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The Best Black Pens

August 20, 2024 - Posted by Connie to Guides, Gel Pens, Pens, Ballpoint Pens, Markers and Felt Tip Pens, Rollerball Pens
The Best Black Pens

You can find black pens everywhere, but with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? We tested all of our writing instruments and shared the best of the best in this guide. Read on to see high-quality ballpoint pens, gel pens, markers, and more.

Table of Contents
What Pen Type Should I Choose?

Are you unsure what pen type you should choose? We break down the different pen types in the bulleted list below.

  • Ballpoint pens are excellent all-purpose pens. Their oil-based inks dry quickly and resist smearing. However, they can write inconsistently.
  • Gel pens use vibrant, water-based inks. Most gel pens aren’t waterproof and will smear under highlighters.
  • Rollerball pens use fluid, water-based inks. They’re wetter than gel pens and are more likely to bleed through paper.
  • Markers are great for bold headers and writing that stands out. Most markers use felt tips that wear down and create broader lines over time.

You can learn more about ink types and their characteristics in our guide.

The Best Black Ballpoint Pens
The Best Black Ballpoint Pen: Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen
The Uni Jetstream is the best low-viscosity ballpoint pen.
The Uni Jetstream is the best low-viscosity ballpoint pen.
The Uni Jetstream is the best black ballpoint pen we’ve ever tried at JetPens. It uses low-viscosity ballpoint ink, which flows more smoothly and consistently than typical ballpoint inks. You can choose from a variety of different body styles, from the slim Jetstream 101 to the stylish Jetstream Premier.

For an even more effortless writing experience, try the Jetstream Lite Touch. Its ink glides across the paper with less pressure compared to original Jetstream ink.

The Jetstream does experience the occasional blob of ink, but we believe its pros far outweigh the cons. Learn more about the Jetstream in our comprehensive guide.

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We Also Tested:
  • Pilot Acro & Acroball Ballpoint Pen: Another low-viscosity ballpoint option is the Pilot Acro. It’s not as smooth as a Jetstream, but the more “textured” writing experience makes it easier to control on smooth paper.
  • Tombow Mono Graph Lite Ballpoint Pen: The Tombow Mono Graph Lite has a needlepoint tip that’s a surprisingly unique feature in the ballpoint world. Needlepoint tips are excellent for precise work because you get a clearer view of the writing area. However, needlepoint tips can be more fragile, so try not to press too hard or drop the pen on its tip.
The Best Pressurized Black Ballpoint Pen: Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pen
The Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pen can write in extreme conditions thanks to its pressurized refill.
The Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pen can write in extreme conditions thanks to its pressurized refill.
The Uni Power Tank uses a special ink refill that writes in extreme conditions. While most pens rely on gravity to write, the Power Tank’s pressurized ink refill uses compressed air to push ink out the tip and onto the paper. This means that the pen can write on wet surfaces, in freezing temperatures, and even upside down.

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We Also Tested:
  • Fisher Space Pen: The Fisher Space Pen is the original pressurized pen. Our favorite version is the Backpacker thanks to its attached keyring. Space Pens have compact, portable bodies, but their slim grip sections are less comfortable to hold for long writing sessions.
  • Tombow AirPress Ballpoint Pen: The Tombow AirPress pressurizes its refill by pressing down on the clicker. Its rugged body and sturdy wire clip makes it a fantastic pen for the outdoor adventurer, though it might look a bit too tactical for the average pen user.
The Best Ergonomic Black Ballpoint Pen: Tombow Zoom 505 Ballpoint Pen
The Tombow Zoom 505 Ballpoint Pen is comfortable to hold.
The Tombow Zoom 505 Ballpoint Pen is comfortable to hold.
The Tombow Zoom 505 is one of our favorite ergonomic pens. Its well-balanced aluminum body and wide rubber grip section encourage your hand to hold the pen gently. This reduces the chances of hand cramps and keeps your writing experience stress free. Its ballpoint ink refill is pleasantly smooth, so you don’t have to press down to get the pen to write.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Fine-Tip Black Ballpoint Pen: Uni Jetstream Edge Ballpoint Pen
The 0.28 mm tip found on the Uni Jetstream Edge is the first ever tip of this size on a ballpoint!
The 0.28 mm tip found on the Uni Jetstream Edge is the first ever tip of this size on a ballpoint!
The Uni Jetstream Edge features a tiny 0.28 mm tip, the first ever on a ballpoint pen! For this record-breaking pen, Uni made sure that it had plenty of features to justify the extra attention. Its tapered needle-point tip offers a clear view of the writing area. The stylish body has a wide grip section and low center of gravity for great stability.

