The Best Ergonomic Pens

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.

Video: 9 Ergonomic Pens to Try in 2019

What is The Best Ergonomic Pen?

Pilot Dr. Grip Ballpoint Pen

The Pilot Dr. Grip Ballpoint Pen is the best ergonomic pen.

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The Pilot Dr. Grip Ballpoint Pen is the best ergonomic pen. It boasts an innovative double layer grip design in which the outer layer is firm while the inner layer is soft, providing ideal softness while still 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 an “Ease of Use” commendation by the Arthritis Foundation.

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.

Read our guide to learn more about the gel pen, multi pen, and mechanical pencil forms of the Pilot Dr. Grip.

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.

Shape

Generally, pens that are long, balanced, and thick are considered more ergonomic.

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 smooth curves—all in the pursuit of the perfect ergonomic shape.

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.

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. A top-heavy pen sways with each stroke, forcing the hand to grip harder to compensate.

Grip

A good pen grip can help alleviate finger discomfort, especially during long writing sessions.

A good pen grip can help alleviate finger discomfort, especially during long writing sessions. We recommend a rubber grip that is gentler and easier for fingers to grasp 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—a very tight grip that often causes hand pain—probably needs a squishier pen grip that can absorb the extra squeezing force.

Ink Flow

A pen with good ink flow reduces the amount of exerted force required when writing, minimizing 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 low-viscosity 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

Pentel EnerGel-X Gel Pen

The Pentel EnerGel-X Gel Pen has fast-drying ink and a lightweight body.

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While the Pentel EnerGel is a gel pen favorite for its smooth, fast-drying ink, it’s also great for preventing hand discomfort. Its latex-free Comfort Zone grip and lightweight body 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. And since EnerGel ink is quick-drying, it’s ideal for left-handed writers. The EnerGel-X doesn’t include any packaging, but it does have a tip protector that requires some fine motor control to remove.

Learn more about the Pentel EnerGel by checking out our dedicated guide.

Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier Retractable Gel Pen

The Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier was designed for those with strong grips—its squishy rubber grip makes it easy to hold.

The Uni-ball Signo 207 Premier Gel Pen was designed for those with strong grips—its squishy rubber grip makes it easy to hold.

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The Uni-ball Signo 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 backing card that requires scissors or significant force to open.

Ergonomic Ballpoint Pens

Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel Grip Ballpoint Pen

The Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel Grip Ballpoint Pen has not only an ergonomic body but also a smooth and reliable ink formula.

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The Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel Grip Ballpoint Pen has not only an ergonomic body but also a smooth and reliable ink formula. Regular ballpoint ink is viscous and requires pressure to create consistent lines, which can lead to hand fatigue and pain. Uni combats the bad rap that ballpoint pens get with their low-viscosity Jetstream ink that flows exceptionally well.

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.

Sakura Grosso Ball Ballpoint Pen

The wide body of the Sakura Grosso helps prevent cramping during long writing sessions, while the grip section provides support for your fingers.

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The wide body of the Sakura Grosso 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. The Grosso doesn’t come with packaging, but it does have a tip protector that requires some fine motor control to remove.

Ergonomic Rollerball Pens

Stabilo Bl@ck & Worker Rollerball Pens

The soft, rubber-coated bodies of these Stabilo Rollerball Pens are reprieves from hard plastic pens that are frequently found in the workplace.

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The soft, rubber-coated bodies of these Stabilo Rollerball Pens are reprieves from hard plastic pens that are frequently found in the workplace. The rubber exteriors help your fingers rest comfortably in place and help prevent them from slipping. The pen bodies also have small nubs that keep the pen from rolling away while uncapped. Their free-flowing rollerball inks provide delightful writing experiences with almost no pressure. The Bl@ck and Worker Rollerball Pens have no packaging or tip protectors.

Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pen

The Tombow Zoom 505 has a thick rubber grip and a low center of gravity that is ideal for writing quickly with ease.

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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 Zoom 505 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

Pilot Penmanship Fountain Pen

The Pilot Penmanship is a lightweight fountain pen with a smooth elongated body and purposefully indented grip for maximum comfort.

The Pilot Penmanship Fountain Pen is a lightweight fountain pen with a smooth elongated body and purposefully indented grip for maximum comfort.

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Targeted towards students as a pen for writing practice, the Pilot Penmanship is a lightweight fountain pen with a smooth elongated body and purposefully indented grip for maximum comfort. Its grip is made of hard plastic and is comparatively narrow. The Penmanship has an extra fine nib which makes it a great option for those seeking crisp lines, but its precision can also emphasize hand tremors and make your writing look shaky. Additionally, it requires fine motor control and some pressure to install an ink cartridge or fill a converter with ink.

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.

LAMY Nexx Fountain Pen

The LAMY Nexx features an aluminum body that provides a pleasant weight and doesn't require pressure to write.

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The LAMY Nexx features an aluminum body that provides a pleasant weight and doesn't require pressure to write. Its triangular rubber grip guides and supports your fingers. Writers with arthritis or hand pain will appreciate its wide body. However, installing ink cartridges might be inconvenient, as precise pressure must be applied to get a cartridge working. Additionally, a converter requires the ability to grasp the converter’s knob and turn it to fill with ink.

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.

Ergonomic Tips

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

Optimal pen holding reduces the chances of pain and injury.

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.

Left-Handed Writing Tips

Gripping the pen about 1" to 1.5" away from the tip can be helpful for left-handed writers.

Left-handers 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" to 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.

More Resources

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!

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The JetPens Ergonomic Gel Pen Sampler includes many of our favorites if you're not sure which pen to try first.

Can't pick a favorite, or want to test multiple pens to find the best fit? Streamline the process by picking up one of our ergonomic pen samplers.

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The Best Ergonomic Pen
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

* Asterisks mark our recommendations for writers experiencing arthritis or other chronic hand pain.