Rollerball vs Ballpoint

[kevin nee]

I have made lots of pens and don’t understand the difference between Rollerball & Ballpoint refills. What are the benefits or advantages of each. In layman’s term please.

[roger wiegand]

https://www.pens.com/blog/rollerball-vs-ballpoint-pens/

Their quick summary: "Rollerball pens use water-based inks, and writing is sharper and more vibrant. Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink, and writing is lighter and more deliberate."

In my hands the writing action of a rollerball is much more fluid and both the feel and look are closer to that of a good fountain pen. Personally, I hate the feel of a ball point on paper, it's right up there with fingernails on the chalk board. Others disagree, of course. Back when I did a lot of writing by hand I only used fountain pens, now of course, I just type.