The Edge isn’t perfect, though. Its ink doesn’t flow as consistently as other Jetstream pens, and you’ll experience feedback (the sensation of the paper through the pen tip) while writing. Try the 0.38 mm version instead if you prefer smoother, more consistent ink flow.

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The Best Distraction-Free Black Ballpoint Pen: Pentel Calme Ballpoint Pen
The Pentel Calme Ballpoint Pen has a quiet clicker mechanism that won’t distract you.
The Pentel Calme Ballpoint Pen has a quiet clicker mechanism that won’t distract you.
The Pentel Calme has a clicker mechanism that’s almost silent, so you won’t distract your classmates if you fidget with your pen during the middle of a test. We like the leather-like grip section, which extends very close to the pen’s tip, making it comfortable to hold no matter where you grasp the pen.

The Calme is filled with Pentel’s low-viscosity Vicuña ballpoint ink, which is smooth and vibrant.

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The Best Mini Black Ballpoint Pen: Zebra Techo T-3 Mini Ballpoint Pen
The Zebra Techo T-3 Mini Ballpoint Pen is so small that it can fit in your wallet!
The Zebra Techo T-3 Mini Ballpoint Pen is so small that it can fit in your wallet!
At under four inches long, the Zebra Techo T-3 Ballpoint Pen can fit in your wallet! While it’s very portable, it won’t be comfortable to hold for long writing sessions. Use it for jotting down grocery lists in memo pads instead of meeting notes.

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We Also Tested:
The Best EDC Black Ballpoint Pen: Zebra F Series Ballpoint Pen
The Zebra F-301 is the most basic of the F Series, but it’s an excellent EDC ballpoint pen for those on a budget.
The Zebra F-301 is the most basic of the F Series, but it’s an excellent EDC ballpoint pen for those on a budget.
Zebra F Series Ballpoint Pens are proof that your everyday carry pens can be durable without breaking the bank. They’re made from real stainless steel and available in several different body styles and tip sizes. The F-301 is the most basic of the F Series, while the F-402 has a wider grip section. The F-701 has a cool knurled grip section.

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We Also Tested:
  • LAMY AL-Star Ballpoint Pen: LAMY is well-known for their fountain pens, but their ballpoint pens deserve some attention, too. The LAMY AL-Star is made from durable aluminum and available in fun colors. However, it’s not compatible with many refills.
  • OHTO GS01 Ballpoint Pen: The OHTO GS01 has a hexagonal barrel that becomes cylindrical near the tip so it’s comfortable to hold. It’s made from durable anodized aluminum.
  • TRAVELER'S COMPANY BRASS BALLPOINT PEN: The BRASS BALLPOINT PEN has a long cap that can be posted on the back of the barrel to extend it to a comfortable length. We like that the pen’s wooden and brass sections will patina over time, but if you prefer your pens to always look brand new, you’ll want to skip this one.
The Best Premium Black Ballpoint Pen: Rotring 600 Ballpoint Pen
The Rotring 600 Ballpoint Pen is made entirely of metal and has cool knurled sections.
The Rotring 600 Ballpoint Pen is made entirely of metal and has cool knurled sections.
The Rotring 600 is a premium option for anyone who wants a high-quality ballpoint pen. It’s made entirely of metal, so it has a satisfyingly weighty feel in the hand. Its knurled grip section looks cool and keeps your fingers from slipping. Its only flaw is that the included refill isn’t as dark as we’d like. Thankfully, you can swap it out for another Parker-style ballpoint refill, like the Uni SXR-600 Jetstream.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Black Gel Pens
The Best Capped Black Gel Pen: Uni-ball Signo UM-151 Gel Pen
The Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen is a JetPens bestseller.
The Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen is a JetPens bestseller.
The Uni-ball Signo UM-151 is a bestseller at JetPens, and for good reason. Everything about this gel pen makes it a joy to use: its conical tip is sturdy enough to stand up to heavy-handed use, and the pigment-based ink flows well and is both water and fade resistant.

