Match ink to market demand – not supplier hype
1. Core Technology Differences
| Spec | Ballpoint | Gel | Rollerball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Base | Oil-based (viscous) | Water-based (low viscosity) | Water-based (aqueous) |
| Ball Material | Tungsten carbide (1.0mm) | Ceramic (0.5-0.7mm) | Stainless steel (0.7mm) |
| Drying Time | 0.5-2 sec | 1-3 sec | 5-15 sec |
| Line Darkness | Medium (0.7-0.9 OD) | High (1.1-1.3 OD) | Very high (1.3+ OD) |
| Smear Resistance | Excellent | Good | Poor |
Key Insight: Gel pens dominate 68% of non-ballpoint sales globally (ISSA 2025 Report).
2. Market Application Guide
🏢 Office/Administrative Use
- Ballpoint Wins:
- Carbon copy forms (no smudging)
- Low-cost consumables (¥0.08/unit in Yiwu)
🎓 Education Sector
- Gel Dominates:
- Smooth writing reduces hand fatigue
- Vibrant colors engage students
🎨 Creative/Artistic Use
- Rollerball Shines:
- Ink flow mimics fountain pens
- Blendable for shading techniques
📦 Logistics & Industrial
- Ballpoint Essential:
- Writes on thermal labels (gel smears)
- Works in -20°C to 60°C (gel freezes/evaporates)
3. Cost & Sourcing Reality (FOB Yiwu)
| Metric | Ballpoint | Gel | Rollerball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Cost | ¥0.08-0.15 | ¥0.20-0.40 | ¥0.35-0.60 |
| MOQ | 3,000 pcs | 5,000 pcs | 10,000 pcs |
| Ink Refill Cost | ¥0.03 | ¥0.07 | ¥0.10 |
| Defect Rate | 0.5-1% | 3-5% (tip drying) | 8-12% (leakage) |
Yiwu Truth: 40% of “gel pens” use rebranded ballpoint mechanisms – verify with ink viscosity tests.
4. Regional Preference Insights
- North America: Gel (60% share) – prefers 0.7mm bold lines
- Europe: Rollerball (55% share) – archival quality for legal docs
- Middle East: Ballpoint (70% share) – heat resistance > smoothness
- Southeast Asia: Gel (80% share) – vibrant colors for student packs
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