For journaling, the right gel pen set comes down to ink smoothness, quick drying, and comfort during long writing sessions. My top pick overall is the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, 14 Count, because its 0.7mm medium point glides across journal paper with minimal pressure and its color variety covers daily journaling without overwhelming beginners. If your journaling leans toward decorative spreads and doodles, the TANMIT 36 Colors Gel Pens Set offers the broadest palette with extra ink volume, while the Kaco PURE 20-Piece Set is the stronger choice if quick-dry performance and a comfort grip matter most for note-heavy pages. The main tradeoff in this category is between large color sets built for coloring and smaller sets built for everyday writing, since more colors often means more skipping and slower drying. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all 13 sets.
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Key Takeaways
- Writing-focused sets (Kaco PURE, Ddaowanx, Taja) consistently beat large art sets on drying time and line consistency, making them better for daily journal pages.
- The Paper Mate InkJoy 14-count won best overall because it balances color variety, 0.7mm smoothness, and reliability better than any single-purpose set.
- Giant sets like the Aen Art 160 Pack are ideal for coloring and decoration but include more duplicate colors than most journalers will ever use.
- Retractable designs (Mr. Pen, Ddaowanx, Paper Mate) prevent lost caps during journaling sessions, a small detail that matters more over time than most buyers expect.
- Fine 0.5mm tips suit compact journal layouts and small handwriting, while 0.7mm to 1.0mm points produce bolder lettering for headers and decorative spreads.
| Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, 14 Count, Medium Point (0.7mm) |  | Best Overall | Point size: 0.7mm medium | Count: 14 pens, assorted colors | Ink type: Gel, fast-drying (3x faster drying formula) | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Aen Art Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books, 30 Colors |  | Best for Creative Journaling and Coloring | Point size: 0.8–1.0mm fine | Count: 30 pens | Ink types: 4 classic, 6 fluorescent, 6 pastel, 6 glitter, 8 metallic | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ddaowanx Retractable Gel Pens, 6 Pack, 0.5mm Quick Dry Black |  | Best Everyday Writing Pen | Point size: 0.5mm fine | Count: 6 pens, black ink | Ink type: Quick-dry gel, fade and smudge resistant | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Kaco PURE Colored Gel Pens 0.5mm, 20 Piece Set |  | Best Premium Minimalist Set | Point size: 0.5mm fine | Count: 20 pens, 20 different ink colors | Ink type: Quick-drying gel, no skipping or clogging | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| FIOVER Colored Gel Pens 6 Pack, 0.7mm Medium Point |  | Best Starter Set for New Journalers | Point size: 0.7mm medium | Count: 6 pens, assorted colors | Ink type: Quick-drying gel, smear and smudge resistant | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Aen Art Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books, 160 Pack |  | Best Bulk Pick for Decorative Journaling | Total pieces: 160 (80 pens + 80 refills) | Color range: 11 Glitter, 18 Metallic, 18 Pastel, 18 Neon, 6 Rainbow, 9 Classic | Tip size: 0.8mm–1mm ballpoint | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| YOXMJDB 6 Pcs Vintage Gold Colored Gel Pens, 0.5mm |  | Best Gift-Ready Aesthetic Set | Count: 6 pens | Tip size: 0.5mm fine point | Ink type: Hybrid gel, assorted colors | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Taja Gel Pens, 6 Pcs Quick Dry Black Ink, 0.5mm, Pastel Barrels |  | Best Quick-Dry Daily Writer | Count: 6 pens | Ink color: Black (all pens) | Tip size: 0.5mm fine point | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens, 12 Pack, Colorful Ink, 0.7mm |  | Best Starter Set for Color-Coded Journaling | Count: 12 pens | Ink colors: 12 assorted | Tip size: 0.7mm fine point | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ddaowanx Colored Gel Pens, 0.5mm Fine Point |  | Best Minimalist Everyday Carry | Count: 6 pens | Tip size: 0.5mm fine point | Ink feature: Quick-drying, fade- and smudge-resistant | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TANMIT 36 Colors Gel Pens Set for Adult Coloring Books with 40% More Ink |  | Best Variety for Decorative Journaling | Color count: 36 pens (12 glitter, 10 metallic, 7 neon, 6 pastel, 1 classic) | Tip size: 0.8–1.0mm fine point | Ink capacity: 40% more ink than standard | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Pentonic Glitter Gel Pens, 10 Count, 10 Assorted Colors, 1.0 mm Bold Point |  | Best Glitter-Only Pick | Color count: 10 glitter pens, 10 assorted colors | Tip size: 1.0mm bold point | Ink type: Low-viscosity glitter gel | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Kaco PURE Gel Pens 20 Macaron Color Ink Assorted 0.7mm Medium Point Pens |  | Best Everyday Writing Set | Color count: 20 macaron pastel shades | Tip size: 0.7mm medium point | Ink type: Quick-drying water-based gel | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| gel pen sets journaling | Count | Tip size | Ink type | Best uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens | 14 pens, assorted colors | — | Gel, fast-drying (3x faster drying formula) | Journaling, note-taking, doodling, planners |