The Signo isn’t just available as a capped pen, though; retractable bodies are also available. You can learn more about them in our comprehensive guide.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Retractable Black Gel Pen: Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen
The Zebra Sarasa Clip is a fan favorite gel pen thanks to its excellent performance and handy clip.
The Zebra Sarasa Clip is a fan favorite gel pen thanks to its excellent performance and handy clip.
The Zebra Sarasa Clip is a fan-favorite gel pen that’s almost as popular as the Signo UM-151. Its ink is water and fade resistant and flows smoothly regardless of the tip size you choose. The clip has a spring-loaded mechanism that opens wide, allowing you to attach the pen to thick pockets, notebook covers, and more.

Learn more about the Zebra Sarasa lineup in our guide.

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We Also Tested:
  • Kokuyo ME Gel Pen: We love the Kokuyo ME Gel Pen and its body colors, which are regularly refreshed. The gel ink refill also performs well, but it only comes in one tip size.
  • Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pen: We appreciate that the Paper Mate InkJoy has a rubber grip that extends so close to the tip, which makes it a good fit for those who hold their pens lower on the grip section. However, the InkJoy is available in a limited selection of tip sizes.
  • Pilot Juice Gel Pen: If your gel pens tend to disappear from your desk, the Pilot Juice has a lanyard hole on its clip to keep it close to you at all times. It comes in four tip sizes, from 0.38 mm to 1.0 mm. It’s a good alternative to our retractable top choice, though we find that the Sarasa performs better.
  • Sakura Ballsign iD Gel Pen: If we can cheat a little, the Sakura Ballsign iD Gel Pen comes in several off-black shades that add personality to your writing. The pens don’t have rubber grip sections, so they can be a little uncomfortable if you hold your pens tightly.
The Best Ergonomic Black Gel Pen: Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier Retractable Gel Pen
The Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier pairs Signo gel ink with an ergonomic retractable body.
The Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier pairs Signo gel ink with an ergonomic retractable body.
The Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier puts Signo ink in a comfortable, retractable body. It has a wide, squishy grip section that’s ergonomic to hold and eases pressure from a tight grasp. Its 0.7 mm tip glides smoothly across the paper without needing to press down hard, too.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Fine-Tip Black Gel Pen: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen
The Pilot Hi-Tec-C offers tip sizes as small as 0.25 mm.
The Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen offers tip sizes as small as 0.25 mm.
The Pilot Hi-Tec-C is one of very few pens that offers a fine tip as small as 0.25 mm. Smaller tip sizes generally feel “scratchier” due to the smaller surface area of the tip’s rotating ball, but the Hi-Tec-C’s tip is designed to reduce drag for a smoother writing experience.

However, the Hi-Tec-C’s smaller tip sizes can be a little finicky. They won’t feel as smooth as larger tip sizes and may have some trouble getting started (a quick scribble on a piece of scratch paper usually gets the ink flowing, though).

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We Also Tested:
  • Pentel Slicci Gel Pen: The Slicci is another gel pen with a 0.25 mm tip. We think the writing performance is very similar, though we prefer the slightly thicker grip section of the Hi-Tec-C.
  • Pilot Juice Up Gel Pen: The Pilot Juice Up has a 0.3 mm tip that is slightly broader but performs more consistently than the Hi-Tec-C and Slicci.
The Best Bold-Tip Black Gel Pen: Pentel EnerGel Gel Pen
The Pentel EnerGel Gel Pen strikes the right balance between smooth, bold strokes and reasonable dry times.
The Pentel EnerGel Gel Pen strikes the right balance between smooth, bold strokes and reasonable dry times.
Most gel pens come in broad tip sizes, but we prefer the Pentel EnerGel because it strikes the right balance between smooth, bold strokes and reasonable dry times. In our tests, the EnerGel’s broadest tip (1.0 mm) created lines that dried faster than the competition’s. Though it still took more than 30 seconds to dry, it showed far less smearing, and the only sections that did smear were due to ink “pooling” at the end of lines.

Learn more about the EnerGel in our guide.

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The Best Distraction-Free Black Gel Pen: Zebra bLen Gel Pen
The Zebra bLen Gel Pen is carefully engineered to ensure your writing experience is designed for a stress-free writing experience.
The Zebra bLen Gel Pen is designed for a stress-free writing experience.
The minimalist Zebra bLen Gel Pen makes sure your writing experience is as stress-free as possible. Its “Direct Touch” tip feels cushioned as you write and there aren’t uncomfortable vibrations. The pen’s moving parts fit tightly together and don’t rattle. The satisfying clicker is a little quieter than regular pens, too. The pen’s gel ink glides across the paper, so you won’t have to press down hard and hurt your hand during long writing sessions.

