--- title: Choosing Your Next Best Pen description: Did you know there are 5 different pen styles? What makes them unique and which is the best for me? Learn more about pen styles and custom decoration options. image: https://content.obriencorp.com/hubfs/OBrien%20Photos%20400.jpg --- ![Banner Image](https://content.obriencorp.com/hubfs/OBrien%20Photos%20400.jpg) # Choosing Your Next Best Pen ### Article By: Mena Turi There are many different types of pens out there, but which one is the right fit for you? At O'Brien Corporation our goal is to help you achieve total satisfaction with all your writing instruments. Therefore, let us help you solve this issue! Throughout the world there are four types of common pens including:** roller ball, gel, ballpoint, and fountain.**   [**Learn more about custom writing instruments**](https://www.obriencorp.com/capabilities/promotional-products/)   Roller Ball pens are known for their saturating water-based ink, fine tip, and vast amount of color choices. This style of pen is best for someone who writes fast and is looking for something comfy. Roller ball pens do not require a lot of pressure so your hand will not cramp up as often while you write. The negative consideration of this style pen is that since its ink saturates quickly, it can occasionally soak into other things such as clothing and other pages. ![hand writing with blue pen in journal](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/depth-of-field-desk-essay-210661.jpg?width=400&name=depth-of-field-desk-essay-210661.jpg)   Gel pens are commonly known as the fun pen! Remember when you were a child and you would go to the store and see the huge selection of bright neon pens? Chances are that those were gel pens and you can now easily find them in just about every color known to man! With its sharp edge and unique colors, you are unlikely to ever find  a more unique writing instrument.   ![multiple gel pens in a variety of colors](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/neonbrand-603283-unsplash.jpg?width=400&name=neonbrand-603283-unsplash.jpg)   Ball-point pens are the most common pens in use today and for very good reason. This smooth writing tool is not only great for its shading abilities, but also because it will stand the test of time. Since ball-point pens have an oil-based ink, they last longer and dry quicker than any other types of pens. On the other hand, oil-based inks can get a little messy and are not typically recommend if you are writing for a long period of time - especially for left-handed writers.     ![Closeup of ballpoint pens](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ball-point-pen-close-up-macro-983826.jpg?width=400&name=ball-point-pen-close-up-macro-983826.jpg)   Fountain pens are often viewed as the old-timer! Fountain pens have been around since the 1800s, are the most customizable, and give you the opportunity to change ink colors at any time. **Fountain pens are eco-friendly, too, as they can be repeatedly refilled rather than ending up in a landfill. **However, using a fountain pen takes practice and they tend to be finicky. Therefore, while they write beautifully, this style of pen is not made for quitters!   ![Fountain pen with writing on card](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alvaro-serrano-133360-unsplash.jpg?width=400&name=alvaro-serrano-133360-unsplash.jpg)     --- What type of material do you like? Are you wanting a higher-end metal pen, plastic pen for tradeshow giveaways and everyday use, or have you considered something eco-friendly? Once you narrow down the material and ink, how can you determine what will be best for your everyday writing experience? ![recycling logo](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/recycling-305569_1280.png?width=136&name=recycling-305569_1280.png) As humans it is our fundamental duty to take care of our precious Earth. What better way than to start with a basic writing instrument that we use daily? You might be using an eco-friendly pen right now and not even know it! Eco-friendly pens are often created from recycled material such as plastic and/or sustainable and biodegradable material (such as plastic, rubber, or bamboo) and the options for customization are endless!   --- Line quality - What’s that? Do you need a high-end pen that will stay with the recipient for a long time? Do you prefer something that will glide smoothly as you write? Understanding your target audience and desired campaign outcomes will allow us to find your perfect pen.   ![fountain pen closeup writing in cursive](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kelly-sikkema-399338-unsplash.jpg?width=400&name=kelly-sikkema-399338-unsplash.jpg)   Line quality basically comes down to how thick or thin you want your pen to write. Are you in need of a pen that will write bold words? Then you're going to want to use a pen with a higher line quality. If you are writing a paper for school or signing an important document for work, then a thinner line quality would likely be best for your application. At the end of the day, every style of writing instrument has its place in the world. If you are someone who writes fast and needs a pen that can keep up with you, then a ball point pen is best. If you are looking for a pen that is fun to write with and glides smoothly, gel pens are likely the perfect option for you. If you want something to write comfortably with for long periods of time, you need the roller ball pen. If you're looking to give a unique gift to a colleague who you appreciate, then the fountain pen is where it's at. Giving a unique gift to a colleague of yours who you really appreciate? Then the fountain pen is where it's at. **U****nderstanding which features are most important to you will help us narrow down the unlimited field of customizable writing instruments. ** ![close up fountain pen writing on document](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/close-up-document-fountain-pen-48148.jpg?width=400&name=close-up-document-fountain-pen-48148.jpg)   --- Need Something Unique? ![colorful assortment of pens](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/a-girlbrand-646054-unsplash.jpg?width=300&name=a-girlbrand-646054-unsplash.jpg) Your pen does not have to be boring! Consider something fresh and unique for your organization's campaign and remember that customization is key!  Whether you are having an event or giving your employees a gift, the possibilities for custom designs are endless. At O'Brien Corporation, when you [contact us](https://content.obriencorp.com/contact-us) we will be able to guide you to one of our brand specialists who will assist in your pen design needs!