Gel pens and ballpoint pens seem to be similar, but in fact there is an essential difference. First of all, we need to clarify the definition and characteristics of both.
A gel pen, also known as a gel pen or slide pen, is a type of pen that uses oil-based or water-based ink. Its nib is usually made of metal, plastic, or other synthetic material, and the ink is controlled by beads on the nib. The ink viscosity of gel pen is moderate, and it can write smoothly on the paper with a relatively uniform writing trace. Gel pens are widely used in daily life and work because of their easy use and smooth writing.
Whereas, a ballpoint pen, as the name suggests, is a pen with a ballpoint on the nib. It works by carrying ink onto the paper through the rolling of beads. The ink of ballpoint pens is usually oily and has a higher viscosity, so the writing marks are thicker. The characteristic of ballpoint pens is that they require a certain amount of pressure when writing, but once they start writing, the ink will continue to flow out until they run out.
From the above definitions and characteristics, gel pens and ballpoint pens have obvious differences in terms of ink properties, working principles and writing effects. The ink viscosity of gel pens is moderate, whereas the ink viscosity of ballpoint pens is higher;The writing marks of gel pens are more uniform, while the writing marks of ballpoint pens are heavier;A gel pen writes smoothly, whereas a ballpoint pen requires a certain amount of writing pressure.
Therefore, we can conclude that gel pens are not ballpoint pens. While the two may be similar in appearance, there are significant differences in terms of usage characteristics, ink properties, and working principles.
However, it is worth noting that with the continuous advancement of technology and the diversification of consumer needs, there are now some improved neutral ballpoint pens on the market. These pens have the smooth writing characteristics of a gel pen and the heavy writing effect of a ballpoint pen. The emergence of this dual-purpose pen meets the writing needs of consumers in different occasions.
To sum up, although gel pens and ballpoint pens are similar to a certain extent, their essential characteristics and use occasions are different. Therefore, we should choose the right writing instrument according to the actual needs and usage scenarios. At the same time, for those consumers who are looking for variety and convenience, a neutral ballpoint dual-purpose pen may be a good choice.