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The Best Erasable Black Gel Pen: Pilot FriXion Gel Pen
The Pilot FriXion Gel Pen uses thermosensitive ink that “erases” better than any other erasable ink we’ve tried.
The Pilot FriXion Gel Pen uses thermosensitive ink that “erases” better than any other erasable ink we’ve tried.
The Pilot FriXion is the best erasable gel pen we’ve ever tried, period. The secret lies in its thermosensitive ink that becomes transparent when exposed to enough heat. To “erase” marks, just rub at the ink with the included rubber “eraser.” The heat generated from friction is enough to make mistakes disappear.

There are some things to keep in mind, though. FriXion ink reacts to any heat, so it’s a good idea to keep your notes away from hot spaces like the inside of a car. Additionally, the black ink isn’t as dark as typical gel inks and can look more like a dark gray (try the Ball Knock Zone if you want a more saturated ink).

Learn more about the FriXion in our comprehensive guide.

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The Best Quick-Drying Black Gel Pen: Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen
IMGDESCRIPTION
We highly recommend to Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen to fast writers and left-handers.
Fast writers and left-handers will appreciate the Zebra Sarasa Dry. Its DRYJELL ink dries 85% faster than conventional inks. It also performs just as well as other Sarasa inks: it’s smooth, dark, and vivid, and the retractable pen body includes the Sarasa Clip’s binder clip. However, we should note that regular Sarasa ink is water resistant, while the Sarasa Dry’s ink is not.

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We Also Tested:
The Darkest Black Gel Pen: Uni-ball One Gel Pen
The Uni-ball One Gel Pen uses specially formulated ink with large pigment particles that stay on the surface of the paper.
The Uni-ball One Gel Pen uses specially formulated ink with large pigment particles that stay on the surface of the paper.
The Uni-ball One uses black ink that’s so rich in color, your other gel pens might look pale in comparison. Its specially formulated ink is made with large pigment particles that stay on the surface of the paper, ensuring that the color won’t look washed out.

We appreciate that the One comes in a variety of body colors and styles, from stealthy all-black pens to match its black ink or pens designed with low centers of gravity for added writing comfort.

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We Also Tested:
  • Zebra Sarasa R Gel Pen: The Zebra Sarasa R is filled with dye-based ink that has 27% more color density than standard pigment-based Sarasa ink. It doesn’t come in as many body styles as the Uni-ball One, but it’s still a great pick.
The Best Black Gel Pen for Crafts: Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pen
The Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pen comes in a variety of effects, including a metallic finish.
The Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pen comes in a variety of effects, including a metallic finish.
Did you know that the Sakura Gelly Roll was the first gel pen ever created? With such an impressive history, it’s no wonder that the Gelly Roll remains one of the most popular gel pens available today. Its smooth, vibrant ink adds unique flair to your craft project.

Stick with the Classic for archival-quality, waterproof, and fade-resistant ink. Or use the Glaze to draw glossy raised lines that look especially cool on nonporous surfaces. The Metallic and Gold Shadow pens use inks with fun glitter effects.

Learn more about the Gelly Roll in our guide.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Mini Black Gel Pen: Uni-ball One P Gel Pen
The Uni-ball One P Gel Pen has a short, wide barrel that’s comfortable to hold.
The Uni-ball One P Gel Pen has a short, wide barrel that’s comfortable to hold.
We love the cute and plump look of the mini-sized Uni-ball One P Gel Pen. Its short, wide barrel fits in a pocket and is comfortable to hold. The clip opens wide and slips neatly over notebook covers and pants pockets. The One P uses the same ink as the One, so writing is dark and easy to read.

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We Also Tested:
  • BIGiDESIGN Mini Click Pen: At under four inches in length, the all-metal BIGiDESIGN Mini Click Pen will travel with you everywhere. It includes gel and ballpoint refills so you can swap them out as needed. Some EDC enthusiasts may wince at its luxury price, though.
  • Kaweco Sport Gel Roller Pen: The Kaweco Sport Gel Pen is compact when capped, but extends to a full-sized pen when the cap is posted on the back of the barrel. The included refill writes like a rollerball pen, so it might bleed through low-quality papers.
  • Pilot G2 Mini Gel Pen: If you prefer a gel pen that’s easily replaceable, the Pilot G2 Mini Gel Pen is a good option. Its gel ink is smooth and vibrant, and the compact but comfortable body ensures you can throw it in any backpack or purse.
The Best EDC Black Gel Pen: BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto EDC Pen
Compatible with dozens of different refills, the BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto EDC is made from real titanium.
Compatible with dozens of different refills, the BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto EDC is made from real titanium.
The BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto EDC Pen makes sure your favorite gel pen has a durable body to stand up to the knocks of life. It’s machined from real titanium and is practically indestructible.

