Joybuy Insights

Choosing the Right Pen Refills and Ink Cartridges: Compatibility, Colours and Line Widths Compared

An empty refill does not automatically mean that the entire pen needs replacing. With the right pen refills and ink cartridges, you can continue using ballpoint pens, rollerballs and fountain pens. However, your choice is only suitable if the shape, writing system and colour match the writing instrument you already have.

Common Buying Mistakes When Choosing Replacement Refills

1. Similar Shapes Are Mistaken for Compatibility

Many ballpoint refills look identical at first glance. However, the key factors are length, diameter, tip and the position of the support surface for the spring. For example, a LAMY M16 refill will not automatically fit a multi-colour pen with an M21 system. The LAMY M22 refill is also designed for compact writing instruments and should not be selected based on colour alone.

Parker refills also require careful checking: a Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill is not intended for Parker fountain pens or rollerball models with a different fitting.

2. Ink Type and Writing Feel Are Overlooked

Ballpoint refills typically use oil-based ink. Rollerball refills usually write with water-based ink, creating a different writing feel. Fountain pen cartridges contain ink for a nib and cannot be interchanged with ballpoint or rollerball bodies.

A Pilot FriXion replacement refill contains thermosensitive gel ink. The writing can become invisible through friction or heat. It is therefore not suitable for exams, contracts, cheques or other documents where entries need to remain permanent.

3. Colour and Line Width Are Judged Only from the Product Image

“Blue” or “black” only describes the ink colour. You should also consider the line width:

  • F generally stands for a fine tip and is suitable for small notes or planners.
  • M indicates a medium line width for everyday use.
  • B stands for a broader line, such as with the Parker Quinkflow Refill B Blue.
  • A black ballpoint refill can write noticeably differently depending on the model.

The Most Important Technical Parameters

Writing System and Model Number

First check whether you need a ballpoint refill, rollerball refill or fountain pen cartridge. Then check the manufacturer’s model number. The following systems are widely used by LAMY:

  • LAMY M16 refill: large-format ballpoint refill for many LAMY ballpoint pens.
  • LAMY M21 refill: short refill for multi-colour pens and certain compact systems.
  • LAMY M22 refill: compact ballpoint refill, including for the LAMY pico, scribble and screen according to the respective product description.
  • LAMY M63 refill: rollerball refill for capped LAMY rollerball pens.
  • LAMY M66 refill: rollerball refill for certain capless LAMY systems.

The model designation on the old refill or in the writing instrument’s instructions is usually more reliable than its external shape.

Length, Diameter and Tip

Differences of just a few millimetres can prevent the refill from clicking into place, stop the mechanism from working or cause the tip to extend too far from the body. For example, the LAMY M16 Red F is specified as having a length of 106 mm and a diameter of 6 mm. According to the product details, the LAMY M63 B Blue measures 6 × 6 × 115 mm.

When choosing replacement refills, the tip shape and refill holder should also match. With Parker Quinkflow models, the so-called Parker or G2 shape is relevant. However, you should only assume universal compatibility if your own writing instrument actually uses this format.

Ink Colour and Properties

Blue ink cartridges, along with black and blue ballpoint refills, are particularly popular for school, university and office use. Red replacement refills are suitable for corrections or highlighting, while a green pen refill can be used for colour coding.

When choosing, look out for the following details:

  • water-based or oil-based ink,
  • document-proof or erasable design,
  • fine, medium or broad tip,
  • single refill or multipack,
  • storage instructions and manufacturer warnings.

With fountain pens, the cartridge format and connection must match. Pelikan 4001 ink cartridges in the standard format are supplied in a pack of 20 cartridges. The royal blue ink is described in the product details as washable and erasable. STAEDTLER ink cartridges in the Standard International format are, according to the product details, designed for many fountain pens using this cartridge standard; brand-specific systems are excluded.

Our Selection by User Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pelikan 330894 Ink Cartridges 4001, Pack of 20 (4 x 5) Large Capacity Cartridges, Royal Blue

Pelikan 330894 Ink Cartridges 4001, Pack of 20 (4 x 5) Large Capacity Cartridges, Royal Blue

Why this product suits the profile: The pack of 20 cartridges provides a manageable supply for school, university and everyday use. A compatible fountain pen is required.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The standard format and stated number of cartridges make it easier to check the format and supply, but they do not replace a compatibility check with the fountain pen.

Main benefit & strengths

20 cartridges; royal blue ink described in the product details as washable and erasable.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Parker Quinkflow Refill B Blue

Parker Quinkflow Refill B Blue

Why this product suits the profile: The broad B tip is intended for users who prefer a clearly visible line, for example when signing documents or writing longer notes.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The stated tip width prevents a broad line from being accidentally purchased as a fine refill. However, the pen’s fitting must still match the Parker format.

Main benefit & strengths

B tip; blue; metal casing; suitable for the specified Parker large-capacity refills.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent writers
Pilot Refill Set 3x Frixion Blue (BLS-FR7-L-S3)

Pilot Refill Set 3x Frixion Blue (BLS-FR7-L-S3)

Why this product suits the profile: For corrections, study notes and repeated editing, the set provides three blue FriXion replacement refills with a 0.7-mm tip.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The erasable ink is clearly identified as such. This distinguishes it from document-proof refills for permanent entries.

Main benefit & strengths

Three blue gel refills; 0.7 mm; compatible with the FriXion models specified in the product description.

Suitable for: Colour coding and creative users
Lamy BP-Refill M16 Green M

Lamy BP-Refill M16 Green M

Why this product suits the profile: The green M16 ballpoint refill is suitable for colour coding, correction notes and annotations when you already have a compatible LAMY ballpoint pen.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The M16 designation distinguishes this refill from M21 and M22 systems. Before buying, you should check the model of your existing LAMY ballpoint pen.

Main benefit & strengths

Green ink; medium tip; metal casing; stated length of 10.6 cm.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Practical Tips for Storage and Replacement

  • Store replacement refills and cartridges in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight.
  • Insert a new refill straight and check that the spring or push mechanism is positioned correctly.
  • With a fountain pen, flushing it with water can be helpful when switching from one ink colour or brand to another.
  • Rollerball refills containing water-based ink should not be left exposed and open for extended periods.
  • FriXion refills and written documents should not be exposed to intense heat.
  • Small components should be kept out of the reach of young children; ink should not be swallowed and, in the event of eye contact, should be rinsed out with water.

FAQ About Pen Refills and Ink Cartridges

How do I find the right refill for my ballpoint pen?

Make a note of the manufacturer, model and marking on the old refill. Then compare the length, diameter, tip shape and refill system. LAMY M16, M21 and M22 refills are not freely interchangeable. With Parker products, check whether the pen uses a Parker G2 or Parker Style refill.

How long do ballpoint refills and ink cartridges last?

Service life depends on line width, writing pressure, paper and the amount you write each day. A larger capacity can allow longer intervals between replacements for frequent writers, but it does not guarantee a fixed lifespan. With fountain pen cartridges, you can usually tell how much ink remains from the falling ink level.

Are erasable refills suitable for official documents?

No. Thermosensitive FriXion ink can become invisible when exposed to heat. For contracts, exams, cheques and other documents requiring permanent entries, you should use a purpose-designed non-erasable refill or ink.