Image	Product	Features	Price
	LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	LAMY Tipo Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	David Oscarson Limited Edition Linnaeus Koi Fish Violet Purple Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	LAMY Al Star 2021 Azure & Cosmic Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	LAMY 2000 Black Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	Conklin All-American Quad Wood Rollerball		Check Price
	LAMY LX Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	Montegrappa Salvador Dali Limited Edition Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	Caran D'Ache 849 Metal Matte Black Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	Montblanc Meisterstück Calligraphy Gold Leaf Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	LAMY Safari Retro White & Black Rollerball Pen		Check Price

If you’re looking for a pen that will give you the smoothest writing experience while sitting comfortably in your hand, a rollerball makes for the perfect addition to your collection.

To help you choose the best rollerball pen, the Truphae team of pen experts is here to help you learn more about what makes rollerballs so special, why you need one in your pen collection, and how to choose the ideal rollerball pen for you. We’ll also review our top picks based on value, quality, type of tip, and more, so stay tuned.

A Brief Overview of Rollerball Pens

Rollerball pens don’t have nearly as long a history as fountain pens. Even though the first patent for a rollerball pen was issued back in 1888 by John J. Loud as a practical tool to write on rough surfaces, the rollerball actually came to the global market after World War II.

It was all thanks to the founder of OHTO, Nakata Touzaburo, that rollerball pens as we know them today came to be. Back in 1949, he created his first version of the pen, and later in 1963, the pen was available for purchase. 

Many upgrades were done to the initial model as the rollerball pen became quite popular in the mid-1970s, and was even more popular than ballpoint pens in the 2000s. It inspired people to start researching other types of inks, eventually leading to the development of water-based inks. 

What Is a Rollerball Pen?

A rollerball pen is a writing tool that uses a rotating ball located at the end of the tip to disperse ink onto a writing surface. It releases just enough ink that transfers from the ball to the paper, however, it takes a bit longer to dry compared to some other pens, making it more suitable for right-handed people.

This is due to the water-based ink rollerballs use, which is why the writing style and the viscosity of the ink in these pens are in between ballpoint and fountain pens.

They come in different tip widths, ranging from the finest, 0.2mm, to the broadest tip widths of about 1.5mm. Compared to fountain pens, they’re moderately priced, which is why they’re considered the best of both worlds.

What’s the Difference Between Rollerball Pens and Ballpoint Pens?

Ballpoint pens and rollerballs are quite similar in the way they look, however, they use different types of ink. Rollerball pens use water-based ink, while ballpoint pens use oil-based ink.

Therefore, ballpoint pens have quicker-drying ink and can write on different surfaces, whereas a rollerball’s ink needs more time to dry but requires less pressure when writing.

What’s the Difference Between Rollerball Pens and Gel Pens?

Rollerball and gel pens differ in terms of ink consistency. Gel pens have a thicker ink consistency than rollerballs, which can make the ink clump and skip when writing. However, their ink dries quicker than that in rollerball pens, making them perfect for lefties.

Why Do Rollerball Pens Make Good Gifts?

Not only are rollerballs great pens to include in your personal collection, but they also make for the perfect gift. Gifting a personalized rollerball pen is very thoughtful for graduations, birthdays, job promotions, contract signings, and other special occasions. Writers, business people, and organizers/planners will especially appreciate a rollerball.

It’s a timeless and classy gift that will make the person on the receiving end think of you every time they use it. And the best thing is that they come at different price points that fit every budget.

Best Rollerball Pen Recommendations

There are numerous rollerballs available out there, so to ease your decision, we selected and reviewed the best rollerball pen recommendations. And if you’d like to look through our collection of over 200 rollerball pens from various brands, visit Truphae’s store.

Best Rollerball Pen Overall - LAMY Safari

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Blue, Charcoal, Green, Pink, Red, Shiny Black, White, Yellow
Weight	19 g
Length	139 mm
Series	Safari

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely light
• Great as an EDC pen
• Available in various colors
• Very affordable
• Ergonomic grip section

Cons

• The body’s made of plastic, which makes it less durable than other pens made of metal

The LAMY Safari Rollerball is one of the go-to LAMY pens for many pen aficionados due to its amazing design, affordability, and smooth ink flow that’s similar to the LAMY Safari fountain pen. It’s ergonomically designed and available in various radiant colors that will suit any style and preference.