The Ti Arto EDC includes a 0.4 mm black Schneider refill, but it’s compatible with dozens of different refills. It uses an ingenious clutch mechanism to hold refills of different sizes, from full-length Parker-style refills to tiny D1 refills.

To insert your own refill, just turn the grip section clockwise to tighten the clutch around the refill’s tip. Then, adjust the body to the length of the refill.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Premium Black Gel Pen: Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen
The Tactile Turn Bolt Action Gel Pen features a smooth bolt-action retraction mechanism.
The Tactile Turn Bolt Action Gel Pen features a smooth bolt-action retraction mechanism.
Hand-machined from a variety of different metals, the Tactile Turn Bolt Action Gel Pen is a fantastic combination of precise and premium construction. It uses a smooth bolt-action retraction mechanism that’s easy to use and extends the pen tip with one fluid motion. The Bolt Action includes a Pilot G2 refill, but it’s also compatible with other refills.

Choose from two versions: the Slim is about 1.5 mm thinner than the Standard.

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We Also Tested:
  • ATELEIA Pen: The ATELEIA Pen has a simple design that is stripped of extraneous details. It’s a beautiful, minimalist pen, but it can roll away when not in use.
  • CW&T Pen Type-A: The CW&T Pen Type-A includes a Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill and has a protective sleeve engraved with ruled markings.
  • Sakura Craft Lab 001 Gel Pen: This gel pen is inspired by vintage objects like cameras and eyeglasses. We love the nostalgic design of this pen, though the brass grip section can be a bit slippery.
The Best Black Rollerball Pens
The Smoothest Black Rollerball Pen: Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pen
The Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pen has a tip that is surrounded by plastic, which creates less friction on the page.
The Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pen has a tip that is surrounded by plastic, which creates less friction on the page.
The Uni-ball Air glides across the page thanks to its unique tip. Instead of using metal, the tip is surrounded by plastic, which creates less friction on the page. We prefer the 0.7 mm tip size—which creates lines similar to a 1.0 mm gel pen—but a 0.5 mm tip size is also available.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Ergonomic Black Rollerball Pen: Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pen
The ergonomic Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pen is stylish and comfortable to use for long writing sessions.
The ergonomic Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pen is stylish and comfortable to use for long writing sessions.
We previously recommended this pen as an ergonomic ballpoint pen, but the Tombow Zoom 505 is best known for being a rollerball pen. It combines style and comfort in its well-balanced aluminum body.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Fine Tip Black Rollerball Pen: Morning Glory Pro Mach Rollerball Pen
The Morning Glory Pro Mach Rollerball Pen has a 0.38 mm tip that writes true to its tip size.
The Morning Glory Pro Mach Rollerball Pen has a 0.38 mm tip that writes true to its tip size.
For crisp, neat lines, the Morning Glory Pro Mach is more than up to the task. While most rollerball pens tend to write a bit broader than their tip sizes due to the water-based inks soaking into the paper, we found that the Pro Mach’s needle-point tip writes surprisingly true to its 0.38 mm size.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Bold Tip Black Rollerball Pen: OHTO Fude Ball Rollerball Pen
The OHTO Fude Ball Rollerball Pen has a juicy 1.5 mm tip that makes sure your writing is boldly visible.
The OHTO Fude Ball Rollerball Pen has a juicy 1.5 mm tip that makes sure your writing is boldly visible.
Originally created to address postcards and envelopes, the OHTO Fude Ball has a luxuriously broad 1.5 mm tip that makes sure your writing is boldly visible. Fude is Japanese for “brush,” and this rollerball pen produces expressive line variation depending on how much pressure you apply to the tip. As an added bonus, it uses ink that is water resistant and fade resistant.

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We Also Tested:
The Best EDC Black Rollerball Pen: LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen
The LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen is made of durable ABS plastic that’s practically indestructible.
The LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen is made of durable ABS plastic that’s practically indestructible.
The LAMY Safari is a pen that you can take anywhere. It’s made of durable ABS plastic that’s practically indestructible. We also appreciate its triangular grip section, which gently guides your fingers into an ergonomic tripod grasp. If the Safari has one flaw, it’s that it can only use LAMY’s rollerball refills.

Be sure to check out the other LAMY pens with similar bodies, like the AL-Star, Lx, and Vista.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Premium Black Rollerball Pen: Retro 51 Tornado Rollerball Pen
The Retro 51 Tornado is a stylish metal rollerball pen.
The Retro 51 Tornado is a stylish metal rollerball pen.
Retro 51 is all about stylish writing instruments, which include their Tornado Rollerball Pens. After all, the company’s motto is “Life is too short to carry an ugly pen!” We love the themed designs, which include those inspired by Albert Einstein, barber poles, and more.

If you would prefer a less flashy pen, don’t worry; Retro 51 also offers solid-colored options.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Black Markers
The Best Black Fineliner: Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pen
The Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pen features a 0.4 mm tip that works well for writing and sketching.
The Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pen features a 0.4 mm tip that works well for writing and sketching.
The Stabilo Point 88 features a 0.4 mm tip that works well for everyday writing and sketching. Its fineliner tip is reinforced with a metal casing that keeps the tip from fraying and makes it easy to pair with rulers. We love its bright orange barrel, which is simple to find in a cramped pen case.

For a broader tip, check out the Stabilo Pen 68. And for a felt-tip brush, the Stabilo Pen 68 Brush is a great pick.

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We Also Tested:
  • Uni EMOTT Sign Pen: If the Point 88’s bold aesthetic just isn’t to your taste, the Uni EMOTT has a peaceful white barrel with a simple black grip section to remind you of the ink color inside.
The Best Black Retractable Marker: Zebra Clickart Knock Sign Pen
The Zebra Clickart Knock is a uniquely retractable marker.
The Zebra Clickart Knock is a uniquely retractable marker.
Have you ever seen a retractable marker like the Zebra Clickart Knock before? Its convenient felt tip extends with a simple press of its clicker. It even has a handy indicator on the barrel that lets you know when the tip is extended. The ink absorbs moisture from the air to keep it from drying out for a full year. Just make sure the tip is retracted when the pen is not in use.

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The Best Black Permanent Marker: Pilot Name Marker
The Pilot Name Marker uses oil-based ink that writes on porous and nonporous surfaces.
The Pilot Name Marker uses oil-based ink that writes on porous and nonporous surfaces.
The Pilot Name Marker doesn’t look like anything special, but you’ll find plenty of ways to use it. The oil-based ink writes on porous and nonporous surfaces alike, such as cloth, metal, glass, and more. Use it to label your lunch boxes or office tools that mysteriously disappear from your desk. It’s even an excellent pen for laboratory use!

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We Also Tested:
The Best Black Marker for Washi Tape: Pilot Oil-Based Twin Marker
We always recommend the Pilot Oil-Based Twin Marker for writing on washi tapes.
We always recommend the Pilot Oil-Based Twin Marker for writing on washi tapes.
We always recommend the Pilot Oil-Based Twin Marker for writing on washi tapes. While its ink isn’t completely permanent, it writes clearly and legibly on washi tape and doesn’t smear on any of the tapes we tried it on. Be sure to test the marker on your washi tape to make sure it works the way you expect, though.

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The Best Black Marker for Writing: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen
The Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen has a dry-safe feature that keeps the pen from drying out if it’s left uncapped.
The Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen has a dry-safe feature that keeps the pen from drying out if it’s left uncapped.
The Staedtler Triplus is a no-frills fineliner that simply works when you need it to. Its 0.3 mm felt tip is fine enough for general use, and it’s reinforced with a metal sleeve for extra durability. We appreciate its dry-safe feature, which ensures that the pen won’t dry out even if you leave it uncapped for several days. However, we don’t recommend trying it out if you want to make sure your fineliner lasts as long as possible!

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We Also Tested:
  • Marvy Le Pen Marker Pen: If you find that the Staedtler Triplus’ triangular barrel is uncomfortable to hold, give the Le Pen a shot. It has a more traditional rounded barrel.
The Best Black Marker for Art: Sakura Pigma Micron Pen
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens ensure your line art won’t bleed or smear, even when paired with watercolors or alcohol inks.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens ensure your line art won’t bleed or smear, even when paired with watercolors or alcohol inks.
No matter what kind of media you use, Sakura Pigma Micron Pens ensure that your carefully crafted line art won’t bleed or smear. Pigma ink is pigment-based and dries quickly, resists smudging and bleedthrough, and budges only slightly when watercolors or alcohol markers are immediately applied. Pigma Micron pens are available in a variety of nib sizes and types, including felt tip markers, plastic nibs, and brushes.

For a permanent version of the Pigma Micron, check out the Sakura Microperm.

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The Best Black Marker for Technical Drawings: Staedtler Pigment Liner Pen
Technical drawings rely on precise tools just like Staedtler Pigment Liner Pens.
Technical drawings rely on precise tools just like Staedtler Pigment Liner Pens.
Technical drawings rely on precise tools just like Staedtler Pigment Liner Pens. These markers have long metal tips that let you see where you’re drawing. They also keep the felt tips from getting damaged when drawing along rulers and templates.

The Pigment Liner uses permanent black ink that’s archival quality, fade resistant, and acid free. It can be left uncapped for up to eighteen hours without drying out, but do your best to cap your tools when you’re done to make sure they can be used for as long as possible.

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The Best Double-Sided Black Marker for Art: Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot Marker
The Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot Marker has a fun, squishy tip on one end and a fineliner tip on the other.
The Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot Marker has a fun, squishy tip on one end and a fineliner tip on the other.
Simply put, we’re big fans of the Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot. This double-sided marker has a typical fineliner tip on one end and a unique round tip on the other. The round tip is squishy and yields under pressure, allowing you to create dots of multiple sizes by varying how much you press down on the tip. Use it to create bullet points, pointillist masterpieces, or even modern calligraphy.

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We Also Tested:
The Best Black Paint Marker: Uni Posca Marker
The Uni Posca Marker creates bold, opaque lines on any surface.
The Uni Posca Marker creates bold, opaque lines on any surface.
Create bold, opaque lines on any surface with a Uni Posca Marker. The ink can be scraped off nonporous surfaces like glass, and it bonds permanently to porous surfaces like paper and fabric. The Posca comes in a variety of size and tip types, including ultra-fine tips similar to that of fineliners and bold chisel tips.

The Posca is a popular tool for blackboard art because it’s more precise than chalk and much more opaque, too. However, paint pen ink is not erasable from some blackboards. Be sure to test in an unobtrusive space before you begin drawing your next work of art.

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We Also Tested:
  • Pilot Juice Paint Marker: The Pilot Juice Paint Marker is a fun pen that can be used for any arts and crafts project. We especially appreciate its hexagonal body: when you set it down, it won’t roll away. However, because the Juice Paint Marker only comes in two tip sizes, we find it less versatile than the Posca.
  • Sakura Pen-Touch Paint Marker: The Sakura Pen-Touch features bold, opaque ink. It can be used on porous surfaces, but it works best on nonporous surfaces. Like the Juice, the Pen-Touch only comes in two tip sizes.
The Best Black Dry Erase Marker: Pilot Board Master Dry Erase Marker
The Pilot Board Master Dry Erase Marker is specially designed to use up every last drop of ink. It can even be refilled.
The Pilot Board Master Dry Erase Marker is specially designed to use up every last drop of ink. It can even be refilled.
If you’re tired of squeaky dry erase markers that leave faint marks, add a Pilot Board Master to your pen case. It uses a twin pipe feeder (TPF) system that allows ink to flow out and air to flow in, so you can use up every last drop of ink. Once the marker is empty, you can pop in a cartridge to refill it.

The Standard Board Master has replacement tips and ink cartridges available, letting you reuse the same body over and over again. The Board Master S doesn’t have replaceable tips, but it does have a magnet and eraser on the cap.

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We Also Tested:
More Resources
General Pen Guides
Ballpoint Pen Guides
Gel Pen Guides
Rollerball Pen Guides
Marker Guides
Conclusion

If you can’t get enough of your favorite color, check out our Shop By Color page! We’ve gathered pens, notebooks, office accessories and more in colors across the spectrum. Are you interested in seeing pen recommendations in your favorite colors? Let us know what you want to see next in the comments below.

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The JetPens Fine Tip Pen Sampler includes a set of ballpoint pens, gel pens, and more.
The JetPens Fine Tip Pen Sampler includes a set of ballpoint pens, gel pens, and more.
Are you ready to try a variety of black pens but aren’t sure where to start? Pick up a JetPens Pen Sampler! We’ve curated sets of black pens so you can find the perfect writing instrument for you. Our Fine Tip Pen Sampler includes ballpoint pens, gel pens, and even a fountain pen. Or, if you already have a preferred ink formulation, you can pick from ballpoint samplers, gel pen samplers, and more.