| Aen Art Gel Pens for Adult Col | 30 pens | — | — | — |
| Ddaowanx Retractable Gel Pens | 6 pens, black ink | — | Quick-dry gel, fade and smudge resistant | Journaling, diary, sketching, note-taking |
| Kaco PURE Colored Gel Pens 0.5 | 20 pens, 20 different ink colors | — | Quick-drying gel, no skipping or clogging | Journaling, note-taking, planner layouts |
| FIOVER Colored Gel Pens 6 Pack | 6 pens, assorted colors | — | Quick-drying gel, smear and smudge resistant | Journaling, note-taking, planners, sketching, cards |
| Aen Art Gel Pens for Adult Col | — | 0.8mm–1mm ballpoint | — | — |
| YOXMJDB 6 Pcs Vintage Gold Col | 6 pens | 0.5mm fine point | Hybrid gel, assorted colors | — |
| Taja Gel Pens | 6 pens | 0.5mm fine point | — | — |
| Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens | 12 pens | 0.7mm fine point | — | — |
| Ddaowanx Colored Gel Pens | 6 pens | 0.5mm fine point | — | — |
| TANMIT 36 Colors Gel Pens Set | — | 0.8–1.0mm fine point | — | Journaling, coloring books, scrapbooking, doodling |
| Pentonic Glitter Gel Pens | — | 1.0mm bold point | Low-viscosity glitter gel | Journaling accents, notetaking, art projects, large handwriting |
| Kaco PURE Gel Pens 20 Macaron | — | 0.7mm medium point | Quick-drying water-based gel | Journaling, note-taking, color-coded writing |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, 14 Count, Medium Point (0.7mm)
Paper Mate InkJoy earns the top spot because it solves the single biggest journaling frustration: smudging. The fast-drying ink sets the standard here, drying noticeably faster than standard gel formulas, which matters enormously for lefties and anyone who writes quickly across a two-page spread. Compared with the Kaco PURE set, the InkJoy line trades a slightly sleeker barrel for a full-length comfort grip that wraps the whole pen — a real difference during long journaling sessions. The 14-color palette hits a sensible middle ground: more range than the 6-pack FIOVER set without overwhelming a planner spread the way a 30- or 36-color kit can. The tradeoff is tip size — 0.7mm is too broad for hyper-detailed lettering or tiny bullet journal grids, where a 0.5mm option like the Ddaowanx black pens does cleaner work.
Pros:- Ink dries fast to resist smearing, even for left-handed writers
- Ergonomic grip runs the full length of the barrel for long sessions
- 14 colors cover journaling needs without excess
- Smooth, consistent ink flow with minimal skipping
Cons:- 0.7mm tip is too broad for very fine detail or small handwriting
- Fewer specialty inks (no glitter or metallic options) than larger art sets
Best for: Daily journalers and note-takers who want dependable, smear-resistant color across a balanced palette
Not ideal for: Fine-line artists and micro-letterers — the 0.7mm point is too broad for intricate detail work
- Point size:0.7mm medium
- Count:14 pens, assorted colors
- Ink type:Gel, fast-drying (3x faster drying formula)
- Grip:Full-length ergonomic comfort grip
- Closure:Retractable
- Best uses:Journaling, note-taking, doodling, planners
Our verdict“If you journal every day and want one reliable set that balances comfort, color range, and smudge resistance, this is the set to buy first.”
Aen Art Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books, 30 Colors
Where the Paper Mate InkJoy set is built for writing, the Aen Art 30-color set is built for decoration. Its standout strength is ink variety: five distinct types — classic, fluorescent, pastel, glitter, and metallic — give journal spreads the layered, dimensional look that a flat-color set simply cannot replicate. The claim of 40% more ink per pen also matters more here than it would in a writing set, because glitter and metallic pens typically run dry fast, and this set reduces that frustration. The 0.8–1.0mm tips handle coloring and bold headers well, though that width is the same reason it falls short for small handwriting. Acid-free, non-toxic ink makes it classroom-safe too. Compared with the larger 160-pack Aen Art option, this 30-pen set trims redundancy while keeping every ink category represented — a smarter buy for most journalers.