It’s the perfect in-between option if you can’t decide between getting a fountain pen or a ballpoint pen. And if all of that didn’t convince you to give this pen a try, its affordable price and ease of use might do the job. Check out our entire LAMY rollerball collection if you’re interested in finding out more.

Best Value Rollerball Pen - LAMY Tipo

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Aluminum, Black Purple, Coal, Coffee, Light Blue, Lime Green, Pearl, Pearl Rose, Red, Turmaline, White
Weight	14 g
Length	131 mm
Series	Tipo

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Smooth-writing rollerball ink 
• Sturdy body
• Great EDC pen
• Compatible with a variety of rollerball and gel ink refills
• Safety option that prevents the tip from extending when the pen's clipped in your pocket

Cons

• The plastic clip doesn’t always engage, so you might need to press it a few times

The LAMY Tipo is the most budget-friendly recommendation on our list that also comes in a wide variety of colors. It has an integrated safety system that prevents the pen from extending when it’s in your pocket, making it a great EDC pen that won’t leak and ruin your clothes or bag.

The pen has a quite comfortable grip due to the rubbery ribbed midsection that also prevents it from slipping. And the best part is that it’s compatible with a lot of rollerball and gel ink refills, which makes it a great and affordable pen for artists because of the refill options.

It’s compatible with the LAMY M66 Rollerball Refill, available for separate purchases in black, blue, green, and red.

Best Honorable Mention Rollerball Pen - David Oscarson Limited Edition Linnaeus Koi Fish

Specifications

Manufacturer	David Oscarson
Color	Violet Purple, Black Gold
Series	Linnaeus

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gold plated grip section
• Visual and functional masterpiece
• Also available as a fountain pen

Cons

• Only a limited amount of pens are available

The David Oscarson Koi Fish Rollerball Pen is a luxurious, limited edition pen that’s among the best rollerball pens in the Truphae store. Its name comes from the Japanese homophone word “Koi” which means “carp”, but it also means "affection" or "love", therefore, this pen is a representation of love and friendship.

This visually appealing masterpiece is meticulously designed with both form and function in mind. It combines the use of the centuries-old technique of Guilloché and the expertise of Hard Enamel, resulting in hours-long craftsmanship. In fact, to ensure the level of quality for each pen, David Oscarson’s craftsmen need to go through a five-year apprenticeship.

For more high-end rollerball pens, check out our selection of luxurious rollerball pens.

The Best Fine Tip Rollerball Pen - LAMY AL-Star Special Edition

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Azure & Cosmic, Lilac, Petrol
Weight	20 g
Length	139 mm
Series	AL-Star Special Edition

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quality steel nib
• Ergonomically shaped grip section
• Anodized aluminum body
• Flexible pocket clip

Cons

• Uses proprietary refills only

The LAMY AL-Star limited edition rollerball pens are high-quality pens made from sturdy anodized aluminum. They are very durable despite being extremely light and combine modern design and practicality. They come in three vibrant colors that instantly catch your eye.

The AL-Star edition is a great alternative to the beloved Safari collection that makes for a great addition to your pen collection if you want to switch from a fountain pen to a rollerball. Moreover, each pen has a molded grip section that allows it to fit perfectly in your hand, so you can spend hours writing without your hand cramping.

The Best Medium Tip Rollerball Pen - LAMY 2000

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Black, Stainless steel
Weight	25 g
Length	138 mm
Series	2000

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Brushed Makrolon resin barrel and cap
• Stainless steel trim
• Accepts standard Lamy M63 refill
• Also available as a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, and mechanical pencil 

Cons

• Not a lot of variety in terms of tip sizes

The LAMY 2000 is a pen that has stood the test of time as a legendary LAMY pen. The design was first released in the fountain pen series back in 1966, while the rollerball was created 40 years later, in 2006. It’s an extremely durable pen with a body made of brushed Macrolon resin, reinforced with glass fiber and stainless steel accents to complete the design.

It’s a great option for those who prefer to use a rollerball pen instead of a fountain pen on a daily basis since it writes smoothly and doesn’t skip. So, if you’re won over by the pen’s design but don’t want to pay double the price for a fountain LAMY 2000, the rollerball will be your best option.