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The Best Black Ballpoint Pens
Product Tip Sizes Add to Cart
Pentel Calme Ballpoint Pen - 0.5 mm - Turquoise Blue Body - Black Ink Pentel Calme Ballpoint Pens 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Rotring 600 Ballpoint Pen - 1.0 mm - Black Rotring 600 Ballpoint Pens 1.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Tombow Zoom 505 Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm - Silver (Gold) Tombow Zoom 505 Ballpoint Pen 0.7 mm Add to Cart
Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm - Alpha Gel Grip Series - Black Body Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pens 0.28 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Body - Black Ink Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pens 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra F-701 Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Ink Zebra Stainless Steel Retractable Ballpoint Pens 0.7 mm, 1.6 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra Techo T-3 Mini Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Ink Zebra Techo T-3 Mini Ballpoint Pen 0.7 mm Add to Cart
The Best Black Gel Pens
Product Tip Sizes Add to Cart
BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto EDC Titanium Pen - Stonewashed BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto EDC Pens 0.4 mm Add Items to Cart
Pentel EnerGel Infree Gel Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Pentel EnerGel Gel Pens 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Pilot FriXion Ball Knock Zone Retractable Gel Pen - 0.5 mm - First Light Pink Pilot FriXion Gel Pens 0.3 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen - 0.4 mm - Black Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pens 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm Add Items to Cart
Sakura Glaze Gel Pen - Black Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pens 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Tactile Turn Slim Bolt Action Pen - Titanium Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pens 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni-ball One P Gel Pen - 0.5 mm - Grape Body - Black Ink Uni-ball One Gel Pens 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier Retractable Gel Pen - 0.7 mm - Silver Body - Black Ink Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier Retractable Gel Pens 0.7 mm Add to Cart
Uni-ball Signo UM-151 Gel Pen - 0.38 mm - Black Uni-ball Signo UM-151 Gel Pens 0.28 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra bLen Gel Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Body - Black Ink - Pack of 2 Zebra bLen Gel Pens 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen - 0.3 mm - Black Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pens 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen - 0.4 mm - Black Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pens 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Black Rollerball Pens
Product Tip Sizes Add to Cart
LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen - Medium Point - Charcoal LAMY Safari Rollerball Pens Medium Add Items to Cart
Morning Glory Pro Mach Rollerball Pen - 0.38 mm - Black Morning Glory Pro Mach Rollerball Pen 0.38 mm Add to Cart
OHTO Fude Ball Rollerball Pen - 1.5 mm - Black OHTO Fude Ball Rollerball Pen 1.5 mm Add to Cart
Retro 51 Tornado Vintage Metalsmith Rollerball Pen - 0.7 mm - P-51 Mustang Retro 51 Tornado Rollerball Pens 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Tombow Zoom 505 META Rollerball Pen - 0.5 mm - Hairline Black Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pens 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pens 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Black Markers
Product Tip Sizes Add to Cart
Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot Double-Sided Marker - Black Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot Double-Sided Marker 0.5 mm / Dot Add to Cart
Pilot Board Master S Dry Erase Marker with Eraser - Extra Fine Point - Black Pilot Board Master Dry Erase Markers Fine, Medium, Broad Add Items to Cart
Pilot Name Marker - Double-Sided - Extra Fine / Fine Pilot Name Markers Extra Fine / Fine, Fine Add Items to Cart
Pilot Oil-Based Twin Marker - Double-Sided - Extra Fine / Fine - Black Pilot Oil-Based Twin Marker Extra Fine / Fine Add to Cart
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen - Size 005 - 0.2 mm - Black Sakura Pigma Micron Pens 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pen - 0.4 mm - Black (46) Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pen 0.4 mm Add to Cart
Staedtler Pigment Liner Marker Pen - 0.7 mm - Black Staedtler Pigment Liner Pens 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 2.0 mm Add Items to Cart
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen - 0.3 mm - Black Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen 0.3 mm Add to Cart
Uni Posca Paint Marker PC-1M - Black - Extra Fine Point Uni Posca Markers 0.7 mm, 1.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 5.5 mm, 8 mm, 15 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra Clickart Knock Sign Pen - 0.6 mm - Black Zebra Clickart Knock Sign Pen 0.6 mm Add to Cart
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