There’s something about a pen that can do it all for you. Whether that’s writing in glittery ink or drying down quickly on your paper, the gel pen seems to do wonders for many of us writers. They are often overlooked as pens for children and teenagers, but for adults, gel pens can be practical and creative writing tools that are excellent choices for various writing scenarios. Knowing the brands of gel pens out there can help you choose the right one for your needs.
The Advantages of a Gel Pen
Gel pens offer several advantages that make them appealing for various uses:
Smooth Writing - Gel ink flows more smoothly compared to ballpoint pen ink, providing a pleasant writing experience without the need to apply much pressure. For this type of ink, it is essential to use the best notebooks for gel pens for good writing results.
Vibrant Colors - Similar to pens are available in a wide range of colors, including metallic and glitter options, allowing for creative expression.
Precision - The fine tips of gel pens allow for precise writing, making them suitable for tasks like drawing, sketching, or writing in small spaces.
Quick Drying - Gel ink dries quickly, reducing the likelihood of smudging or smearing, which is useful when writing on glossy surfaces. This is also great for those concerned with handedness in writing. These inks are similar to the best fountain pen inks for lefties, which are designed to dry fast and resist smudging.
Versatility. Gel pens are versatile tools suitable for various tasks, including note-taking, journaling, scrapbooking, and illustrating.
Overall, the smooth writing experience, vibrant colors, precision, quick drying time, and versatility of gel pens make them a popular choice for various writing and artistic tasks.
Here are some gel pen brands on the market:
BIGiDESIGN
BIGiDESIGN is a company founded in China that produces products with a global effort, using components made in Japan, Germany, and the US. Their Ti Arto is a great everyday carry pen as it comes in a durable metal body with great-quality gel ink.
Iconic
Korean brand Iconic produces stylish, everyday products for their users. They have many colorful offerings for their pens and stationery, including their ColorTwin Gel Pens.
Mitsubishi Pencil Company (Uniball)
More commonly known as Uniball, this brand has been producing pens since 1959. Because of their low-friction pen designs, Uniball pens are renowned for writing smoothly and evenly on paper. The Uniball Signo UM-151 comes with an impressive range of tip sizes, colors, and body styles and has waterproof, pigment-based ink.
Muji
Muji is known for its minimalist designs across its range of products. It is also famous for its smooth-writing gel pens, which have gained a cult following for their smooth and comfortable writing experience. Try out the Knock Type or the standard Muji Gel Ink Cap Type gel pen.
OHTO
Ohto Co., Ltd. was established in Japan in 1919 as a manufacturer of dyes and ink. They are also credited for manufacturing Japan’s first ballpoint pen. Their Rays Flash Dry Gel Pen is a well-balanced and comfortable writing instrument that you can add to your gel pen collection.
Paper Mate
Paper Mate is one of the most well-known pen brands on the market today. Founded in 1949, they became famous for their instant-drying pen. One of the brand’s most popular gel pens on the market today is the InkJoy.
Parker
Parker is recognized for designing and producing some of the most iconic pens in the world, including the Parker Jotter, Parker 51, and the Parker Duofold, to name a few. The Parker Jotter Gel Pen is a sophisticated gel pen that will work in professional settings.
Pentel
Pentel is widely regarded as the inventor of the felt-tip pen in 1963. Today, the brand produces products including writing instruments, art materials, and office goods. The most popular gel pen they have is the Energel-X, but you can also try the Energel Infree. Both are excellent and affordable gel pens that write well.
Pilot
Pilot is one of the most well-known pen brands in the world, and it is also the largest pen manufacturer in Japan. Their Pilot G2 gel pen remains one of the most popular gel pens on the market. If you are looking for erasable ink, then try out the FriXion.
Sakura
Sakura is named after the iconic Japanese cherry blossom and started in 1921 as a crayon company. Today they have a range of pens and art materials made in Japan and that are renowned worldwide. The Sakura Craft Lab 005 is a beautiful gel pen from this brand that comes in a variety of colors to suit your every need. The Gelly Roll is also an iconic gel pen from this brand.
Zebra
Zebra Pen Corporation is known for having an extensive line of writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, gel pens, and correction pens. The Sarasa Dry is their most popular gel pen, which features a super-quick drying ink, making it excellent for lefthanded writers.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, exploring the world of gel pen brands gives us several great choices that cater to different preferences. From renowned industry giants to niche innovators, each brand brings its unique blend of quality, style, and functionality to the table. Whether you seek reliability, vibrant colors, or ergonomic designs, this comprehensive list serves as a guide for your needs.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting