Gel pens were first introduced in the 1980s, offering an alternative to traditional ballpoint pens. Unlike oil-based ballpoint ink, gel ink is water-based with pigments suspended in it. This combination allows the ink to flow more freely, creating smoother, bolder lines without requiring much pressure.
For students, this means taking notes quickly during lectures without hand strain. For professionals, it means signing documents, drafting notes, or annotating reports with a pen that feels effortless in the hand.
The pigmented ink also allows for more vivid colors compared to the relatively dull tones of ballpoint pens. This is one reason why gel pens are so widely used in note-taking, journaling, and even professional presentations where emphasis and clarity matter.