** We want you to thoroughly enjoy your pens in every way possible! **     Looking for the perfect writing instrument? Click below to get started with your next amazing pen!   [![Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4135929/28d5e65a-faac-43d0-b54b-034ba92fed25.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4135929/28d5e65a-faac-43d0-b54b-034ba92fed25) Keep in Touch Singing Our Praises - Sarah Marketing- Centegra Health System “We have had the pleasure of working with the O’Brien team for many years. Keri O’Brien Soukup and Sara Spring are reliable, creative and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your organization receives the best quality products to represent your brand. They truly care about their clients and it is apparent in every interaction we.. - Rhonda Roseland Community Hospital O’Brien Corporation offers a variety of quality products fitting for any occasion. Sheila is amazing at customizing different options and providing quotes in a short time frame. We are always confident that our orders will be delivered in a timely matter, even with last minute orders that may require special instruction/attention. The New Roseland.. - Jennifer Fortune 500 company Devin and his team at O'Brien have been a wonderful resource for what we were looking for. We have worked with them on several projects over the years and they consistently deliver a great product with wonderful customer service throughout the collaboration. They not only listened to what we needed, but came up with creative ideas that enhanced.. - Cathy Human Resources, University of Illinois Health I am always impressed with the level of service and response I receive from Devin and O’Brien Corp! They offer a wide variety of promotional products at a variety of pricing. The creative team at O’Brien Corp is outstanding! They’ve taken my thoughts and helped me identify great gifts and awards. The team exceeds my expectations during each.. - Joan Purchasing, Edward-Elmhurst Health Edward-Elmhurst Health has partnered with O’Brien for the majority of our printing needs over the past 10 years. During this time, O’Brien has proven how knowledgeable they are within the Healthcare arena, offering us nothing less than exceptional customer service throughout the years. Their friendly staff is a call away and has proven on more.. - Michalle Materials Management, Roseland Community Hospital O'Brien Corporation has given excellent service to Roseland Community Hospital, with prompt delivery, expertise sales from Rich Burruss, Account Manager, and proficient customer service from Julie Bauer, Customer Service Representative.  - Christine Human Resources, Reliable Home Improvement and Supply, Inc. We starting working with O’Brien Corporation in 2007 and are currently still working with them. We have done printing on apparel, stationery and even gifts for our clients and every time it comes out top notch! They are very prompt and on top of every order. Their timelines are fantastic and you can’t beat the pricing! Anytime we print we look to.. - Julie Owner, Paws in Time Pet Resort I love working with O'Brien! Love the professionalism, attention to detail, and how things get done when I work with them! - Nancy Marketing, Norwegian American Hospital I have had the opportunity to work with O’Brien for the past three years. My experience has been nothing but outstanding. Rich and Sheila are always eager to help me with whatever request I need. They always respond very quickly and offer great recommendations. Their philosophy and dedication to fulfill their clients’ expectations surpass the.. - Sue Ellen Purchasing, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois As the purchasing agent for one of the largest Healthcare systems in Illinois working with O’Brien on promotional items and print has been an exceptional experience for me for the past 15 years. They have worked endlessly to improve our working relationship, creating an online store for requestors to find anything from a needed diagnostic form to.. - Dana Human Resources, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois O’Brien Corp has been a great company to work with. They have fantastic recommendations and have gone above and beyond to ensure that the products are of great quality and received in a timely manner. They are always looking for the most effective ways for us to represent our organization and understand the needs within the healthcare market. We.. - Mike CEO, Metro Health Solutions Devin and his team have been a great marketing partner to Metro Health. With focused ideas, competitive prices and the ability to meet tight deadlines, Team O'Brien adds value to any project. - Sophia Foundation, Methodist Hospitals Methodist Hospitals works with O'Brien on several different projects. O'Brien never disappoints! They are professional and courteous and their service always goes beyond our expectations. Our rep, Rich Burruss, is a delight to work with and we can always count on his prompt and reliable service! We look forward to more productive years ahead.. - Fabiola Marketing, MacNeal Hospital I’ve had the pleasure of working with O’Brien for over ten years. No matter how small or large the project we always receive the best customer service. Prompt replies for quotes and ideas. Quality work and products. - Scott Marketing and Communications, Hiram College As a marketing executive, O'Brien Corporation has been my go-to resource for both print and promotional products for the past ten years. Their exceptional customer service and ability to deliver cost-effective solutions on strategy, on time, and on budget, are the reasons why I rely on O'Brien Corporation. - Jeanne Purchasing, HeathQuest Systems O’Brien’s products and costs always meet or exceed our expectations and they deliver in a timely manner regardless of how many changes we request. It is always a pleasure working with their friendly and attentive staff. Their patience and attention to detail is second to none. - Shelly Marketing, Edward-Elmhurst Health I have been working with Devin and Sara for many years and their service, communication and professionalism have been outstanding. I appreciate their knowledge -- I can give them a theme and they will research and provide the best possible items for recommendation. It is such a great pleasure working with the team at O’Brien Corporation. - Julie Human Resources, Edward-Elmhurst Health Without a doubt, O’Brien Corporation has one of the best customer service models that I’ve ever seen. Whenever I have a request, they turn around multiple options within days, often hours. They provide cost effective solutions, quality, and are always a pleasure to work with. [ Read All ](https://www.obriencorp.com/the-obrien-difference/testimonials-success-stories/testimonials)