Pros:- Five ink types (classic, fluorescent, pastel, glitter, metallic) in one set
- Extra ink capacity reduces mid-project dry-outs
- Acid-free, non-toxic ink conforms to ASTM-D4236
- Soft grip and smooth glide suited to long coloring sessions
Cons:- Tip sizes up to 1.0mm limit precision on small details
- No individual pen storage case mentioned, which complicates organizing 30 pens
Best for: Journalers and coloring-book enthusiasts who decorate spreads with glitter, metallic, and pastel accents
Not ideal for: Bullet journalists with small handwriting or dense layouts — the 0.8–1.0mm tips are too broad for fine text
- Point size:0.8–1.0mm fine
- Count:30 pens
- Ink types:4 classic, 6 fluorescent, 6 pastel, 6 glitter, 8 metallic
- Ink features:40% more ink, acid-free, non-toxic, water-resistant
- Safety standard:ASTM-D4236 compliant
- Grip:Soft comfort grip
Our verdict“This is the pick when your journaling leans decorative — headers, doodles, and colored-in spreads — rather than text-heavy daily entries.”
Ddaowanx Retractable Gel Pens, 6 Pack, 0.5mm Quick Dry Black
Not every journaling pen needs to be colorful. The Ddaowanx 6-pack focuses exclusively on doing one thing well: clean, quick-drying black ink through a precise 0.5mm point. That fine tip makes it the natural companion — or rival — to the FIOVER 6-pack: FIOVER covers the same count in color, while Ddaowanx doubles down on the ink most journal pages actually use. The retractable mechanism means no caps to lose mid-session, and the pocket clip keeps a pen attached to your notebook cover so it’s always where you left it. Minimalist styling suits professional settings where a glitter pen would look out of place. The obvious tradeoff is zero color variety — this set can’t decorate a spread or color-code a planner on its own, so it functions best alongside a color set rather than instead of one.
Pros:- 0.5mm fine point suits small handwriting and dense pages
- Quick-drying, fade-resistant ink keeps pages neat
- Retractable design eliminates lost caps
- Sturdy clip attaches to notebooks and bags for portability
Cons:- Black ink only — no color options in this set
- Basic build lacks the comfort features of grip-forward options like the Paper Mate InkJoy
Best for: Text-focused journalers, students, and professionals who mainly write in black and value a fine, clean line
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants to color-code or decorate spreads — this set offers no color variety at all
- Point size:0.5mm fine
- Count:6 pens, black ink
- Ink type:Quick-dry gel, fade and smudge resistant
- Closure:Retractable with clip
- Grip:Soft grip
- Body material:Alloy steel and plastic
- Best uses:Journaling, diary, sketching, note-taking
Our verdict“Buy this as your daily-driver writing pen if your journal is mostly words, and pair it with a color set for accents.”
Kaco PURE Colored Gel Pens 0.5mm, 20 Piece Set
Kaco PURE occupies a different lane than everything else here: it’s the set for people who care how the pen feels in the hand as much as how the ink looks on the page. The soft-touch matte barrel and lightweight ABS construction give it a more refined, design-forward feel than the chunkier Aen Art coloring set, and it shows — this is the set you’d leave out on a desk. Functionally, the 0.5mm quick-drying tips put it closer to the Ddaowanx black pens in precision, but with 20 colors instead of one. The PET storage box is a genuine plus for keeping colors ordered. The compromise is price-per-color and ink load: 20 pens at this tier cost more than comparable 30-pen budget sets, and the slim barrels hold less ink than the extended-capacity Aen Art pens, so heavy colorists will run through them faster.
Pros:- Original soft-touch design that’s light and comfortable for long writing
- 0.5mm tips deliver fine, precise lines for detailed journal layouts
- Quick-drying, skip-free ink keeps pages clean
- Includes a PET storage box to keep all 20 colors organized
Cons:- Fewer colors per dollar than larger budget sets
- Slim barrels carry less ink than high-capacity art pens
Best for: Design-conscious journalers and professionals who want precise 0.5mm color writing in a polished, giftable set
Not ideal for: Heavy coloring-book users — slim barrels hold less ink than high-capacity art sets like the Aen Art 30-pack
- Point size:0.5mm fine
- Count:20 pens, 20 different ink colors
- Ink type:Quick-drying gel, no skipping or clogging
- Body material:ABS with soft-touch finish
- Storage:Includes PET storage box
- Best uses:Journaling, note-taking, planner layouts
Our verdict“This is the set for journalers who treat stationery as part of the hobby’s pleasure — precise, quick-drying color in a beautifully made package.”