The Best Eco-Friendly Rollerball Pens - Conklin All-American Quad Wood 

Specifications

Manufacturer	Conklin
Color	Wood tones
Weight	47.06 g
Length	144.8 mm
Series	All-American

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unforgettable and unique design
• A lifetime warranty
• Limited-edition of only 398 rollerball pens produced
• Sold in a luxurious gift box

Cons

• Weighs a bit more than other rollerball pens
• You may mark up the natural wood when posting 
• Since it’s made of wood, natural oils and creams from your hand may be absorbed

Nobody can say no to an all-wood high-quality pen, which is what you’ll get by purchasing the Conklin All American Quad Wood Limited Edition Rollerball Pen. Each pen is made of 4 different types of wood, including ebony, olive wood, red sandalwood, and rosewood, which give it a luxurious look, while the trim is made of metal and colored black to enhance the wood’s features.

It’s a pen that feels smooth in your hand but also writes smoothly on paper. Even though it weighs more than other rollerball pens, it feels great in your hand. You just need to refrain from using it if your hands haven’t been washed hours prior and have natural oils or creams, since natural wood can absorb all that. This rollerbll came in a limited edition of only 398 pens produced.

The Best Everyday Carry Rollerball Pens - LAMY LX

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Marron (Brown), Palladium (Silver), Rose Gold, Ruthenium (Grey)
Weight	28.9 g
Length	11.9
Series	LX

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ergonomic grip
• Unique colors
• Modern design
• Smooth writing experience

Cons

• You can’t use ink cartridges, as it works only with the LAMY refills
• The ink empties quickly
• The clip scratches easily

The LAMY LX (pronounced “Luxe”) is a pen with a modern design that provides an extremely smooth writing experience. The design is inspired by the Al-Star, while the material of the body is upgraded to lightweight aluminum that comes in a few signature colors. 

Even though it’s a metal pen, it’s still as lightweight as some plastic rollerball pen models, but has a more luxurious, high-tech look. The pen’s clip is plated with the same matching polished metal as the pen, which makes it even more sophisticated.

LAMY LX’s ink flows freely across your pages and provides a great experience due to the ergonomic grip, however, the ink tends to empty quickly.

The Best Limited Edition Rollerball Pens - Montegrappa Salvador Dali

Specifications

Manufacturer	Montegrappa
Color	Blue
Weight	106.1g
Length	160 mm
Series	Salvador Dali Limited Edition

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Blue celluloid battel
• Quote from Dali’s autobiography on the inside
• Dali’s autograph engraved on the pen 
• Packaged in a luxury egg-shaped gift box
• Limited edition of only 989 pens

Cons

• Heavy for a rollerball pen

Montegrappa’s tribute to the best surrealist painter Salvador Dalí comes to life in their Surrealista rollerball pen. The pen is made of pearl-grey resin, however, the whole pen is covered with a blue resin that works as a cap that screws on and covers the pen. The cap also has the Space Elephant feature on the top, a recurring image in a lot of his paintings.

After you unscrew the pen, the rollerball is revealed and you can see a quote from Dalí’s biography on the white resin that reads, "Not one day goes by that I don't ride, 'til the infinite, the horse of my imagination". At the bottom of the pen, you’ll find Dalí’s signature engraved in the sterling silver base.

Commemorating the painter’s death in 1989, the model is limited to 1000 fountain pens and 989 rollerball pens. The pen comes in a specially designed egg-shaped gift box, which, according to Dalí, symbolizes hope and love.

The Best Large Rollerball Pens - Caran D'Ache 849

Specifications

Manufacturer	Caran D’Ache
Color	Black, Blue, Grey, White
Weight	25 gr
Length	137 mm
Series	849

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable hexagonal shape for long writing sessions 
• Modern design
• Writes smooth lines
• Fast-drying

Cons

• Rather large compared to other Caran D’Ache pens, such as the ballpoint model
• Only uses proprietary refills

The Caran D’Ache 849 rollerball series is an iconic collection that features a ballpoint pen, fountain pen, mechanical pencil, and rollerball pen, however, the rollerball is where this series truly stands out. Its main features include the hexagonal shape that enables the pen to fit perfectly in your hand during longer writing sessions, while the extra large size makes using this pen a completely new experience.

