Pens are often advertised as being ergonomic, but this word tends to dissolve into a haze of marketing speak. What makes a pen ergonomic? There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution, since ergonomics vary from person to person, depending on hand shape and size as well as medical conditions, such as carpal tunnel or arthritis. This guide will help you parse through ergonomic pen options and also give some tips and tricks for preventing hand injury.
Table of Contents
Characteristics of Ergonomic Pens
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when selecting an ergonomic pen. Here is an overview of qualities that are conducive to comfortable writing.
If you have arthritis or another chronic pain condition that makes it difficult to write, it’s best to look for a wide pen that you don’t have to grip tightly. We’ve highlighted our best options in the recommendations, but we also want to note that if our pens are still too narrow, you can seek out more specialized writing aids.
Shape
Wider pens are easier to grasp.
Generally, pens that are long, balanced, and thick are considered more ergonomic because they are easier to physically grasp. Manufacturers have also played with various designs, and as a result, there are pens with hourglass figures, chiseled contour lines, and even pens that follow one smooth curve—all in the pursuit of the perfect ergonomic shape.
Weight
The weight of an ergonomic pen is carefully balanced.
A pen should be light enough to hold comfortably, but heavy enough so that it doesn’t require too much pressure to write. Most ergonomic pens are tip-heavy for this reason—the weight naturally pushes the tip down, whereas a top-heavy pen sways with each stroke, forcing the hand to grip harder to compensate.
Grip
Grips exist for all pen-holding styles.
A good grip can help alleviate finger discomfort, especially during long writing sessions. We recommend a rubber grip that is gentler and easier for fingers to stick to as opposed to slippery metal or plastic surfaces. Grips range from extremely soft and cushioned to firm and grooved. Choosing the right grip depends on how you hold the pen. For example, someone with a death grip probably needs a squishier pen grip.
Ink Flow
Wet ink flow reduces hand fatigue.
A pen with good ink flow reduces the amount of exerted force required when writing, minimizing fatigue. For this reason, some people prefer using gel or rollerball pens for their juicy flow. However, ballpoint pens have come a long way—many brands now offer smooth flowing inks in their ballpoint pens, which yield legible, attractive letters and characters.
Packaging
A thick plastic clamshell is harder to open than a thin plastic bag.
We checked the packaging of the pens we recommend for writers with arthritis and hand pain to make sure you’re fully aware of potential pain points before purchasing.
Thick plastic blister packaging takes a lot of force to tear or cut open, while a cardstock box or a simple plastic bag don’t need as much strength or precise motor control.
Ergonomic Pen Recommendations
Ergonomic Gel Pens
While the Pentel EnerGel is a gel pen favorite for its smooth, fast-drying ink, it’s also great for preventing hand discomfort, as it comes with a latex-free Comfort Zone grip and a lightweight body that provide extended writing control. It comes in 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm tip sizes, which are ideal because they are big enough to prevent feedback, but thin enough to create neat, precise lines.
The 207 Premier was designed for those with strong grips—its squishy rubber grip makes it easy to hold. For those with large hands, it is a more comfortable alternative than a skinny, small pen.
Due to its wider size and smooth ink flow, it’s also a good option for writers with arthritis or chronic hand pain. A caveat: it’s packaged in a plastic shell sealed to a thick backing card that requires scissors or significant force to open.
Ergonomic Ballpoint Pens
This award-winning pen boasts an innovative double layer grip design in which the outer layer is firm while the inner layer is soft, providing ideal softness while offering support. It also has an optimal weight balance, featuring a tip-heavy body that makes it easier to write. All these traits have won it a commendation for Ease of Use by the Arthritis Foundation.
The Dr. Grip is packaged in a thin plastic shell that folds over a card backing, held in place by small tabs. It doesn’t take a lot of force to open, but it does require either scissor usage or grip strength combined with fine motor control.
The wide body of the Sakura Grosso pen helps prevent cramping during long writing sessions, while the grip section provides support for your fingers. The rubber grip is firm, making it great for more relaxed grips, and has a subtle curve to guide your fingers to the correct position.
Ergonomic Rollerball Pens
The soft, light rubber-coated body of the Stabilo Worker Colorful rollerball pen is a reprieve from hard plastic pens that are frequently found in the workplace. The high-quality nickel silver tip provides an extremely smooth writing experience while dispensing the latest Stabilo liquid ink technology.
The Zoom 505 represents over 20 years of fine design from Tombow, winning the international “IF Design Award” in 1990. While it has a durable aluminum body, the Tombow Zoom 505 rollerball pen also has a thick rubber grip and a low center of gravity that is ideal for writing quickly with ease. The Tombow Zoom’s ink flows effortlessly, and its wider grip makes it the best rollerball pen we carry for those with arthritis or hand pain. As a plus, it’s packaged in a simple plastic bag.