FIOVER Colored Gel Pens 6 Pack, 0.7mm Medium Point
The FIOVER 6-pack is the low-commitment entry point into colored journaling. Six pens is enough to establish a color-coding system without the decision fatigue of a 20- or 30-color set — you pick your six, you use them all. The fast-drying, no-smudge formula is the feature FIOVER leans on hardest, and it’s explicitly pitched at left-handed writers and fast note-takers, which directly challenges the Ddaowanx black set: same count and clip design, but with color. The retractable mechanism protects tips and prevents dried-out ink, a real benefit for beginners who forget caps. The honest drawback is ceiling: six colors runs out of range quickly once you start doodling or header-decorating, at which point the Paper Mate InkJoy 14-count becomes the more sensible upgrade. Think of this as a trial set — or a genuinely good small gift — rather than a destination purchase.
Pros:- Six curated colors are ideal for simple color-coding systems
- Fast-drying ink explicitly suited to left-handed and fast writers
- Retractable design protects tips and prevents ink drying out
- Comfortable grip supports longer writing sessions
Cons:- Only six colors — quickly outgrown by decorative journaling
- 0.7mm tips lack the precision of 0.5mm alternatives like the Kaco PURE set
Best for: Journaling beginners, students, and gift-givers who want a small, affordable colored set to start with
Not ideal for: Anyone past the beginner stage — six colors will feel limiting for decorative spreads and detailed color work
- Point size:0.7mm medium
- Count:6 pens, assorted colors
- Ink type:Quick-drying gel, smear and smudge resistant
- Closure:Retractable with sturdy clip
- Grip:Comfort grip for extended use
- Best uses:Journaling, note-taking, planners, sketching, cards
Our verdict“A smart first purchase if you’re new to journaling or want a low-risk gift; upgrade to a larger set once you know which colors you actually reach for.”
Aen Art Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books, 160 Pack
Most journalers eventually hit the same wall: plain ink feels flat, and decorative spreads call for glitter, metallic, pastel, neon, and rainbow inks in one place. The Aen Art 160-pack solves that by pairing 80 individual colors with 80 matched refills, which effectively doubles the lifespan of every pen compared with a standard set. Compared with the TANMIT 36 Colors set, this option trades TANMIT’s simplicity for sheer range — you get specialty finishes TANMIT doesn’t offer, plus a premium carrying case with individual inserts instead of loose packaging. The 0.8mm–1mm tip is a real tradeoff, though: it’s built for filling color and making bold accents, not for tiny handwriting. The claimed 40% more ink also means slightly wetter lines that need a moment to dry on smooth journal paper.
Pros:- 80 unique colors across six ink finishes (glitter, metallic, pastel, neon, rainbow, classic)
- Every pen comes with a matched refill, doubling usable life
- Carrying case with individual inserts keeps the set organized and portable
- Non-toxic, acid-free ink safe for paper crafting and skin contact
- Includes 5 practice coloring sheets for testing ink styles
Cons:- 0.8mm–1mm ballpoint tips are too broad for small, precise handwriting
- Glitter and neon inks can smudge on smooth journal paper without dry time
Best for: Decorative journalers and adult-coloring enthusiasts who build full-page spreads and want every specialty finish in one organized case
Not ideal for: Minimalist bullet journalists who mostly write small text — the 0.8mm+ tips are too broad for fine handwriting, and 160 pens is overkill for a text-first notebook
- Total pieces:160 (80 pens + 80 refills)
- Color range:11 Glitter, 18 Metallic, 18 Pastel, 18 Neon, 6 Rainbow, 9 Classic
- Tip size:0.8mm–1mm ballpoint
- Ink capacity:40% more ink than standard refills
- Ink safety:Non-toxic, acid-free
- Includes:5 coloring sheets, carrying case with individual inserts
- Closure:Capped
Our verdict“A sprawling, refill-backed set for journalers whose pages look more like illustrated spreads than written notes.”
YOXMJDB 6 Pcs Vintage Gold Colored Gel Pens, 0.5mm
Some journalers want pens that look as good on the desk as they write, and this is where the YOXMJDB vintage gold set earns its spot. While the Ddaowanx colored 6-pack goes for a minimalist look and similar ink, YOXMJDB leans into gold-accented barrels that make the set feel like a keepsake rather than stationery filler — a real advantage if this is headed for a gift box. The 0.5mm fine tip with hybrid ink is the same precision class as the Taja black-ink set, but here each pen writes in a different color, which suits color-coded planners and margin notes. The honest tradeoff: six pens is a small palette. Anyone expecting the variety of the Kaco PURE 20-piece set will find this thin on options, and the metallic-finish barrels show fingerprints and wear faster than plain plastic.
