Rollerball Pens
Rollerball pens use liquid or low-viscosity ink that flows onto the page with less pressure than a ballpoint, giving you a smooth, wet line. Our range covers Uni-ball Jetstream and Uni-ball Eye pens in 0.7mm and 1.0mm tip options, plus Dats rollerball pens with a 0.5mm nib, built for everyday writing, journaling and long note-taking sessions.
How to choose a rollerball pen
Start with what you want to write, then pick the pen. If you take pages of notes or write in a journal, you want ink that keeps up without you having to press down. A 0.7mm tip handles most daily writing cleanly. A 1.0mm gives you a bolder line for signatures, headings or quick notes you want to read at a glance.
Think about whether you prefer a retractable click or a capped pen. Retractable suits a pocket or a desk you reach for often. A capped pen tends to protect the tip better if it's rattling around in a bag.
A sensible starting point from the range above is the Uni Jetstream SXN217 0.7mm in a 4 pack. It's forgiving, quick drying for a liquid-feel ink, and comfortable for long sessions.
Rollerball, gel or ballpoint
The three ink types feel very different on paper. Here's the plain-English version.
|
Ink type |
Dry time |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
Rollerball (liquid) |
Slower, can bleed on thin paper |
Smooth writing, journaling |
|
Gel |
Slower, vivid colour |
Coloured notes, lettering |
|
Ballpoint |
Fast, low smudge |
Forms, carbon copies, left-handers |
If you want brighter colour and don't mind a slower dry, our gel pens are the better fit.
Tip sizes and line width
Tip size changes how your writing looks and how much ink sits on the page. A 0.7mm nib, like the Uni-ball Eye UB157 or the Jetstream SXN217, gives you a clean everyday line that suits most notebooks. Step up to 1.0mm with the Jetstream SXN210 and you get a bolder, more confident stroke. Many people prefer that weight for signing or scrawling quick reminders.
Paper matters more than most people expect. Thin pads around 70gsm can show bleed with liquid ink. Heavier notebook paper generally handles liquid ink better, but bleed-through and ghosting also depend on the paper’s sizing, coating and absorbency.
Uni-ball Jetstream and Eye rollerballs
We stock the Uni Jetstream SXN217 0.7mm in black, blue and assorted-colour 4 packs. The SXN210 1.0mm comes in black and blue 4 packs. The capped Uni-ball Eye UB157 0.7mm comes in black, blue and assorted-colour 4 packs. The capped Uni-ball Eye UB157 fine rollerball comes in 0.7mm 4 packs across the same colour options. The Dats Rollerball 3 pack is the lower-cost everyday option in black, blue or core colours.
If you've landed here searching for Pilot V5 or Pilot G2, you're looking at similar fine liquid or gel ink pens. We don't currently stock Pilot rollerballs on this page, but the Uni-ball Eye UB157 is the closest match for a capped fine liquid ink feel. Browse the wider all pens range if you want to compare.
Everyday or premium rollerballs
Budget everyday. The Dats Rollerball 3 pack from $3.49 suits school, kids and bulk use where you just need something that writes and doesn't cost much if it goes missing.
Mid-range workhorse. The Uni-ball Eye UB157 4 pack from $16.99 is a capped fine liquid ink pen built for daily writing, with a consistent line you can trust across a full notebook.
Premium smooth. The Uni Jetstream SXN217 and SXN210 4 packs from $21.99 use hybrid low-viscosity ink that glides with very little pressure. Kinder on your hand over long writing sessions.
Why shop with Riot
- 40+ years serving Australian art and craft
- House brands including Holcroft, Art Star, Birch, The Paper Mill and The Clay Studio
- Customer support Monday to Friday, one business day reply aim
- Shipping and returns across Australia with clear policies
FAQs
What is a rollerball pen?
A rollerball pen uses liquid or low-viscosity ink delivered through a small rolling ball at the tip. The ink flows more freely than a ballpoint, so you get a smoother, wetter line with less pressure. That makes rollerballs a popular pick for journaling, note-taking and anyone who writes for long stretches.
Rollerball vs gel pen, what's the difference?
Rollerball ink is water or liquid based and gives a flowing, slightly wetter line. Gel ink is pigmented and thicker, which produces bolder, more vivid colour but takes a touch longer to dry. For fast everyday writing, rollerball wins. For coloured notes and lettering, gel is often the better call.
Do rollerball pens smudge?
They can, especially on thin or coated paper, and if you're left-handed and drag your hand across fresh ink. On standard 80 to 100gsm notebook paper, a 0.7mm rollerball dries quickly enough for most writers. If smudging is a regular issue, a ballpoint or a Jetstream hybrid ink pen will usually sit drier on the page.
Are rollerball pens refillable?
Many are, depending on the model. Refillability depends on the model. The Jetstream SXN210 and SXN217 accept model-specific Jetstream refills, although refill availability should be checked before ordering. The Uni-ball Eye UB157 and Dats three-packs in this range are not refillable. Check the specific product page for the matching refill code before buying. Lower-cost options like the Dats 3 pack are designed as disposable everyday pens.
Are Uni-ball Jetstream pens rollerballs or ballpoints?
Jetstream pens sit in the rollerball family commercially, but they use a hybrid low-viscosity ink rather than traditional free-flowing liquid ink. The result is a smoother feel than a standard ballpoint with faster drying than a classic liquid rollerball like the Uni-ball Eye UB157. If quick dry matters, Jetstream is the pick.
Do you deliver pens across Australia?
Yes. We ship nationwide and publish full shipping, exchange and returns information on the site. Our support team is available Monday to Friday and aims to reply within one business day if you need help choosing the right pen or sorting out an order.