The 849 is available in the traditional Caran D’Ache colors, which are known for being timeless and always modern. The pen is retractable and the ink is fast-drying, making it a great EDC pen.

The Best Stylish Rollerball Pens - Montblanc Meisterstück Calligraphy Gold Leaf

Specifications

Manufacturer	Montblanc
Color	Black and gold
Weight	72.35
Length	119.8 mm
Series	Meisterstück Calligraphy Gold Leaf

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contemporary design using the classic Montblanc colors
• PVD coating
• Black lacquered barrel with a gold-leaf pattern

Cons

• A bit heavy for a rollerball

Even though Montblanc are mostly known for their fountain pens, their rollerball collections are just as luxurious, and the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Calligraphy Gold Leaf Rollerball is proof of that.

The pen is designed with the two main Montblanc colors in mind, gold and black, however, it reenvisions what a Montblanc looks like in terms of making the pen more contemporary and visually dynamic. This pen’s most unique feature is the gold leaves applied under a thick coating of precious translucent lacquer, which gives the pen a glossy finish and a contemporary design.

In terms of functionality, it also doesn’t disappoint because you can use different types of rollerballs or fine liner ink refills, which gives you a lot of artistic freedom in terms of daily use. The Montblanc Meisterstück Calligraphy Gold Leaf is also available as a fountain pen.

The Best Ergonomic Rollerball Pens - LAMY Safari Retro

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Blue and red, black and white
Weight	17.01 g
Length	139.7 mm
Series	Safari Retro

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Design inspired by the 90’s
• Lightweight ABS plastic and cap
• Flexible metal clip
• Ergonomic grip

Cons

• A bit long and not very suitable for very small hands

The LAMY Safari Retro is ergonomically designed to lay comfortably in your hand. The body is made from sturdy and lightweight ABS plastic that’s durable and looks expensive. 

This special edition pen celebrates the classic LAMY Safari that we all know and love and comes in two different color combinations, blue and red, and black and white.

The pen has a flexible metal clip that you can use to clip it inside your pocket or on top of a pile of papers. The cap slips on and securely posts at the end of the pen, providing you with maximal comfort. It’s truly a budget-friendly rollerball that you’ll use for years to come.

What to Consider When Buying a Rollerball Pen

To choose the ideal rollerball pen, consider the following factors.

Tip Size

The width of your handwriting mostly depends on the type of pen you use and its tip size. The width of the tips can range from 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and even go up to 1-1.5 mm. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for different types of tips, although medium tips are the most used ones in rollerball pens.

Drying Time

Another challenge that pen aficionados face is how quickly the ink in their favorite writing tool dries. A common problem with rollerball pens is that they require more time to dry than other pens, so seek pens with faster-drying ink and thinner tip sizes. If you’re left-handed, fast-drying pens, such as ballpoint pens, will be your best friend. 

Care and Maintenance

Each pen needs regular care and maintenance to remain fully functional, and so do rollerball pens. Clean the tip regularly and seal the pen correctly so it doesn’t dry out.

Refill

Compared to other pens, rollerball pens go through ink much faster since the ink has unrestricted flow. This leaves you to refill the pens more frequently, therefore using up more ink.

Paper Choice

It’s a fact that some types of paper work better with certain types of pens. Therefore, choosing the right paper for your pen is paramount to prevent the ink from bleeding out on the other side. And if you feel like your ink isn’t drying as fast as you would like it to, choose a coarser paper that absorbs more ink in the process.

Price

Last but not least, you need to consider the budget when purchasing a new pen. We advise you to make an estimation of the budget you want to spend on your next pen before looking through options. This enables you to stick to your budget and find the best price-performance writing tool for your specific needs. 

Conclusion

Choosing a rollerball pen doesn't have to be that hard if you consider factors like tip size, drying time, price, and care and maintenance during the process. 

We hope that you’ve enjoyed our selection of the best rollerball pens available in Truphae’s store and that you’re now one step closer to choosing your new rollerball pen. 

If you have a question or you’d like to share your experience using some of our recommendations, feel free to do so in the comment section below.