The pen is a writing tool that accompanies us in our daily lives: at home, in the office and in our bag or pocket, so we always have it to hand. Despite the increasing importance of digital technology in our lives, pens are one of our customers’ favourite goodies! Whether it’s to attract people to your stand, to give to your customers following a purchase or for an initial contract, branded pens have the advantage of being adaptable to a variety of contexts.
With so many options, it’s not always easy to choose the right promotional pen for your staff or customers. That’s why we’ve taken a look at how three popular models work and their characteristics: the ballpoint pen, the rollerball pen and the fountain pen.
1. The Ballpoint Pen
Biros – also known as a biro – is undoubtedly the most widely used writing instrument in the world. Created in 1938 by László Biro, a Hungarian journalist, this pen has made a name for itself thanks to its simplicity and reliability. The potential of this new pen seduced Baron Marcel Bich, who launched its large-scale marketing in 1950 under its abbreviated name Bic. The Bic brand, now a household name, has undergone a fascinating evolution.
Why Is It Such a Success?
As its name suggests, it works using a simple and ingenious ballpoint mechanism. At the end of the pen is a small metal ball that rolls over the paper when pressure is applied to the tip. The pen is fueled by a thick oil-based ink in the reservoir. When writing, the ball transfers the ink evenly over the writing surface while preventing air from drying the ink inside the tube.
This has a number of advantages:
- – Simple to use: the ink dries quickly, so smudging is reduced.
- – Long life: the thick ink means you can write for a long time, sometimes several kilometres.
- – Inexpensive: the biros are inexpensive compared with other models.
- – Transportable: lightweight and sturdy, they are unlikely to spill or stain.
…But they also have their drawbacks:
- – Less environmentally friendly: often disposable, they contribute to plastic pollution.
- – Variable writing quality: less precise or aesthetically pleasing than a fountain pen.
- – Less intense ink: colours can be dull or irregular, ink less saturated.
- – Writing discomfort: prolonged use of a biro can lead to hand and wrist fatigue.
2. The Rollerball Pen
The rollerball pen – also known as a rollerball – was born out of the search for an in-between solution: combining the writing fluidity of a fountain pen with the practicality of a biro. Like the biros, the rollerball works by means of a small ball at the tip of the pen. The ball rotates as you write, depositing ink on the paper.
Ballpoint or Rollerball: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between these two types of pen is the ink. Because the ink is liquid, writing with a roller pen is smooth and fluid. Often water-based, it flows more easily, so you don’t have to exert as much pressure as with a biro for it to come out. The line is smoother, more saturated and more comfortable for the user.
However, more liquid ink takes a little longer to dry and can smudge if you touch the text too quickly after writing. And unlike a biro, if the pen is not closed tightly, the ink dries easily inside the pen. This is why rollerball pens are often fitted with a cap, whereas ballpoint pens are generally retractable.
Positives:
- – Smooth, fluid writing: water-based or gel inks make writing more pleasant, similar to that of a fountain pen.
- – Greater writing comfort: you can write for a long time without getting tired.
- – Clean, even lines: the ink flows easily, giving a clean finish.
- – More upmarket design: more sophisticated appearance than traditional ballpoint pens.
Negatives:
- – Ink dries faster: if you forget to put the cap back on, the tip can dry out.
- – Risk of smudging: the ink takes a little longer to dry.
- – Can bleed through paper: on thin paper, the ink can “bleed through”.
- – Less economical: the ink runs out more quickly than a biro.
3. The Fountain Pen
The fountain pen is the most traditional of the models presented in this article: it was invented in the 19th century. It works by means of a nib with a tip fed by an ink reservoir located in the body of the pen, which is fixed and replaceable. The nib (made of metal or gold) is slotted at the end to control the flow of ink and ensure smooth, precise writing.
Why Choose a Fountain Pen?
- – Smooth, pleasant writing: the nib glides easily over the paper for smooth writing. The liquid ink is applied evenly.
- – Writing comfort: the flexibility of the nib reduces fatigue during long writing sessions, because less pressure is needed on the pen.
- – Aesthetic writing: the lines are more elegant and refined, making it ideal for calligraphy.
- – Reusable: if you use a converter, the fountain pen is more environmentally friendly and economical in the long term, because it can be refilled.
Despite these qualities, the fountain pen also has certain limitations:
- – Regular maintenance: more frequent maintenance is required to clean the nib and reservoir and prevent the ink from solidifying or smudging.
- – Ink can smudge: ink can easily smudge or bleed through thin paper.
- – Higher cost: fountain pens are more expensive, and ink cartridges or bottles can represent an additional investment.
- – Fragile: the nib can break or be damaged if it is used incorrectly or if it is dropped.
- – Less practical: it takes a while to get used to it and master the lines.
4. Which Promotional Pen for Which Use?
Offering a giveaway and getting the desired impact depends on several key factors: knowing your audience, choosing the right moment and clearly conveying your message. In this section, we’ll look at which type of pen to choose, depending on the context and your advertising objectives.
The Ballpoint Pen: Practical, Economical and Easy to Use
The biros is one of the most popular and versatile items in our catalogue. Although they are generally inexpensive, they come in several variants: eco-friendly, metallic and even top-of-the-range, presented in elegant boxes.
We recommend ballpoint pens in general for :
- – A communication campaign
- – At trade fairs and shows, distribute them widely on your stand
- – Include them in a basic promotional kit
- – Everyday use in business
The Rollerball Pen: The Perfect Compromise for Professionals
Less widespread than the biros and slightly more expensive, the rollerball remains a preferred choice for those who need to do a lot of writing by hand. Whether for teachers, students, writers or professionals at meetings, it’s a comfortable, lightweight writing tool that allows you to write accurately without tiring. Rollerballs are perfect when fast, fluid writing is required, while maintaining an elegant, legible appearance.
We recommend that you opt for personalised rollerball pens if you want to :
- – Offer a thank-you gift to your customers.
- – Include it in welcome packs for new employees.
- – Hand them out at conferences or seminars.
The Fountain Pen: A Traditional and Sophisticated Accessory
A branded fountain pen is a symbol of refinement and professionalism. Although there are fewer of them, the more exclusive models boast an elegant and prestigious design. They are an ideal choice for special occasions.
- – Business gifts to thank your partners.
- – A top-of-the-range gift for your special customers.
- – Prestigious corporate gifts for your company’s executives.
Comparison table
| Criteria | Ballpoint pen | Rollerball pen | Fountain pen |
| Fluidity | Less fluid, thick ink | Very fluid, liquid or gel ink | Extremely fluid, liquid ink |
| Lifespan | Very long, often several months | Average | Long, but depends on maintenance and ink usage |
| Maintenance | No maintenance needed | Minimal maintenance (cap needs to be replaced) | Regular maintenance required |
| Price | Very affordable | Average | Rather expensive |
| Recommended Use | Business, daily use | For professionals, thank-you notes or welcome packs | Business gifts and high-end use |
| Writing precision | Medium | High | Very high |
| Writing comfort | Medium | Very comfortable | Very comfortable |
| Accessibility | Very accessible | Accessible | Less accessible |
| Aesthetic | Basic, functional | Elegant, often more modern | Refined, prestigious, unique aesthetic |
Conclusion:
Practical for all budgets, the pen is a goodie that boosts your company’s visibility, enhances your brand image and builds customer loyalty in a natural and effective way. The choice between a ballpoint, rollerball or fountain pen depends above all on your needs and the message you wish to convey. Each type of pen has its own advantages: it’s up to you to choose the one that best suits your purpose. So, which is your favourite promotional pen? Which one are you thinking of ordering soon for your employees? Share your thoughts in the comments!