Pens are a common writing tool that we often use. But now, in the age of computers and the internet, are pens still important? Many people take notes on computers. Many also use their phones to take pictures of notes from lectures or teachers. Even so, I still consider pens to be important. Although I am a programmer and often write on a computer, I still write some things down on paper.
Since 2013, I’ve tried to make writing on paper a daily routine. I feel the need to write on paper because, according to several sources, writing on paper is very beneficial. Some benefits of writing on paper include: improving memory, boosting creativity, enhancing focus, reducing stress, and improving fine motor skills.
Pens in My Life
To be able to write on paper, of course, I need a writing tool. Currently, the pen I usually use is a fountain pen. I’ve tried several writing instruments before finally settling on a fountain pen. Some of my favorite pens before using a fountain pen include:
Ballpoint Standard Pen AE7
This ballpoint pen is very affordable. I usually buy this ballpoint pen in a box. Unfortunately, because it’s cheap, this ballpoint pen often gets lost. The good thing about using this ballpoint pen is that the ink is very black and flows very smoothly. Because it flows too smoothly, it often feels like when writing for a long time, there are ink droplets that bubble up at the tip of the pen, so it has to be cleaned before writing again.
Snowman V5 Ballpoint
I like this ballpoint pen because there are several color options, namely black, red, and blue. I also like it because it’s mechanical, so there’s no need to keep the pen cap. My experience with standard is that the caps are often lost. Unfortunately, after a few months, the writing made by the Snowman will appear to have a yellow shadow.
Zebra Sarasa Clip
My next favorite ballpoint pen is the Zebra Sarasa Clip. This gel ballpoint pen has become my favorite because with this ballpoint pen, I don’t need to buy pens very often. If the ink is empty, I can buy the refill without having to buy the case again. Sarasa has a wide variety of colors, but not all refill colors are easy to find. Usually, only the basic colors are sold as refills, namely black, red, and blue.
Less Favorite Pens
There’s one ballpoint pen that I tried but didn’t become my favorite, the Parker Jotter. I tried this pen because I once received it as a gift. Parker is actually a very good brand. The body is thick and can be engraved, so it is often given as a gift. I’m not so fond of using it because the ink color is not bright enough.
After using various pens, I felt like something was missing. As someone who loves to write, I need a different writing instrument. Of course, I browsed what kind of pen was the most comfortable. Finally, I came across something called a Fountain Pen. A premium pen that looks classic. Throughout my life until then, I had never seen a friend, relative, sibling, or anyone else using a fountain pen. Finally, I was moved to try it.
My first fountain pen was a Parker. Unfortunately, my first experience with a fountain pen was not very interesting and I almost thought about not using it again. But after finding the right fountain pen, it felt very pleasant.
This is a brief story about my pens. Next time I will share my experiences using a fountain pen. What are the fountain pen brands, types of fountain pens, how to use them, and how to choose the right fountain pen.
