Bullet Tip vs. Chisel Tip: Which Highlighter is Right for You?

If you’re after more controlled, detailed lines, bullet tip markers offer an edge. On the other hand, chisel tips provide the ability to vary stroke width — making them ideal for broader, more dynamic applications.

The bullet tip and chisel tip markers are two of the most popular choices because of their unique set of advantages.

But the bottom line is that choosing the right marker tip types can make all the difference in your work. 

Whether you’re creating art, underlining text, or adding details to a project, the marker tip you use impacts the precision and versatility of your strokes. 

Yes, it can be difficult to know what tip is right for you if you’re just getting into using markers. 

There are a few different types of markers, but the two most common are bullet tips and chisel tips. 

So, which one should you choose? 

Continue reading the article to better understand the differences between these two marker tips and help you choose the best tool for your needs.

Quick Comparative Guide for Bullet Tip and Chisel Tip Markers

Feature	Bullet Tip Marker	Chisel Tip Marker
Tip Shape	Rounded, like a bullet	Flat with an angled edge
Stroke Versatility	Consistent thin to medium lines	Capable of both wide and thin strokes
Artistic Effects	Best for fine details and outlines	Ideal for highlighting, shading, and calligraphy
Smallest Pen Tip Size	Available in thin tip markers (fine tip)	Generally larger, with more control for broad strokes
Cost	Typically affordable	Slightly higher cost due to added versatility
Durability	Long-lasting for detailed work	Durable but can wear unevenly with heavy use
Common Uses	Writing, sketching, coloring details	Highlighting, shading, bold lettering
Marker Tip Size	Ranges from fine to medium	Often larger, from medium to wide

What are Bullet Tip Pens?

A bullet tip pen, also referred to as a ballpoint tip, is an iconic writing instrument made of stainless steel, brass, or tungsten carbide that has been in use for over 100 years. 

These writing instruments come in all different sizes and materials and have become staples in everyday writing applications.

Bullet tip pens are an excellent option for journalists, note-takers, and diarists because they provide an organized and precise writing experience.

They’re great for coloring and doodling in smaller areas, like on chalkboards or whiteboards. 

These markers come with various tips and point sizes, so you can pick the one that best suits your artistic style.

No matter your skill level or experience level, pens are an essential element of any bullet journal. 

Not only do they help you capture important notes and keep track of your habits, but they also allow for beautiful storytelling through writing.

For your bullet journal, the ideal pens should be smooth to use and resistant to smudging or staining the pages. 

Furthermore, they should dry quickly enough that your journal remains neat and orderly.

What are Chisel Tip Pens?

Chisel tip pens are an incredibly useful tool for artists who need to quickly and precisely fill large sections of paper with art. 

They can be used to jot down notes, draw intricate designs, or even highlight text on a whiteboard.

Chisel tip markers differ from fine tip markers in their tip shape. Standard fine-tip markers have a 1.0 mm tip size, while chisel-tip markers usually feature a 2.0 mm size.

Chisel tips offer the unique ability to draw lines of various widths by varying their angle when drawing. 

While they’re an invaluable tool for detailed work, they do require more practice than other drawing pens.

Due to their different tip shapes and sizes, both types of pens are becoming increasingly sought-after in the art industry. 

Fortunately, many high-quality artist-grade markers come dual-tipped with both types of tips, giving you plenty of choices when it comes to selecting which one works best for you.

Chisel tip pens are perfect for artists who want to add bold lines and delicate calligraphy details to their artwork. 

The angled chisel tip allows you to produce different widths and thicknesses of the line by holding it at an angle while writing; simply apply pressure to adjust its weight.

Here’s a video on How to use Chisel Tip Markers.

Comparison Between Bullet Tip and Chisel Tip Pens

If you’re a frequent marker user, you may have noticed two common tip styles: bullet and chisel. 

These tips produce different line thicknesses and strokes depending on how they’re applied.

Bullet and chisel tips offer distinct advantages to artists of all levels of expertise, and both work great on porous and non-porous surfaces such as whiteboards or other glass/plastic products. 

Furthermore, these versatile tools can be employed for menu boards at restaurants or business brainstorming sessions.

When looking for a marker with various tip styles, there are a few things you should be aware of before making your purchase.

Tip or Nib Shape

When shopping for a dry-erase marker, the difference between a bullet tip and a chisel tip should be taken into consideration. With so many options available, selecting the right one can be daunting.

Bullet tips are shaped like bullets and product lines with rounded ends. 

