What Are the Best Pens for Note Taking?

There comes a time when we must all sit and scribble some lines onto a piece of paper, whether you’re a student, a professional, or just an individual who enjoys the art of writing in this era. Choosing the best pens for note-taking all of those people. The combination of the right paper and pen feels heavenly, whereas a subpar pen can absolutely ruin the experience. If you’ve come across pens that leave ink smudges, rip the paper, or run dry in the middle of a lecture, you know the feeling.

So, how do you find the perfect pen? It is a question long pondered. Today, we’ll tackle this hard question. Let’s dive into the details, covering all aspects of it.

Important Considerations When Choosing the Best Note Taking Pens

We cannot look blindly and simply hope to choose the best EDC pen for note taking, so here are some things to consider before making the purchase to narrow down the options:

• Grip Comfort: If you’re going to be writing for any substantial amount of time, grip comfort should be in your top 3 factors to consider. The comfort of a pen’s grip is determined by its size and ergonomics. Bonus points for having soft-touch material.
• Tip Size: Fine tips (0.3-0.5mm) are great for detailed, precise writing, while medium or broader tips (0.7-1.0mm) create bolder lines and smoother flow for quick note-taking.
• Quick Drying: Left-handed people. Assemble! This is beneficial for both left and right-handed individuals but especially useful for left-handed writers; nobody likes ink smudges. The same applies to right-handed writers but in other languages like Urdu, Arabi, Hebrew, Yiddish, etc.
• Ink Flow: Ideally, thebest note taking EDC pens have a smooth and consistent flow of ink to prevent skipping or blotting. Not too much, not too less; just the sweet spot.
• Durability: Don’t quote us on it, but pens are arguably the most dropped and abused objects in the world. They must be durable enough to withstand the fall from the table to the ground, being passed around class, and a gentle bite every now and then.

Optional Considerations

These are some of the optional considerations which may or may not be useful to you:

• Color Options: Color options are always good to have as they help keep things organized and visually appealing.
• Paper Compatibility:Match your pen to the thickness of your paper to prevent ink bleeding or feathering. Thick paper pairs well with wet inks like those in gel or fountain pens.
• Highlighter Resistance: Some writers swear by highlighters. If you fall into that category, choose pens with ink that won’t smudge or smear when a highlighter is applied.  Gel pens and rollerballs with quick-drying ink are the champs here.
• Test Before You Commit: Whenever possible, test pens in-store to find the grip and ink flow that suits you.
• Consider Paper Quality: High-quality pens often pair best with thicker paper to prevent bleeding.
• Think About Longevity: Refillable pens might save you money in the long run.

Types of Pens to Consider

Gel Pens – The Smooth Operator

Gel pens are beloved for their smooth ink flow and vibrant colors, they make your notes look super pretty. They glide effortlessly across the page and are quite affordable, making them the best writing pen for students who want their notes to stand out.

Ballpoint Pens – Good Ol’ Trusty

Ballpoint pens are a classic for a reason. They’re low-maintenance, super affordable and an absolute workhorse in terms of usability. These might arguably be the best pens for notes out there, owing to their long-lasting and less prone to smudging ink.

Fountain Pens – Elegant and Classy

If you want a luxurious writing experience, fountain pens are the way to go. They tend to offer an “involved experience” wherein you’re required to clean them, fill the ink and use them in a specific way. The majority of writers swear by fountain pens.

Rollerball Pens – Jack of all Trades

If you cannot make a choice between gel pens and ballpoint pens, well, you don’t have to because Rollerball pens exist, unless you find yourself in the 1950s. Rollerball pens combine the smoothness of gel pens with the indestructible nature of ballpoints

Felt-Tip Pens – For Creatives

The creatives, the artists, and those wanting a flair to their notes would find felt-tip pens quite fun to use. They are Ideal for color coding or making headers stand out

Read More: Which Pen Would You Prefer to Write: A Fountain Pen or a Ballpoint Pen?

Conclusion

Finding the best pens for note taking isn’t merely picking the trendiest or most aesthetically pleasing pen out there, it's about discovering what works best for your specific writing style. Whether you prefer the smooth glide of a gel pen or the reliability of a ballpointe right pen can make a huge difference in terms of influencing your love for writing.

FAQs

What Type Of Pen Writes The Smoothest?

By majority consensus, rollerball or gel pens are the smoothest pens out there. They are buttery smooth, require very little pressure and the flow of ink makes them almost slip across the paper.

How To Hold A Pencil Without Pain?

To hold a pencil without pain, use a relaxed grip—don’t squeeze too tightly. Position the pencil between your thumb and index finger, resting it on your middle finger (tripod grip). Use a slightly angled hold to let it glide naturally without too much pressure.

How To Pick A Pen For Good Handwriting?

The clear but boring answer is, simply, practice. However, if, despite practice, you feel your handwriting is not improving, you might want to consider checking out the equipment you’re using. For example, the style of pen you’re using (ball, fountain, gel, etc.), along with the thickness of the page, can often make a huge difference. So, experiment with them and see if it improves your handwriting.