Not sure which pen to pick? Here is how the main types differ.
Ballpoint pens use thick oil-based ink. They write on almost anything, last a long time and never leak, but need a little pressure. Choose one for forms, carbon copies and glossy paper.
Gel pens use water-based gel with pigment. Lines are dark and vivid and the pen glides with little effort. Good for everyday notes and exams. Look for quick-drying ink, such as the Pentel EnerGel, if you are left-handed.
Rollerball pens use thin liquid ink, like a fountain pen in a ball tip. They give the smoothest, finest line, as on the Pilot V5, but can show through thin paper.
Fountain pens use a nib and bottled or cartridge ink. They need no pressure at all, which makes long writing sessions easier. Start with a fine or medium steel nib and paper of 90 gsm or more.
Fineliners have a firm plastic or fibre tip and pigment ink. Use them for drawing, outlining and neat headings. Sakura Pigma Micron ink is waterproof and archival.
Brush pens have a flexible tip for lettering and illustration. Press harder for a thick stroke and lift for a thin one.
Tip sizes: 0.38 to 0.5 mm is fine and suits small handwriting; 0.7 mm is medium and the most common; 1.0 mm is bold and best for signatures and cards.
To make any pen last, cap it after use, store it tip down if it is a gel or rollerball, and keep it away from heat.