This makes them ideal for taking notes or writing short sentences; however, they cannot be used effectively when coloring large areas or intricate details.

Chisel tips are shaped like chisels and product lines with a slightly pointed end. 

This makes them great for drawing or highlighting, as well as many other uses.

Uses and Functions

Both chisels and bullet tips have their uses, but the former is better suited for more intricate drawing or highlighting tasks due to its softer tip.

Some brands offer dual-tipped markers, which feature a chisel tip on one end and a fine-point tip on the other. 

These can be great for various techniques and more versatile than single-tip pens.

These markers come in a range of colors are easy to write with, and can be used on many surfaces, including glass. 

You may also purchase them individually or as part of a value pack with various shades of marker.

Strokes and Unique Artistic Effects

Bullet tip and chisel tip markers differ in that the former features a round tip that creates an even stroke, while the latter has a flat surface and can produce thick or thin lines depending on how you apply it.

While a fine-point tip is ideal for more intricate projects such as doodling or drawing, chisel-tip markers can be used for highlighting text. 

This makes them perfect for artists who want to draw lots of details and make their artworks stand out from the rest.

Chisel tip markers are fat-felt nib markers with a dramatic angle that creates an expansive flat edge and sharply cornered point. 

They’re often used in calligraphy art because they allow artists to adjust the depth and width of their strokes.

This type of marker is popular among calligraphers, comic book artists, and other graphic arts professionals. 

They enable you to draw vibrant, saturated colors with precision control – making them a versatile choice for many art disciplines.

Are you searching for a writing or art supply pen at an affordable price? 

Kaiwen pen offers high-quality products at reasonable prices. Their pens come in various styles and features to meet all of your requirements.

They come in an array of colors that can be blended to create unique shades. 

Furthermore, these nontoxic materials make them safe to use around children and are easy to clean – making them the ideal choice for paper crafters.

Kaywin has been producing high-quality pens since 2001 and offers eight distinct series of products to meet your requirements. 

These include water-soluble markers, roller pens, brush pens, highlighter pens, blink pens, permanent markers, and whiteboard pens.

If you want to jumpstart your art business, contact Kaywin today!

Bullet and Chisel Tip Markers: Before You Go…

When choosing between bullet tip and chisel tip markers, it’s essential to consider what type of work you’ll be doing. 

Bullet tip markers are perfect for consistent, fine lines and details. They work well for everyday writing or sketching, especially when using thin-tip markers. 

On the other hand, chisel tip markers, or chisel point markers, offer a broader range of stroke variations, making them ideal for more dynamic projects like calligraphy, highlighting, or bold strokes.

Whether you’re an artist, student, or professional, understanding the different pen tips can help elevate your work. 

Each tip has its strengths, and knowing how to use them can add depth and precision to your projects.

More FAQs About Bullet Tip and Chisel Tip Markers

What is the difference between bullet and chisel marker?

The main difference lies in the shape and function. Bullet tip markers have a rounded tip for creating uniform lines, while chisel tip markers feature an angled, flat tip that allows for both broad and narrow strokes.

What is the difference between a chisel tip and a regular tip?

A chisel tip has a slanted edge, offering the ability to create both wide and narrow strokes. In contrast, a regular tip, such as a bullet tip, is rounded and provides consistent line thickness.

What are chisel tip markers good for?

Chisel tip markers are excellent for highlighting, shading, calligraphy, and bold lettering. Their ability to switch between wide and narrow strokes makes them versatile for both artistic and practical applications.

What is the difference between bullet tip and brush tip Sharpie?

A bullet tip Sharpie provides consistent, rounded strokes, ideal for writing and detailing. A brush tip Sharpie mimics the flexibility of a paintbrush, allowing for both thin and wide strokes depending on the pressure applied.

What is the difference between fine tip and chisel tip dry erase markers?

Fine-tip dry-erase markers are designed for small, precise writing, such as in tight spaces or on small whiteboards. Chisel tip dry erase markers can create both wide and narrow lines, making them versatile for larger whiteboards or presentations.

What does a chisel tip look like?

A chisel tip resembles a flat, angled edge that tapers to a point. This unique shape allows for a variety of stroke widths, from broad sweeps to fine lines, depending on how the marker is held.

What is the difference between brush tip and chisel tip alcohol markers?

Brush tip alcohol markers offer flexible, paintbrush-like strokes, perfect for blending and shading. Chisel tip alcohol markers provide sharp, clean edges and allow for both broad and narrow lines, making them great for filling in large areas or adding definitions.