Pros:- Vintage gold barrel design gives the set a premium, giftable appearance
- 0.5mm fine tips with hybrid ink deliver skip-free, precise lines
- Six assorted ink colors support color-coded journaling systems
- Compact 6-piece format travels easily in a pen case
Cons:- Only six colors limits palette flexibility for decorative spreads
- Metallic barrel finish shows fingerprints and scuffs over time
Best for: Gift buyers and aesthetic-focused journalers who want a small, elegant color-coded set for daily planner use
Not ideal for: Color-hungry artists who need a wide palette — six pens can’t cover decorative spreads the way larger sets can
- Count:6 pens
- Tip size:0.5mm fine point
- Ink type:Hybrid gel, assorted colors
- Design:Vintage gold accents
- Tip style:Roller ball
- Use cases:Journaling, note-taking, color-coded organization
Our verdict“A stylish, fine-point six-pack that makes the most sense as a gift or a desk-showcase set for planner journalers.”
Taja Gel Pens, 6 Pcs Quick Dry Black Ink, 0.5mm, Pastel Barrels
Where other sets in this roundup compete on color count, the Taja set competes on writing comfort for the person who actually journals in paragraphs. Six pens, all black quick-dry ink, all 0.5mm fine points, wrapped in pastel barrels — the format mirrors the Ddaowanx 6-piece black set, but Taja separates itself with a cushioned grip, a pocket clip, and a mute click mechanism. That silent retraction sounds like a gimmick until you’re writing in a library or during a meeting. Compared with the YOXMJDB vintage gold set, Taja gives up color variety entirely in exchange for a cleaner daily-writing experience. The drawbacks are real: quick-dry gel ink runs out faster than ballpoint, and six identical black pens means no color-coding at all — this is a writing set, not a decorating set.
Pros:- Quick-dry ink keeps pages clean during fast, continuous writing
- Cushioned grip reduces fatigue in longer journaling sessions
- Mute click retraction stays silent in libraries and meetings
- Retractable design with pocket clip for carrying convenience
Cons:- All six pens write the same black ink — no color variety
- Gel ink depletes faster than ballpoint under heavy daily use
Best for: Long-form journalers and students who write mostly in black ink and value comfort, speed, and quiet use
Not ideal for: Journalers who color-code entries or decorate spreads — every pen writes the same black ink
- Count:6 pens
- Ink color:Black (all pens)
- Tip size:0.5mm fine point
- Ink feature:Quick-drying, skip-free
- Mechanism:Retractable with mute click
- Grip:Soft cushioned
- Barrel design:Pastel colors, pocket clip
Our verdict“The right pick if your journal is mostly words and you want pens that disappear into the writing rather than the decoration.”
Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens, 12 Pack, Colorful Ink, 0.7mm
For someone building their first journaling kit, the Mr. Pen 12-pack hits a sensible middle ground that most sets here miss. Twelve colors is enough for a full color-coding system — one shade per category of your life — without the overwhelm (or price jump) of the Kaco PURE 20-piece set or the 160-pen Aen Art set. The 0.7mm tip with quick-dry ink sits between the ultra-fine 0.5mm YOXMJDB pens and Aen Art’s broad 0.8mm+ tips, which makes it forgiving for both handwriting and light doodling. The comfort grip is designed for longer sessions without cramping. Tradeoffs exist: 0.7mm is not fine enough for very small planner boxes, and twelve colors still won’t cover decorative spreads the way a 30- or 36-color set would, so ambitious spread-builders will outgrow it.
Pros:- 12 assorted colors cover a full color-coding system without excess
- Quick-dry ink resists smudging during normal writing speed
- Comfort grip reduces hand fatigue in longer sessions
- Retractable design — no caps to lose mid-journaling session
Cons:- 0.7mm tip is too broad for very small planner boxes and fine detail work
- Only 12 colors — decorative journalers will outgrow the palette quickly
Best for: Journaling beginners who want a manageable 12-color palette for color-coded entries and light doodling
Not ideal for: Left-handed writers prone to smearing — 0.7mm quick-dry gel helps but is not smudge-proof like true fast-dry formulas
- Count:12 pens
- Ink colors:12 assorted
- Tip size:0.7mm fine point
- Ink feature:Quick-dry, smudge-resistant
- Mechanism:Retractable
- Grip type:Smooth comfort grip
- Ink base:Water-based gel
- Hand orientation:Ambidextrous
Our verdict“The most balanced entry point in this lineup: enough color to build a system, not so much that a beginner pays for ink they’ll never open.”
Ddaowanx Colored Gel Pens, 0.5mm Fine Point
The Ddaowanx colored 6-pack is the set for journalers who believe less is more. Six retractable pens in a modern minimalist design, each writing a different color, with 0.5mm fine tips and quick-drying ink — functionally it sits close to the YOXMJDB vintage gold set, but the styling is quieter and more desk-neutral, which suits people who carry pens to work or class. The clip design is the standout practical touch: these clip firmly to a notebook or bag, so the set works as an everyday-carry kit rather than a stay-at-home collection like the bulkier Aen Art 160-pack. The compromises are straightforward. Six colors is the bare minimum for color coding, the ink selection is basic rather than artistic (no glitter, metallic, or pastel finishes), and the brand’s quality control is less established than names like Paper Mate or Mr. Pen.
