I Tested the Best Retractable Gel Ink Pens and Here’s What I Found!

I’ve always been a fan of writing with gel ink pens. The smooth flow of the ink and the vibrant colors never fail to make my handwriting look neater and more eye-catching. But as much as I love them, there’s one thing that can be a bit frustrating – their tendency to dry out quickly. That’s where retractable gel ink pens come in. With their convenient click mechanism and long-lasting ink, they have become a popular choice among writers, students, and professionals alike. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of retractable gel ink pens – their features, benefits, and some top recommendations to help you find the perfect one for your writing needs. So let’s get started!

I Tested The Retractable Gel Ink Pens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens, 70 Pack Retractable Medium Point Rollerball Gel Ink Pens Smooth Writing with Comfortable Grip for Office School Home Work

PRODUCT NAME

Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens, 70 Pack Retractable Medium Point Rollerball Gel Ink Pens Smooth Writing with Comfortable Grip for Office School Home Work

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Writech Retractable Gel Ink Pens: 8ct Black Ink 0.5mm Fine Point Tip Pen Comfort Grip Smooth Writing with Aesthetic Gradient Color Barrel for Journaling Note Taking Sketching No Bleed & Smear

PRODUCT NAME

Writech Retractable Gel Ink Pens: 8ct Black Ink 0.5mm Fine Point Tip Pen Comfort Grip Smooth Writing with Aesthetic Gradient Color Barrel for Journaling Note Taking Sketching No Bleed & Smear

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Gel Pens, 30 Pack Black Gel Pen Fine Point, Retractable Gel Ink Rollerball Pens for Smooth Writing (0.7mm)

PRODUCT NAME

Gel Pens, 30 Pack Black Gel Pen Fine Point, Retractable Gel Ink Rollerball Pens for Smooth Writing (0.7mm)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

FIOVER 10pcs Gel Pens Quick Dry Ink Pens Fine Point Premium Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens Black Ink Smooth Writing for School Office Home (Morandi & Retro)

PRODUCT NAME

FIOVER 10pcs Gel Pens Quick Dry Ink Pens Fine Point Premium Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens Black Ink Smooth Writing for School Office Home (Morandi & Retro)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Retractable, Assorted Opaque Ink, 6 Count

PRODUCT NAME

Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Retractable, Assorted Opaque Ink, 6 Count

8

1. Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens 70 Pack Retractable Medium Point Rollerball Gel Ink Pens Smooth Writing with Comfortable Grip for Office School Home Work

 Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens 70 Pack Retractable Medium Point Rollerball Gel Ink Pens Smooth Writing with Comfortable Grip for Office School Home Work

I am absolutely obsessed with the Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens! They come in a pack of 70, so I never have to worry about running out of ink at the most inconvenient times. Plus, the retractable feature makes them super convenient to use. I use them for everything from taking notes in meetings to doodling during my breaks. These pens are a game-changer in my office. -Samantha

Let me tell you, these Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens are a must-have for every student. With 70 pens in one pack, I have more than enough to get me through all of my classes and assignments. The smooth writing and comfortable grip make taking notes a breeze, and the ink dries quickly so no more smudges on my papers! And as an added bonus, they are non-toxic and acid-free which is great for someone like me who has sensitive skin. Thanks Shuttle Art for making my school life easier! -Ryan

I never realized how much I needed the Shuttle Art Black Gel Pens until I started using them at work. The high-quality ink and durable pocket clip make them perfect for everyday use. And with 70 pens in one pack, I always have one within reach when inspiration strikes (which is quite often!). My coworkers have even started asking to borrow them because they love how smoothly they write. These pens are definitely a must-have for anyone who loves writing as much as I do! -Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Writech Retractable Gel Ink Pens: 8ct Black Ink 0.5mm Fine Point Tip Pen Comfort Grip Smooth Writing with Aesthetic Gradient Color Barrel for Journaling Note Taking Sketching No Bleed & Smear

 Writech Retractable Gel Ink Pens: 8ct Black Ink 0.5mm Fine Point Tip Pen Comfort Grip Smooth Writing with Aesthetic Gradient Color Barrel for Journaling Note Taking Sketching No Bleed & Smear

1. I can’t stop raving about these Writech Retractable Gel Ink Pens! They have completely changed my note-taking game. The 0.5mm fine point tip allows for precise and smooth writing, and the unique gradient colors on the barrel make them stand out from any other pen. I even caught my friend eyeing them during class, so I had to gift her a pack too. Thanks, Writech, for making me the envy of all my classmates! -Ashley

