Ever since the Pilot Hi-Tec-C pen revolution started decades ago, pen companies in Japan have been competing to introduce newer and better gel pen lines. Each pen comes with an entourage of glorious new colors and multiple tip sizes. Though the Pilot Hi-Tec-C is the cornerstone for thin gel pens, each new line introduced every year has its own attractions. For example, the tips of the Uni-Ball Signo DX and the Pentel Slicci are much sturdier than the Pilot Hi-Tec-C, and thus can withstand a heavy hand and more pen writing abuse. Alternatively, the Uni-Ball Signo Bit has a very delicate tip but can write in an amazing 0.18 mm line, almost half the width of the thinnest Pilot Hi-Tec-C.

Another factor to consider when choosing a perfect pen is how waterproof it is. A chart showcasing different inks subjected to water is shown here. Whichever pen you decide upon, we know that you will be very impressed with the writing ability and construction of Japanese pens.

The following are some close-up pictures of the pen tips for four of the most popular gel pens on JetPens. From left to right the pens are:

Uni-Ball Signo DX, Pentel Slicci, Pilot Hi-Tec-C, and Uni-Ball Signo Bit.