Pros:- Slim minimalist design works in professional and classroom settings
- 0.5mm fine tips with fade-resistant, quick-drying ink suit everyday writing
- Sturdy clips attach securely to notebooks and bags for portability
- Retractable mechanism eliminates lost caps
Cons:- Only six basic colors — no specialty finishes for decorative work
- Lesser-known brand means less consistent long-term quality assurance
Best for: No-fuss journalers, students, and commuters who want a small clip-and-go colored set for notes and daily entries
Not ideal for: Decorative or artistic journalers — no specialty inks and only six colors rules out creative spreads
- Count:6 pens
- Tip size:0.5mm fine point
- Ink feature:Quick-drying, fade- and smudge-resistant
- Mechanism:Retractable
- Design:Modern minimalist with carry clip
- Use cases:Diary, sketching, scrapbooking, gift cards
Our verdict“A quiet, clip-ready six-pack for journalers whose notebooks travel with them and whose color needs stay simple.”
TANMIT 36 Colors Gel Pens Set for Adult Coloring Books with 40% More Ink
Most gel pen sets force a choice between shimmer and subtlety, but TANMIT splits its 36 pens across four finish families — glitter, metallic, neon, and pastel — plus a classic black. For a journaler who alternates between highlight-heavy spreads and softer doodle pages, that range is the whole appeal. Compared with the Aen Art 160 Pack, this set trades sheer quantity for curation: you get every finish type without duplicates cluttering your pen cup. The 40% more ink claim translates to fewer mid-project dry-outs, a real annoyance with budget glitter pens. The tradeoff is the tip: at 0.8–1.0mm, lines run broader than the 0.5mm Ddaowanx pens, so tiny lettering gets muddy. Glitter and neon finishes also demand drying time or you risk smearing onto the opposite page.
Pros:- Four distinct finish types (glitter, metallic, neon, pastel) in one set
- Extra ink capacity reduces dry-out frustration
- Soft comfort grips for long coloring sessions
- Acid-free, non-toxic ink conforming to ASTM D-4236
Cons:- Broader tips limit precision work compared with 0.5mm alternatives
- Glitter and neon inks need extra drying time to avoid smudging
- Capped design means a lost cap can ruin a pen quickly
Best for: Journalers and coloring enthusiasts who want glitter, metallic, neon, and pastel finishes in one organized set
Not ideal for: Fine-line lettering artists — the 0.8–1.0mm tips are too broad for detailed script or planner grids
- Color count:36 pens (12 glitter, 10 metallic, 7 neon, 6 pastel, 1 classic)
- Tip size:0.8–1.0mm fine point
- Ink capacity:40% more ink than standard
- Grip:Soft comfort grip
- Safety certification:ASTM D-4236, acid-free, non-toxic
- Closure type:Capped
- Best uses:Journaling, coloring books, scrapbooking, doodling
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for journalers who decorate as much as they write and want maximum finish variety without buying multiple sets.”
Pentonic Glitter Gel Pens, 10 Count, 10 Assorted Colors, 1.0 mm Bold Point
Where TANMIT spreads glitter across a mixed set, Pentonic commits fully: ten pens, ten colors, all shimmer. That single-minded focus pays off in consistency — the low-viscosity ink flows without the skipping that plagues cheaper glitter formulas, and the quick-dry design means less waiting before closing your journal. The 1.0mm bold tip is deliberately broad, which suits big headers, titles, and hand-lettered accents far better than body text. If your journaling style leans toward statement pages rather than dense notes, this is the tighter, more focused buy. The tradeoff is obvious: no metallics, no pastels, no everyday neutrals beyond a single black. It complements rather than replaces a core set like the Paper Mate InkJoy 14-pack, and left-handed writers may still catch smudges despite the fast-dry claim.
Pros:- Consistent low-viscosity ink flow without skipping
- Quick-drying glitter formula works on most paper types
- Full-size pens with durable matte black barrels
- Ten distinct glitter colors including gold and silver
Cons:- Glitter-only lineup can’t serve as a standalone journaling set
- 1.0mm bold point is too thick for small handwriting or details
- Broader tips use ink faster than finer alternatives
Best for: Journalers who want bold, consistent glitter ink for titles, headers, and decorative accents
Not ideal for: Anyone seeking an all-in-one set — there are no matte or pastel options for everyday writing
- Color count:10 glitter pens, 10 assorted colors
- Tip size:1.0mm bold point
- Ink type:Low-viscosity glitter gel
- Drying:Quick-drying formula
- Barrel:Matte black with nickel silver tip
- Best uses:Journaling accents, notetaking, art projects, large handwriting
Our verdict“This set is best treated as a sparkle supplement for journalers who already own solid everyday colors and need reliable shimmer for headings.”
