If you need a pen that writes well under deadline pressure—like when you're prepping materials for a last‑minute meeting or fixing a client's order 36 hours before delivery—Pentel's Energel RTX is my pick for a retractable gel pen that doesn't quit. I've tested over 200 pens in the past three years while coordinating rush orders for event materials, and the Energel RTX consistently hits the mark. And while you're here: yes, I'll also cover the Pentel ink brush (great for calligraphy), how to use a highlighter for actual study (and yes, even light makeup touch‑ups in a pinch), and throw in two calculators that folks often need—a1c calculator for health math and percent decrease calculator for quick markdowns.
Bottom Line: The Energel RTX Is Worth Your Money
Honestly, the Energel RTX retractable gel pen is about the most reliable disposable gel pen I've used in a professional setting. It dries fast—like, really fast—so you can write notes in a rush without smudging across the page. The grip is comfortable for long writing sessions, and the retractable mechanism means you won't lose a cap. Last quarter alone, I ordered 48 of these for a corporate client who needed them in 72 hours. They arrived on time, and not one complaint about leaking or skipping.
But I should be careful: it's not perfect. If you're a lefty who writes with a heavy hand, you might still get occasional smudges on certain papers. At least, that's been my experience with coated stock. For standard copy paper, it's great.
Pentel Ink Brush: A Surprise Hit for Signature and Art
The Pentel ink brush is something I initially dismissed as too niche. Then my boss needed to sign 50 certificates for an award ceremony—the kind where fountain pen ink would feather on the cheap paper. We grabbed a few ink brush pens from the stationery closet, and they were perfect. The brush tip gives you line variation like a real brush, but the ink is consistent and water‑based, so it won't bleed through. (Should mention: we tested 6 different brands of brush pens in 2024, and Pentel's held up best after 4 days of continuous use.)
If you're doing calligraphy or illustration, the ink brush is a solid choice. It's not as flexible as a real sable brush, but for everyday artistic work, it's more than enough. And replacement ink cartridges are easy to find.
How to Use a Highlighter (Pen) — Yes, Even for Makeup
Pentel makes a range of highlighters, from the classic Handy‑Line to the slim liquid highlighters. Here's what I've learned: don't press hard. Most people press too hard, which deposits too much ink and makes the page bleed. Instead, let the tip glide lightly. If you're highlighting textbooks, the Pentel fluorescent pastels are my favorite because they're bright enough to pop but not blinding.
And about the makeup angle—I know this is a stretch, but some folks use a highlighter pen as an eyeliner or facial accent in a makeup emergency. I've seen it happen at a trade show. The Pentel Handy‑Line is water‑based, so it's not eye‑safe, but for temporary cheek highlighter patches? It works in a pinch. Better to use proper cosmetics, but hey, we've all been there.
Two Calculators You Might Need (While You're Here)
Since you're browsing productivity tools, here are two calculators I keep open in my browser:
- A1C Calculator – converts average blood glucose to estimated A1C. Handy if you're managing diabetes or just want a health check. The formula is: eAG = (28.7 × A1C) – 46.7. But I just bookmark a reliable online a1c calculator.
- Percent Decrease Calculator – useful when you're negotiating a rush fee or calculating markdowns. For example, if a $500 rush fee is 15% of the base cost, the percent decrease from original price is easy to get wrong. A percent decrease calculator beats mental math every time.
These aren't related to Pentel, but keeping them in the same tab helps when I'm juggling numbers for a client's budget.
When These Pens DON'T Work
Here's the honest part: the Energel RTX is not for every situation. If you need a pen that writes on glossy surfaces (like CDs or plastic), the gel ink will bead up. Use a permanent marker instead. And if you're doing a high‑precision drafting line, a mechanical pencil (like Pentel's GraphGear) is better. The ink brush? It's messy if you let it sit uncapped for even 10 minutes—the tip dries out fast. Store it horizontally.
Also, for left‑handed writers: the Energel dries fast, but not instantly. Test your paper first. Some ultra‑smooth papers (like Rhodia) still smear if you underline immediately.
Bottom line: Pentel gets the fundamentals right. Their Energel RTX, ink brush, and highlighters are workhorses for anyone who needs writing tools that won't let you down under a deadline. And yes, I keep that a1c calculator and percent decrease calculator bookmarked too—because in my job, every percentage point matters.