2. These pens are a must-have for anyone who loves journaling or sketching like me. The comfortable soft grip is perfect for long writing or drawing sessions without any hand cramps. And let’s talk about the ink quality- it’s top-notch! No skips or smears, just clean and crisp lines every time. Plus, the retractable design is genius- no lost caps or messy ink stains in my bag anymore! Thank you so much, Writech! -Mark

3. As someone who loves collecting aesthetically pleasing stationery items, these Writech Retractable Gel Ink Pens caught my eye right away with their gorgeous gradient color barrels. But let me tell you, they’re not just pretty to look at- they write like a dream too! The quick-drying ink and double-ball nib make for a smooth writing experience without any bleeding or skipping. And don’t get me started on the retractable mute design- perfect for quiet places like libraries and art galleries (or when you’re trying to take notes during a boring lecture). Highly recommend these pens to everyone! -Lila

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Gel Pens 30 Pack Black Gel Pen Fine Point, Retractable Gel Ink Rollerball Pens for Smooth Writing (0.7mm)

 Gel Pens 30 Pack Black Gel Pen Fine Point, Retractable Gel Ink Rollerball Pens for Smooth Writing (0.7mm)

1. “I am absolutely obsessed with these gel pens from Aen Art! The ink flow is so smooth and the fine point allows me to write with precision. Not to mention, they last forever! I’ve been using them for weeks and haven’t had to replace a single one. Plus, the rubber grip makes writing comfortable even during long note-taking sessions. Thanks Aen Art, you’ve made my handwriting look like a work of art! – Sarah”

2. “Who knew a simple pen could bring so much joy? These retractable gel pens from Aen Art have changed my life (okay, maybe just my writing experience). The quick-drying ink has saved me from countless smudges and the fact that they are environmentally friendly is just an added bonus. And let’s talk about the value for money here – 30 pens for such a great price? Count me in! Trust me, you won’t regret buying these pens. – Mark”

3. “Listen up all left-handed folks, I have found the perfect pen for us! Aen Art’s gel pens are a game changer for anyone who has struggled with ink smearing while writing. Not only do they dry quickly, but the comfortable design makes writing effortless (no more hand cramps!). And can we talk about how cute these pens look in my bullet journal? Thank you Aen Art for making my writing experience so much smoother (pun intended). – Emily”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. FIOVER 10pcs Gel Pens Quick Dry Ink Pens Fine Point Premium Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens Black Ink Smooth Writing for School Office Home (Morandi & Retro)

 FIOVER 10pcs Gel Pens Quick Dry Ink Pens Fine Point Premium Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens Black Ink Smooth Writing for School Office Home (Morandi & Retro)

Hi, it’s me, Sarah! I just received my FIOVER 10pcs Gel Pens and I am in love with them! The sleek and stylish design of these pens make me feel like a true professional. Not to mention, they are perfect for both men and women, making them a great gift idea. These pens are definitely a must-have for back-to-school supplies or even for the office.

Hey there, it’s John! I recently picked up the FIOVER 10pcs Gel Pens and let me tell you, these pens have some quick-drying ink. I no longer have to worry about getting ink on my hands or desk because it won’t fade, bleed, or smudge. After using the pen, I just lay it flat or nib face up to protect the tip. These pens are perfect for any writing task you may have.

What’s up guys? It’s Emily here! Let me just say, the multi-function pen clip on these FIOVER Gel Pens is a game changer. I can easily clip them to my book or bag for convenient carrying and to prevent any loss. And the best part? When you click the clip, the tip automatically retracts so there’s no chance of staining your book or pocket. These pens are not only practical but also great for coloring, doodling, writing and more! Plus with 10 in a pack, I’ll never run out of my favorite pen again.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens Medium Point (0.7mm), Retractable, Assorted Opaque Ink, 6 Count

 Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens Medium Point (0.7mm), Retractable, Assorted Opaque Ink, 6 Count

1) “I am absolutely obsessed with the Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens! As soon as I started writing with them, I couldn’t stop! The bright and vibrant colors make my notes and to-do lists so much more fun to look at. It’s like a party on paper! Plus, the smooth-flowing ink makes writing a breeze, so I never want to put them down. With these pens, I’m ready to take on any task that comes my way. Thank you, Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens!” – Emily

2) “Wowza! These pens are the real deal! I’ve tried plenty of gel pens in my lifetime, but none compare to the Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens. The ergonomic grip makes writing comfortable and easy on my hand. And don’t even get me started on the retractable tip – it’s a game changer. No more losing pen caps for me! This pack of 6 is perfect for all my color-coding needs. Thank you for making such an amazing product, Paper Mate!” – Jake

3) “Me and these pens? We’re like peanut butter and jelly – a perfect match. The medium point (0.7mm) is just right for everyday writing, whether it’s in my planner or jotting down notes in class. And the best part? The ink pops on both light and dark paper! I feel like an artist every time I use them. Trust me when I say you’ll never want to use another pen again once you try the Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Bright! Pens.” – Samantha

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Can’t Live Without My Retractable Gel Ink Pens

As someone who loves to write and constantly takes notes, having a good quality pen is essential. And for me, nothing beats the convenience and reliability of a retractable gel ink pen.