Kaco PURE Gel Pens 20 Macaron Color Ink Assorted 0.7mm Medium Point Pens
While the TANMIT and Pentonic sets lean decorative, the Kaco PURE is built for actual writing. The 0.7mm medium point hits the sweet spot between the muddy 1.0mm Pentonic bold tip and the scratchy-fine 0.5mm Ddaowanx pens, and the macaron palette of twenty muted shades gives bullet journals a cohesive, soft-toned look instead of neon chaos. The retractable click mechanism is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade over capped sets — no lost caps mid-journal session — and the instant-dry water-based ink keeps left-handers smudge-free. It shares the Kaco PURE comfort barrel with the 0.5mm 20-piece version already in this roundup, so the choice comes down to line weight preference. The catch: water-based ink is not water-resistant, so a spilled drink or damp page will bleed your entries, and the soft pastel shades show up faintly on darker or textured paper.
Pros:- Retractable design eliminates lost-cap problems entirely
- 0.7mm tip balances precision with smooth ink flow
- Instant-dry ink prevents smudging for fast writers
- Lightweight soft-touch barrel comfortable for long sessions
Cons:- Not water-resistant — moisture will ruin entries
- Soft macaron shades lack contrast on dark or textured paper
- No glitter or metallic options for decorative spreads
Best for: Daily journalers and note-takers who want a full palette of soft, coordinated colors in comfortable click pens
Not ideal for: Anyone whose journal travels or faces moisture — the water-based ink smears and runs when wet
- Color count:20 macaron pastel shades
- Tip size:0.7mm medium point
- Ink type:Quick-drying water-based gel
- Closure type:Retractable
- Body material:ABS with soft-touch coating
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
- Features:Lightweight, refillable, ambidextrous grip
- Best uses:Journaling, note-taking, color-coded writing
Our verdict“This option stands out as the practical daily driver of the roundup — ideal if you write more than you decorate and want cap-free convenience with a gentle color palette.”
How We Picked
I evaluated each set against what journaling actually demands: ink flow on journal-weight paper, drying time (smudging ruins spreads), tip size suitability for writing rather than just coloring, grip comfort for extended sessions, and the practical usefulness of the color range. A 160-color set scores poorly on writing consistency but earns its place for decorative journaling, while a six-pen quick-dry set ranks high for everyday writing despite the small palette. I also weighed cap security versus retractable mechanisms, barrel comfort, and whether the ink performs on both plain and thicker art paper.
The ranking order reflects a clear logic: versatile sets that write beautifully come first, specialized sets follow in their niches, and sets with inconsistent ink flow or mismatched use cases land lower. Where two sets looked similar on paper, the deciding factors were drying speed, refill practicality, and how forgiving the pens are for beginners who press hard or write fast.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Gel Pen Sets Journaling
Choosing a gel pen set for journaling involves more than picking the prettiest colors. These are the factors that actually change how your journal pages turn up.Tip Size and Your Handwriting Style
Tip size is the single biggest factor in how your journaling looks on the page. A 0.5mm fine point suits small handwriting, dense daily logs, and bullet journal layouts where space is tight, but the finer tip requires a lighter touch and clogs more easily. A 0.7mm medium point is the forgiving middle ground that most journalers settle on, while 1.0mm bold points like the Pentonic Glitter pens work best for headers, titles, and decorative accents rather than body text. A common mistake is buying an entire set at a tip size that fights your natural writing style, so test how you write before committing to a 20-pen set of one size.
Drying Time and Smudge Resistance
If you journal quickly or layer color over your writing, slow-drying gel ink becomes a real problem. Quick-dry formulations like the Ddaowanx and Taja black ink pens exist specifically because left-handed writers and fast note-takers drag their hands across wet ink. Standard gel ink can take ten seconds or longer to set, which is fine for slow, meditative journaling but frustrating for rapid brain-dump pages. Before buying a large set, check whether the manufacturer specifies quick-dry ink, and remember that darker and glitter inks almost always dry slower than standard colors.
Color Range: More Is Not Always Better
Buyers routinely overestimate how many colors they need. A 6 to 14 pen set covers color-coding, mood tracking, and decorative accents for most journalers, while 30-plus color sets mostly add pastel and neon shades you may never reach for. Larger sets do earn their place for art journaling, coloring pages, and decorative spreads, but they also mean more pens to store and a higher chance of duplicates. Match the set size to how you actually journal rather than to the appeal of a big number.
