What is a Pen?
In simple terms, pens are a writing instrument that use some kind of nib to distribute ink across a writing surface. It is thought that the earliest ancestors of the pen were most likely the brushes used in China in the 1st millennium BCE (1000 BC – 1 BC). Around 300 BCE, early Egyptians used hollow reeds as pen-like instruments to write with an ink make of ash or ochre mixed with beeswax or vegetable gum.
Quite some time passed before the next pen innovation, the quill pen. A quill pen is a feather with the follicle end cut to a sharp point. The hollow feather could suck up a little ink due to capillary action allowing the pen to write a few words before needing to be dipped in ink again. The first reference to quill pens can be found in the 7th century writings of Saint Isadora of Seville, but it is believed that quill pens had been in common usage for some time by that point.
In 1828, an Englishman by the name of John Mitchell introduced a machined steel nib for quill pens and two years later another English inventor, James Perry sought to make the nib more flexible by adding a hole at the top of the central split.
The frustration of having to continually dip a pen in ink to continue writing saw further advances in pen technology, first with the invention of the fountain pen with an internal ink reservoir, the first practical version being developed and produced by the American inventor L.E. Waterman in 1884. Not too long after, in 1895, Hungarian inventor Laszlo Biro introduced the first version of the ballpoint pen.
Over the next 30-40 years, Laszlo’s ballpoint pen became so popular in the UK, and later the world that it became more commonly known as the Biro than a ballpoint pen. The first felt tip pens were introduced in the 1960s. Since then, pen design has focussed on iteration rather than innovation.
Types of Pens
Ballpoint Pens
A ballpoint pen is a common writing instrument with a tiny, rotating ball-bearing housed at the tip of the ink barrel. The pen contains a viscous, oil-based ink that is stored in a reservoir within the barrel. When pressure is applied as the pen is moved across paper, the ball rotates, transferring the ink from the reservoir onto the paper, resulting in smooth and consistent writing or drawing.
Brush Pens
A brush pen is a versatile drawing and writing tool equipped with a brush-like tip that can vary in flexibility. The tip is often made of nylon or synthetic bristles, and it contains water-based or pigmented ink. When applied to paper or other surfaces, the brush pen provides users with the ability to create both fine and broad strokes, like traditional brushes, making it an ideal choice for calligraphy, lettering, and artistic illustrations. Brush pens are not suitable for normal writing.
Correction Pens
A correction pen, also known as a correction fluid pen, is a tool used to cover or remove errors or mistakes in written or printed text. It contains a white, opaque correction fluid that is dispensed through a fine-tipped applicator. When the user applies the correction pen to a mistake, the fluid covers the error, and once it dries, it can be written or printed over.
Felt Tip Pens
A felt-tip pen, also known as a marker, is a writing or drawing tool with a porous, absorbent tip that contains liquid ink. The ink flows through the tip via capillary action, allowing the user to make smooth and controlled marks on paper or various surfaces.
Gel Pens
A gel pen is a type of writing instrument that uses gel ink, which is thicker and more opaque than traditional ballpoint or rollerball pen ink. The ink in a gel pen is water-based but also contains pigments, making it smoother and more vivid. It works by utilising a tiny ball at the pen tip to dispense the gel ink as the user writes or draws, resulting in clear, sharp lines.
Fountain Pens
A fountain pen is a classic writing instrument that uses a nib to dispense ink onto paper. It works by capillary action, wherein the ink flows from an internal reservoir through a narrow slit in the nib and onto the paper as the user writes.
Rollerball Pens
A rollerball pen is a writing instrument that uses water-based or gel ink in a ballpoint mechanism, similar to a ballpoint pen. The key difference is that a rollerball pen has a smoother, more liquid ink that flows more freely due to a smaller and more porous ball at the tip. The water-based ink in rollerball pens takes less pressure to release than the oil-based ink of ballpoint pens but is also more prone to smudging or bleeding.
Stylus Pens
A stylus pen is a digital input device used with touchscreen devices such as smartphones, tablets, and digital drawing pads. A stylus typically features a thin, pointed tip that interacts with the touch-sensitive screen. When the stylus contacts the screen, it mimics the action of a human finger, allowing users to navigate, draw, write, or make selections with precision and accuracy.
Choosing the Right Pen for You
Choosing the right pen may seem like a simple task, but it can significantly affect your writing experience. When choosing a pen, you should first consider three key factors: the feel of the pen, your writing style, and the amount of use the pen will get.
Feel
The feel of a pen in your hand is crucial for comfort during writing. People have different preferences when it comes to pen size, weight, and grip. Try various pens to find one that feels comfortable when you hold it. The pen should fit your hand well, allowing you to write without discomfort or strain. Some prefer slender, lightweight pens, while others like pens with a more substantial, weightier feel. This choice depends on personal comfort and how you hold a pen.
Writing Style
Your writing style plays a role in pen choice. Think about how you write. Do you have a heavy hand, pressing hard on the paper, or a lighter touch? If you press hard, a ballpoint pen may be your best choice, as it can withstand more pressure and provides consistent lines.
If you have a lighter touch, you may prefer gel or rollerball pens, which require less pressure and offer smoother writing. Fountain pens are an elegant possibility but require a gentler touch and can be a bit more challenging to control. The choice depends on your unique style and the type of writing you’ll be doing.
Amount of Use
Think about how often you’ll use the pen. If you intend to use it daily or for extended periods, prioritise comfort and ergonomic design. A pen with a comfortable grip and balanced weight can reduce hand fatigue during long writing sessions. On the other hand, for occasional use, you can choose a pen that feels good in your hand but may not necessarily be designed for extended writing.
Selecting the right pen involves a balance of personal preferences and practical considerations. It’s worth trying out different pens to find the one that suits you best.
