Writing with a gel pen certainly has its advantages, such as the smooth and fluid writing experience it offers. The ink flows effortlessly onto the paper, creating a pleasant sensation as you glide the pen across the page. This makes gel pens a popular choice for those who enjoy a personalised and colour-coordinated writing experience. However, it is important to note that gel pens do have a few limitations which may be considered as drawbacks by some individuals.
One of the potential issues with gel pens is that they can occasionally skip on the paper, even when applying minimal pressure. This can lead to gaps or breaks in the writing, which can be frustrating and disrupt the overall flow of your thoughts. It can be particularly troublesome when you are trying to write quickly or in a continuous manner. While this skipping phenomenon is not a common occurrence, it is something to be aware of when using gel pens.
Another factor to consider is the longer drying time of gel ink. Unlike ballpoint pens or rollerball pens that dry almost instantly, gel pens require a bit more patience. If you tend to write quickly or continuously without taking breaks, there is a higher chance of the ink smudging. This can be especially problematic if you are left-handed, as your hand may inadvertently come into contact with the still-wet ink, resulting in smudges and smears on the page. To avoid this, it is advisable to take short breaks while writing with a gel pen, allowing the ink to dry before continuing.
In addition to these limitations, it is worth mentioning that gel pens may not be the ideal choice for certain types of paper. The gel ink has a slightly thicker consistency compared to other types of ink, which can cause it to bleed through or feather on thin or low-quality paper. This can affect the legibility and overall appearance of your writing. It is recommended to test a gel pen on different types of paper to determine which works best for you.
While gel pens offer a unique and enjoyable writing experience, it is essential to be mindful of their limitations. The occasional skipping and longer drying time may not be significant concerns for everyone, but they are worth considering when choosing a pen for specific writing tasks. Ultimately, the decision of whether writing with a gel pen is “bad” or not depends on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the writing situation.
Personal experience:
As a sommelier and brewer, my writing needs vary depending on the task at hand. When I am jotting down quick tasting notes or recipe ideas, I often reach for a gel pen due to its smooth and effortless writing. However, when I need to write more quickly or extensively, I tend to opt for a rollerball pen to avoid any potential skipping issues. I have also encountered instances where I hastily continued writing with a gel pen without allowing the ink to dry, resulting in frustrating smudges on important documents. To mitigate this, I have learned to take short breaks while writing and have become more conscious of the drying time. Additionally, I have noticed that gel pens tend to work better on thicker, higher-quality paper, which helps prevent bleeding and feathering of the ink. I appreciate the unique qualities of gel pens but acknowledge their limitations and choose my writing tools accordingly.