Hey friends, welcome back to the Mr. Pen blog!
Today, we’re diving into a side-by-side comparison of two of our most-loved highlighters: the Mr. Pen Gel Highlighters and the Chisel Tip Ink Highlighters.
Whether you're new to Bible journaling, taking notes for school, or organizing your planner, this guide will help you choose the perfect tool for your needs. Let's put them to the test!
🖍️ The Contenders: Gel vs. Chisel Tip
I used the Mr. Pen highlighter combo set, which includes:
- 6 Gel Highlighters
- 6 Chisel Tip Ink Highlighters
- 6 Colored Ink Pens
This set is a great value, especially if you're just starting out or want a variety of tools for journaling and note-taking.
✨ Up Close: Comparing the Tips
🟡 Gel Highlighter
- Thicker tip
- Crayon-like texture
- No bleed-through
- Great for beginners or kids
- Color builds gradually (some are more sheer, others more pigmented)
📝 Pro Tip: When using for the first time, scribble on a scrap paper to shape the tip and remove any excess. You might see small crumbs—that’s totally normal and won’t affect performance.
🔵 Chisel Tip Highlighter
- Fine, angled tip
- Classic “marker” feel
- Bold and juicy colors
- Can bleed through thin pages if held too long
- Better for precision and straight lines (with practice)
🎨 Swatch Test: In Action on Paper
I tested both highlighters in my Mr. Pen journal. Here’s what I found:
- Gel Highlighters give a soft, buildable color. They glide easily but may need multiple passes for vibrancy—especially in pastel tones.
- Chisel Tip Highlighters offer instant color payoff. They feel like traditional markers and are super vivid, but you’ll want to be careful with delicate paper.
Mr. Pen has tons of color options available too—pastel, neon, neutral, and more. There’s truly a shade for every journaling style!
🖊️ Bonus: The Colored Ink Pens
I swatched the included pens for fun, and they're just as lovely—smooth, vibrant, and perfect for layering with your highlighters.
So how do the highlighters hold up over pen ink?
I highlighted over my writing with both gel and chisel types and then did a smudge test—applying serious pressure with my finger. No smudging. No bleeding. Honest truth.
📖 The Bible Page Test: Psalms 28:6–7
For a real-world test, I highlighted verses in Psalms 28:6–7 using both types of highlighters:
- Chisel Tip: Delivers bright color, but getting clean, straight lines takes more control—especially on thin Bible pages.
- Gel Highlighter: Easier to manage for beginners and more forgiving. You’ll need to go over a spot a few times to get your desired tone, but it’s gentle on delicate paper.
🧡 Good news: Both highlighters passed the Bible test—no bleed-through on the thin pages.
✅ Final Thoughts: Which One Wins?
So, which Mr. Pen highlighter should you choose?
- Go for the Gel Highlighter if you're just getting started, want a softer look, or are worried about bleed-through. It’s super beginner-friendly.
- Choose the Chisel Tip if you love bright color, precision, and want a more traditional highlighting feel. It’s my personal favorite!
And bonus: the gel highlighters are retractable, so there’s more product than it looks at first glance. Meanwhile, the chisel tip highlighters are long-lasting and durable.
Happy highlighting, friends 💛