We've been using pens for as long as we can remember, and over time, what we know as traditional pens have evolved and transformed into diverse kinds of pens today. With different names and brands of pens flying around, you might get a bit confused. And these pens also come in various colors, sizes, and inks. Putting all these together and differentiating one from the other can be a headache.

Let's clear up a bit of that confusion. Here are some of the pens you'll find on the market, their characteristics, and their functions.

Ballpoint Pens

These pens are well-known and are one of the most common out there. The ink in these pens is oil-based and dries faster than any other ink, leading to fewer smudges when you write with them. Also, the ink in ballpoint pens is thick, and you don't use much ink when you write, so the pen lasts longer than several pens. However, as great as they are, ballpoint pens are likely to clump, so you need to apply more pressure when using them. So, while they are great for everyday use, they aren't a top choice for prolonged writing.

Rollerball Pens

Rollerball pens are similar to ballpoint pens in terms of design, but the former uses water-based ink. This feature makes the ink in the pen flow out faster, meaning you need less pressure to feel comfortable when writing.

Also, you can get the ink in different colors. Still, the ink flows more freely, so you'll need to refill it more often.

Gel Pens

Gel pens are a combination of rollerball pens and ballpoint pens. It uses water-based gel ink that's a blend between both inks. That means that the pen takes on the non-smudging characteristics of the ballpoint pen while also featuring free-flowing ink, making it more efficient than either. Also, like rollerball pens, gel pens are available in different colors.

Stylus Pens

This pen is a stylus because it's a traditional one with a stylus. This stylus is a round rubber point that you can use to operate touchscreen gadgets. That makes the pen a two-in-one object; you can write on paper and also handle activities on your device.

There are two kinds of stylus pens: the one with the stylus on top and the other at the pen's tip.

Marker Pens

There are four kinds of marker pens: water, pigment, alcohol, and oil-based. You use water and pigment-based inks for regular papers, while alcohol and oil-based inks are used on non-paper materials like metal, glass, or plastic.

Some common examples of marker pens are highlighters, permanent and non-permanent markers, etc. They come in various colors, sizes, shapes, and types, so anyone can use them – artists and writers. You can use them to add color to your work.

Conclusion

We can't go a day without using a pen, no matter our profession. Interestingly, another kind of pen is gradually gaining popularity, and that's the diamond pen. It features a diamond at its mouth, making it useful for drawing, engraving, and writing on hard surfaces such as metals.