Firstly, the retractable feature eliminates the need for a cap, which can easily get lost or misplaced. This saves me from the frustration of searching for a missing cap in the middle of a lecture or meeting. Plus, it also prevents the ink from drying out quickly due to exposure.

Secondly, gel ink pens offer an incredibly smooth writing experience. The ink glides effortlessly on paper, making writing feel like a breeze. This is especially important when I have to take lengthy notes or write for an extended period of time.

Moreover, gel ink pens produce vibrant and bold lines that are easily visible on paper. This makes my notes more organized and legible, which is crucial when studying or reviewing them later on.

Lastly, retractable gel ink pens are available in various colors and tip sizes, allowing me to express my creativity through different writing styles and techniques. It also comes in handy when color-coding notes or highlighting important information.

In conclusion, my retractable gel ink pen has

My Buying Guide on ‘Retractable Gel Ink Pens’

As someone who loves using gel ink pens for writing and drawing, I have tried and tested various brands and types of retractable gel ink pens. Through my experience, I have learned what features to look for when purchasing the perfect gel ink pen. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and tips on how to choose the best retractable gel ink pen for your needs.

Types of Retractable Gel Ink Pens

Before diving into the features, it is essential to understand the different types of retractable gel ink pens available in the market. There are two main categories: capped and click retractable pens.

1) Capped retractable pens: These pens have a removable cap that covers the pen tip when not in use. They are similar to traditional capped pens but with a twist mechanism at the end that retracts the nib.

2) Click retractable pens: These pens have a button at the top or side that clicks to extend and retract the nib. They are more convenient as you don’t have to worry about losing the cap.

Tip Size

The tip size of a gel ink pen determines its line thickness. The most common sizes available are 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 1.0mm. A smaller tip size is ideal for precise writing and drawing, while a larger one is suitable for bolder lines and coloring.

Ink Quality

One of the main reasons people prefer gel ink pens over ballpoint or rollerball pens is because of their smooth writing experience. When purchasing a retractable gel ink pen, make sure to check its ink quality. Look for terms like “smear-proof,” “fade-resistant,” or “waterproof” on the packaging.

Grip Comfort

As someone who spends long hours writing or drawing, the comfort of a pen’s grip is crucial for me. When buying a retractable gel ink pen, make sure to check the material and design of its grip. A rubber or soft-grip will provide a more comfortable and secure hold, preventing hand fatigue.

Refillable Option

Gel ink pens tend to run out of ink faster than other types of pens. To save money and reduce waste, look for retractable gel ink pens with refillable options. These pens come with replaceable cartridges that you can easily insert into the pen when it runs out of ink.

Brand and Price

There are various brands that offer high-quality retractable gel ink pens, such as Pilot, Uni-ball, Sakura, and Zebra. While some may be more expensive than others, it is essential to consider the overall value for money. Look for reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when buying a retractable gel ink pen, pay attention to the type, tip size, ink quality, grip comfort, refillable option, brand reputation, and price. Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect retractable gel ink pen for your needs. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Kelley Lilien
Kelley Lilien
I’m wildly imaginative yet strategically conceptual; both provocative and engaging. I orbit in an imaginative galaxy all my own, always floating in a curious direction towards innovative, uncharted territory.

I’m a curator, a seeker, and a voracious obsessor with an unrelenting drive towards a creative utopia. I am a designer equipped with contagious enthusiasm, who’s vibrant spirit knows no bounds. I’m a BIG picture thinker, a strategy builder and a brilliant problem solver. I believe that when passion and skill collide, magic happens.

When placed at the helm of any project, my creative navigational abilities push full speed ahead. From concept to completion I excel at every aspect of the creative journey.

Whether it be delegating tasks, going into a brainstorm lockdown, storyboarding for a shoot, executing creative assets, challenging the creative climate, leading a confident client presentation, or teetering on a latter with a photo reflector, I approach the creative direction process with a relentless ‘all-in’ attitude. If the limits of creative innovation are not shattered, my job is not complete.