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. In this guide, we’ll recommend our favorite ergonomic pens and offer some tips and tricks for preventing hand injury.
We evaluated all of our picks to ensure you’re aware of any tricky packaging that could aggravate hand pain. The Dr. Grip G-Spec Ballpoint Pen is packaged in a thin plastic shell that folds over a card backing, held in place by small tabs. The Dr. Grip Full Black Ballpoint Pen is packaged in a plastic clamshell that is sealed by a small sticker. With either packaging, 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.
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 also want to note that if our pens are still too narrow, you can seek out more specialized writing aids.
Learn more about the Pentel EnerGel by checking out our dedicated guide.
Uni’s Alpha Gel grip takes this pen from good to great. It’s made of soft silicone that cushions and supports fingers, making it ideal for writers with a lateral or death grip. Our Alpha Gel guide details all of the writing instruments in this supportive product line.
We should note that this pen comes in a plastic shell that requires grip strength and fine motor control to pry open. You don’t have to remove or cut the sticker on the side to open the packaging.
The Pilot Penmanship comes in plastic packaging with a flap that’s sealed with adhesive. It can be opened either with scissors or by peeling the flap with some fine motor control.
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.
The Best Ergonomic Pen | |||||||
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Recommendation | Tip Size | Length | Grip Diameter | Weight | Grip Quality | Add to Cart | |
Pilot Dr. Grip Ballpoint Pen* | 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm | 13.8 cm | 12.0 mm | 0.69 oz | Firm silicone with some give | Add Items to Cart | |
Ergonomic Gel Pen Recommendations | |||||||
Recommendation | Tip Size | Length | Grip Diameter | Weight | Grip Quality | Add to Cart | |
Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier Retractable Gel Pen* | 0.7 mm | 11.4 cm | 13.4 mm | 0.69 oz | Extremely cushioned rubber | Add to Cart | |
Pentel EnerGel X Gel Pen | 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm | 14.8 cm | 10.9 mm | 0.4 oz | Firm rubber | Add Items to Cart | |
Ergonomic Ballpoint Pen Recommendations | |||||||
Recommendation | Tip Size | Length | Grip Diameter | Weight | Grip Quality | Add to Cart | |
Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel Grip Ballpoint Pen* | 0.7 mm | 14.1 cm | 13.0 mm | 0.77 oz | Extremely cushioned silicone | Add Items to Cart | |
Sakura Grosso Ball Ballpoint Pen | 0.7 mm | 14.4 cm | 12.8 mm | 0.46 oz | Firm rubber | Add Items to Cart | |
Ergonomic Rollerball Pen Recommendations | |||||||
Recommendation | Tip Size | Length | Grip Diameter | Weight | Grip Quality | Add to Cart | |
Tombow Zoom 505* | 0.5 mm | 15.6 cm | 10.5 mm | 1.08 oz | Firm rubber | Add Items to Cart | |
Stabilo Bl@ck & Worker Rollerball Pens | 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm | 15.7 cm | 10.4 mm | 0.46 oz | Firm rubber | Add Items to Cart | |
Ergonomic Fountain Pen Recommendations | |||||||
Recommendation | Tip Size | Length | Grip Diameter | Weight | Grip Quality | Add to Cart | |
Pilot Penmanship Fountain Pen | Extra Fine | 14.8 cm | 11.2 mm | 0.29 oz | Firm, shaped plastic | Add Items to Cart | |
LAMY Nexx Fountain Pen* | Extra Fine, Medium, Left-Handed, A | 15.5 cm | 11.8 mm | 0.57 oz | Firm, shaped rubber | Add Items to Cart |