Types of Pens Explained

Custom pens consistently rank as the most popular promotional products for good reason—everyone needs them, everyone uses them, and everyone appreciates getting a quality pen that actually writes well. Whether you're planning giveaways for a trade show, outfitting your sales team with branded swag, or creating corporate gifts that clients will actually keep, the key lies in choosing the right type of pen for your specific audience and brand goals. Understanding the differences helps you make a decision that balances cost, functionality, and the impression you want to make every time someone picks up your pen.

Understanding Pen Construction and Features

The biggest differences come down to ink type, tip style, and additional functionality. Ballpoint, gel, rollerball, and fountain pens each use a unique ink formula that affects how smoothly they write, how bold the lines appear, and how quickly the ink dries. Tip styles—whether it's a fine nib, a felt tip, or a standard ballpoint—also influence the look and feel of handwriting. Features like stylus tips, soft-touch grips, or built-in highlighters can transform a standard pen into a multi-purpose tool.

Choosing the right pen isn't just about the cost or look, it's aligning with your brand identity and your audience's daily habits. A sleek rollerball might send the right message at a corporate conference, while eco-friendly bamboo pens could highlight a sustainability initiative. A pen that matches function with audience preference ensures that the item gets used regularly, extending brand visibility every time it's used.

Types of Pens Explained

Each pen type delivers a distinct writing experience and projects a different brand image. Here's how the most popular promotional pen styles compare, along with guidance on when each works best for custom branding.

Ballpoint pens are one of the most popular and affordable writing instruments, making them a go-to choice for bulk orders and brand giveaways. They use quick-drying oil-based ink that doesn’t smudge easily, providing versatility for everyday use. Companies often choose ballpoint pens for trade shows, events, and promotional campaigns because they’re practical, reliable, and easy to distribute.

Example products:

Budget: Nash Ballpoint Pen (Style: SM-4101)

Moderate: Bristol Ballpoint Pen (Style: 1035-81)

Premium: Triton Ballpoint Pen (Style: 1015-20)

Gel pens are known for their smooth, effortless writing and vibrant ink colors, making them a favorite for schools, creative professionals, and anyone who loves bold, expressive lines. Their water-based ink allows for a more fluid feel on the page, which adds a premium touch compared to standard ballpoints. Custom gel pens serve as excellent branded items for businesses that want to stand out with a sharper, more stylish giveaway.

Example products:

Budget: Nash Gel Pen (Style: SM-5256)

Moderate: Nash RPET Gel Stylus Pen (Style: SM-5264)

Premium: Hyde Recycled Brass Ballpoint Gel Pen (Style: 1066-63)

Rollerball pens use liquid-based ink that flows similarly to a fountain pen, creating a refined and professional look on paper. They write smoothly with less pressure, providing comfort during longer writing sessions. Rollerball pens are an excellent choice for corporate branding, executive gifts, or client giveaways where you want to project sophistication without the full luxury price tag.

Example products:
Premium: Newton Recycled Brass Rollerball Gel Pen (Style: 1066-66)

Premium: Luna Roller Ball Pen (Style: 1015-17)

Premium: Hyde Recycled Brass Rollerball Gel Pen (Style: 1066-64)

Stylus pens offer the best of both worlds, combining a traditional ballpoint or gel pen with a touchscreen-friendly stylus tip. They’re perfect for modern professionals who switch between paper and digital devices throughout the day. Businesses in the tech space or organizations looking to promote a forward-thinking brand often choose stylus pens for events, giveaways, and client gifts.

Example products:

Budget: Carson Ballpoint Stylus Pen (Style: 1066-18)

Moderate: Bristol Ballpoint Stylus Pen (Style: 1067-30)

Premium: Luna Roller Ball Stylus Pen (Style: 1067-62)

Eco-friendly pens are made from recycled, biodegradable, or sustainable materials such as bamboo, paper, or recycled plastics. They’re a smart choice for companies wanting to highlight sustainability initiatives and show their commitment to eco-conscious practices. These pens resonate strongly with environmentally minded audiences, making them ideal for nonprofits, green businesses, and corporate responsibility campaigns.

Example products:

Budget: Recycled PET Cougar Ballpoint Pen (Style: SM-3686)

Moderate: Recycled Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (Style: 1066-55)

Premium: Pivot Recycled ABS Gel Pen (Style: SM-5285)

Marker and felt-tip pens deliver bold, noticeable lines, making them a favorite for creative projects, classrooms, and campaigns where visibility is key. They typically feature fast-drying ink and durable tips, useful for everything from brainstorming sessions to labeling. Branded felt-tip pens are often chosen by schools, arts-related organizations, or marketing campaigns that value creativity and attention-grabbing designs.