Grip Comfort for Long Sessions
JOURNALING SESSIONS often run 30 minutes or longer, and an uncomfortable barrel makes itself known fast. Rubber or silicone comfort grips, like those on the Kaco PURE sets, reduce finger fatigue compared to hard plastic barrels. Barrel thickness matters too: thinner barrels suit smaller hands, while chunkier barrels reduce pressure on your grip. If you journal nightly, grip comfort should outrank color count in your decision.
Retractable Versus Capped
This detail gets overlooked until you lose your fourth cap in a month. Retractable pens (Mr. Pen, Paper Mate InkJoy, Ddaowanx) protect their tips with a click mechanism, which is faster for on-and-off journaling and eliminates lost caps. Capped pens often have slightly better airtight seals, which can extend ink life for pens you use rarely. For journalers who write daily, retractable wins on convenience alone.
Paper Weight and Ink Bleed
Gel ink is wetter than ballpoint, and thin journal pages show it. On lightweight paper, heavy gel ink can bleed through or ghost onto the next page, ruining your spread two pages at a time. If your journal uses thin paper, favor quick-dry, fine-point sets and avoid glitter and bold-point pens for body text. Thick art journals and mixed-media paper handle almost anything in this roundup, including the 1.0mm glitter pens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tip size is best for journaling handwriting?
For most journalers, 0.7mm medium point is the sweet spot because it produces a clear, consistent line without requiring delicate pressure control. If your handwriting is small or you use compact layouts like bullet journals, a 0.5mm fine point fits more detail per line but demands a lighter touch and is more prone to skipping if you press hard. Bold 1.0mm points, like the Pentonic Glitter pens, are better reserved for titles and decorative elements. The best approach is to keep a fine set for body text and one bold set for headers if you do decorative journaling.
Are bigger gel pen sets worth it for journaling?
Only if your journaling includes coloring, illustration, or heavy decoration. Large sets like the Aen Art 160 Pack or TANMIT 36 Colors give you shading variety that small sets cannot match, which matters for art journaling and adult coloring pages. For text-focused journaling, though, most people use five to eight colors regularly, and the rest sit unused. Larger sets also tend to have more quality variance between pens, so a single bad tip in a 30-pack is more common than in a curated six-pack.
Which gel pens dry fastest to avoid smudging?
Sets specifically labeled quick-dry are the safest bet: the Ddaowanx retractable black pens and Taja pastel quick-dry pens are built around fast-setting ink. Paper Mate InkJoy gel ink also sets quickly relative to most standard gel formulas. Glitter inks and very dark saturated colors are the slowest to dry regardless of brand, so if you write fast or are left-handed, avoid glitter sets for body text entirely. Waiting five to ten seconds before closing a page or resting your hand on fresh ink prevents most smudge disasters.
Do gel pens bleed through thin journal pages?
They can, because gel ink carries more liquid than ballpoint ink. On standard thin journal paper, bold points, glitter inks, and slow-drying colors are the most likely to ghost or bleed through. Fine-point quick-dry pens minimize this, which is another reason 0.5mm sets like the Kaco PURE 0.5mm perform well on everyday notebooks. If your journal uses 100gsm or heavier paper, you can use nearly anything in this category without worry.
Are retractable or capped gel pens better for journaling?
Retractable pens are more practical for journaling because you can start writing with one click and never misplace a cap, which matters if you journal at a desk with other supplies around. Capped pens seal slightly better over long storage periods, so a rarely used color in a capped pen is less likely to dry out. If you journal daily, retractable sets like the Mr. Pen 12-pack or Paper Mate InkJoy make the smoother workflow obvious within a week. If you rotate through a large art set slowly, capped pens protect your investment better.
Conclusion
For the best overall pick, the Paper Mate InkJoy 14-count set balances smooth 0.7mm writing, a useful color range, and reliable everyday performance better than anything else in this lineup. The best value goes to the Mr. Pen Retractable 12-pack, which delivers colorful fine-point writing at a low per-pen cost. For premium quality, the Kaco PURE 20-piece macaron set stands out with its comfort grip, quick-drying ink, and beautifully curated colors. Beginners should start with the FIOVER 6-pack or YOXMJDB vintage gold set, since a small palette teaches you which colors you actually use before you invest in a big set. For specific needs: art journalers and colorists get the most from the TANMIT 36 Colors or Aen Art 160 Pack, fast writers and left-handers should grab the Ddaowanx or Taja quick-dry black sets, and anyone decorating spreads with titles and accents will love the Pentonic Glitter pens.
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