Ballpoint, Fountain Pen or Rollerball?

Ballpoint, Fountain Pen or Rollerball?

Engraved Pens Compared: Ballpoint, Fountain Pen or Rollerball?

Are you looking for a high-quality writing instrument—maybe even one with an engraving—and wondering which type of pen is the best fit for you? Ballpoint, fountain and rollerball pens differ not only in how they feel to write with, but also in their function and their ideal uses. Here’s a clear rundown of the differences, and who each pen is best suited for.

 

 

✒️ Ballpoint – The Practical All-Rounder

Characteristics:

  • Writing Mechanism: Oil-based, quick-drying ink.
  • Ready to use immediately, doesn't dry out.
  • Highly suitable for everyday use.

Pros:

  • Ideal for travel or hectic office life.
  • Dries fast—great for left-handers.
  • Extremely durable and requires little maintenance.

Best Uses:

  • Notes, to-do lists, signing documents.
  • Perfect for people who write a lot and value functionality.
  • Often the go-to model for personalized gifts.

 

🖋️ Fountain Pen – For Precision and Style

Characteristics:

  • Writing Mechanism: Ink flow via a nib (tip).
  • Requires a specific writing posture and routine.
  • Various nib sizes available (EF, F, M, B...).

Pros:

  • Produces a particularly smooth, elegant handwriting.
  • Encourages clean and deliberate writing.
  • A great tactile experience—"you feel the writing."

Best Uses:

  • Letters, journaling, stylish signatures.
  • Ideal for teachers, creatives and prolific writers with high standards.
  • Popular among people who consciously want to write analog.

 

🖊️ Rollerball – The Hybrid Solution

Characteristics:

  • Writing Mechanism: Ink flows like a fountain pen, but with a ballpoint tip.
  • Usually water-based ink—provides intense color payoff.

Pros:

  • Smooth writing —requires less pressure.
  • Produces richer, bolder lines than a ballpoint.
  • A modern writing experience without fully committing to a nib.

 

 

Conclusion: Which Pen is Right for You?

Pen Type

Who It's Best For

Ballpoint

You write often on the go and need reliability and simplicity.

Fountain Pen

You value style, handwriting quality and precision. Writing by hand is something you truly enjoy.

Rollerball

You want the feel of soft, smooth writing without ink blots, for example when writing long texts.

 

 

💡 Tip: Many of our models—for example the LAMY logo 206 or Studio series—are available in an engraved version. This way you not only find the perfect pen type but also your individual writing statement.

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