Example products:

Budget: Nash Ballpoint Highlighter Pen (Style: SM-4303)

Moderate: Stellar Ballpoint Highlighter Pen (Style: SM-4329)

Materials

• Plastic - Lightweight, affordable, and available in endless colors, plastic barrels are the most common choice for everyday promotional pens.
• Brass - Often used for pen tips, brass adds durability and a polished, professional touch.
• Aluminum - Sleek and modern, aluminum pens feel sturdy while staying lightweight, ideal for a premium look.
• Bamboo - A sustainable option that provides a natural look and unique texture, perfect for eco-conscious branding.
• Paper - Made with rolled or recycled paper barrels, these pens are budget-friendly and eco-friendly at the same time.
• Wheat Straw - A plant-based alternative to plastic, wheat straw pens use agricultural byproducts to reduce waste and highlight sustainability.
• Stainless Steel - Durable, heavy-duty, and stylish, stainless steel pens are often used for high-end corporate gifts.
• Spray Rubber - A soft, rubberized coating on the barrel creates a comfortable, grippy feel with a modern style.

Features

• Clip - A practical feature that attaches pens to notebooks, pockets, or planners for easy access.
• Stylus (https://www.rushordertees.com/office/pens/?pen-features=stylus) - Doubles as a touchscreen tool for tablets and phones while still functioning as a traditional pen.
• Soft-Touch Grip - A cushioned grip designed for comfort, making long writing sessions effortless.
• Highlighter - Combines pen functionality with a built-in highlighter tip for study or office use.

Opening Types

• Click-Action - A simple push-button mechanism that makes pens convenient and quick to use one-handed.
• Twist - A smooth rotating mechanism that feels professional and keeps the tip protected when not in use.
• Cap - A traditional option that offers a secure closure and a classic writing experience.

Pricing and Minimums

Custom pen pricing typically falls into three tiers based on materials, construction quality, and additional features. Most orders require a minimum of 125 pens for budget and moderate options, while some premium products have minimums as low as 30 pieces.

Like most promotional products, per-unit costs decrease significantly as order quantities increase, making bulk orders more cost-effective for events, giveaways, and large teams. And yes–this includes the cost of printing.

• Budget: $0.50 to $1.50 per pen
• Moderate: $1.50 to $6.00 per pen
• Premium: $6.00 to $12.00 per pen

Customizing Your Promotional Pens

Most custom pens are printed with a single color of ink, while some pens are laser-etched. Following these guidelines ensures your design looks professional and remains readable on the finished product.

• Limited print area - Pen barrels offer a narrow, elongated space that works better with horizontal designs rather than square or tall logos.
• Simplified logos work best - Remove fine details, intricate elements, and small text that won't reproduce clearly at pen decoration size.
• Avoid small text - Phone numbers and websites are acceptable, but keep text minimal and ensure it's large enough to read easily.
• Skip wrap-around designs - Place your logo where it's visible without rotating the pen, typically on one flat side of the barrel.
• Consider dual-side printing - You can place your logo on one side and a slogan, website, or contact info on the opposite side for maximum information.
• Reformat vertical logos - Tall or square logos may need to be redesigned as horizontal versions to fit the pen's print area effectively.
• Pay attention to contrast - Use dark ink on light-colored pens and light ink on dark barrels; black ink works best on metallic finishes like chrome or silver.
• Test your design size - Print your logo at the intended size on paper to ensure it remains legible and impactful at pen scale.

Best Practices for Choosing Custom Pens

The right pen choice depends on your audience, budget, and branding goals. These insider tips help you maximize impact while staying within your promotional budget.

• Match pen quality to the recipient - Choose premium pens for employees, clients, and VIP prospects, while budget options work well for trade show giveaways and mass distribution.
• Consider the customer's value - High-value clients and prospects deserve higher-quality pens that reflect their importance to your business relationship.
• Think about daily use scenarios - Stylus pens with rubber tips are incredibly popular since everyone uses touchscreen devices daily.
• Prioritize comfort features - Soft-touch grips and ergonomic designs make pens more enjoyable to use, increasing the likelihood they'll be kept and used regularly.
• Choose black ink when possible - Black ink is more popular and professional than blue, making it the safer choice for business applications.
• Plan for your event type - Click-action pens work great for quick note-taking at conferences, while twist or cap pens feel more premium for executive gifts.
• Consider the writing surface - Gel pens work beautifully on quality paper but may skip on rough surfaces, while ballpoints perform consistently everywhere.
• Factor in branding longevity - Higher-quality pens stay in circulation longer, providing extended brand exposure compared to disposable options.
• Test samples when possible - For large orders, request samples to evaluate writing quality, comfort, and how your logo looks on the finished product.

Put Your Brand in Their Hands

Each pen type offers unique advantages that align with different audiences and brand goals. From budget-friendly ballpoints that deliver reliable performance for mass giveaways to premium fountain pens that make lasting impressions on high-value clients, understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions that maximize your promotional budget.

Whether you choose eco-friendly bamboo pens to highlight sustainability values or modern stylus pens for tech-savvy audiences, promotional pens become a daily reminder of your brand that recipients actually appreciate and use. They can also be thoughtfully paired with other custom office products.

RushOrderTees brings decades of promotional product expertise to every custom pen order. We offer a wide selection of styles, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround times that keep your marketing campaigns on schedule. Our easy-to-use online Design Studio lets you preview your logo on different pen styles before ordering, while our experienced team guides everything from logo sizing to ink color selection.

With low minimums, free shipping options, and high-quality printing that ensures your logo looks sharp on every pen, we make it simple to create promotional products that put your brand directly into your customers' hands.