Ergonomic Fountain Pens
Targeted towards students as a pen for writing practice, the Pilot Penmanship Fountain Pen is a light fountain pen with a smooth elongated body and purposefully indented grip for maximum comfort. It has an extra fine nib which makes it a great option if you want to create precise, clean lines.
While it creates just enough feedback to get a heavy fountain pen feel, the Lamy Safari doesn’t scratch or feather. With a sleek and simple design, it has the elegance of a fountain pen without the heaviness. Its thick body and light weight make the Lamy Safari a convenient pen for long writing sessions. Additionally, it has a smooth, triangulated grip to support fingers.
The Lamy Nexx features a similar ergonomic shape as the Safari but is a slightly heavier option. Its aluminum body provides a pleasant weight that doesn't require much pressure to write, while its grip is a triangulated shape to support your fingers. Writers with arthritis or hand pain will appreciate its wide body and rubber grip. However, installing ink cartridges might be inconvenient, as precise pressure must be applied to get a cartridge working. The Nexx is packaged in a cardstock box that folds shut (no glue or other fasteners to deal with), and the packaging material is thin enough that it can be torn open.
Posture and Form
Posture
Comfortable, fatigue-free writing starts with good posture.
Comfortable, fatigue-free writing starts with good posture. No matter how ergonomic a pen is, it is only supplementary to good posture. Practicing bad posture may lead to injuries such as cramping, fatigue, and other serious pain. To reduce the chance of sustaining ergonomic injuries, here are some simple steps to follow, especially if you’re sitting in an office or classroom for prolonged periods of time:
- Sit up straight and keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.
- Rest your back against the chair for support.
- Keep your shoulders and arms relaxed.
- Don't sit for long periods of time. Take a stretch break every once in a while!
Form
Have a relaxed grip.
Pen form is also important. Hands and wrists are put through the wringer each day, making them prone to injury. Here are some tips for optimal pen holding:
- Have a relaxed grip. A lighter grip means less stress on the fingers.
- Hold the pen in a tripod position, anchored by the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.
- Try not to press too hard with the forefinger. This can lead to cramping, so instead, keep the forefinger arched.
- Prevent strain on the fingers and wrists by moving the whole arm when writing, rather than just the fingers.
Lefty Tips
Grip the pen about 1-1.5" away from the tip to see what is being written.
Lefties will find some of the tips below useful. For specific left-handed tips, check out our guide to left-handed pens and writing supplies.
- Grip the pen about 1-1.5" away from the tip to see what is being written without having to adopt a "hooked" posture.
- Use quick-dry pens or a smudge glove to avoid smudges instead of contorting the hand. Use the pinky as a pivot to lift the palm off the paper.
- Tilt the paper to keep the arm at a right angle to the bottom of the paper to better view your writing.
- Keep the hand below the writing line rather than above, as that can injure the wrist.
Conclusion
It’s never too late to fight against bad habits. Ergonomic pens and posture can go a long way in terms of preventing long-term injuries. Let us know your favorite ergonomic pens in the comments below!
* Asterisks mark our recommendations for writers experiencing arthritis or other chronic hand pain.
| Products | Ink Type | Tip Size | Length (cm) | Grip Diameter (mm) | Weight (oz) | Ink Flow | Grip Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier* | Gel | 0.7 | 14 | 12.7 | 1 | Superb | Extremely cushioned |
| Pentel EnerGel | Gel | 0.5, 0.7 | 14.7 | 10.9 | 0.4 | Superb | Firm |
| Pilot Dr. Grip* | Ballpoint | 0.7 | 13.8 | 12 | 0.9 | Great | Firm with some give |
| Sakura Grosso Ball | Ballpoint | 0.7 | 14.4 | 12.8 | 0.46 | Good | Firm |
| Tombow Zoom 505* | Rollerball | 0.5 | 15.6 | 11.3 | 1.1 | Good | Cushioned |
| Stabilo Worker Colorful | Rollerball | 0.5 | 15.7 | 10.4 | 0.5 | Good | Extremely cushioned |
| Pilot Penmanship | Fountain | Extra Fine | 14.8 | 11.2 | 0.29 | Good | Plastic is rounded and chiseled to fit fingers |
| Lamy Safari | Fountain | Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad | 16.5 | 11.8 | 0.53 | Superb | Rounded and shaped to fit fingers |
| Lamy Nexx* | Fountain | Extra Fine, Fine, Medium | 15.7 | 11.8 | 0.67 | Superb | Firm rubber is rounded and shaped to fit fingers |
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