooms and offices. In general, they are less expensive than rollerball pens, which is why they are frequently bought in bulk. However, ballpoint pens run out of ink more quickly and skip if you don't apply enough pressure when writing. This is because they are oil-based. Naturally, this ink is thicker than water-based ink in rollerball pens, so it doesn't glide on the page as easily, especially when not used frequently. 

What is the best rollerball pen? The best rollerball pens in the market rarely skip, the price is reasonable and overall, it is a reliable pen for everyone, ranging from teachers to office workers.  Another splendid feature of the rollerball pen is that, since the ink is water-based, they can be used with a wider range of dyes (red pens, blue pens, black pens, etc.) than ballpoint pens.

What is the most comfortable pen to write with? From a cosmetic perspective, there isn’t much of a difference between a rollerball pen and a ballpoint. However, rollerball aficionados will be the first to tell you it’s not about the look, but how good you feel writing with a rollerball pen. That feeling of comfort is what makes rollerballs more popular than ballpoint pens.

While the mechanics of rollerballs and ballpoints are similar. Both types of pens feature an ink reservoir, which holds the ink that is applied through a tiny carbide or stainless-steel ball contained in the nib of the pen.

Rollerballs using water-based ink and ballpoints using oil-based ink is the differentiating factor. Ballpoints tend to feel ultra-smooth when they are in peak condition, and why they feel “rough” and sometimes skip when you begin writing with a ballpoint that hasn’t been used in a long time.

As ballpoints age, the oil evaporates, making the ink more viscous and “chunky” as it makes its way onto the paper.  Not so with rollerballs; since the ink is water-based, it tends to just flow out of the tip using the lightest touch. As a result they are likely the most comfortable pen to write with throughout the life of the pen. Keep in mind, Arteza offers a wide range of pen types; try them until you find the best rollerball pen or ballpoint pen for you.