--- title: "Pentel EnerGel RTX: Liquid Gel Ink, Tips & Refills" canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/" description: "Pentel EnerGel RTX explained: liquid gel ink, 0.3–1.0 mm needle and metal tips, LR and LRN refills, RTX vs Pearl vs EnerGel-X, and where it's made." category: "Pens" type: "Gel pen" published: 2026-10-20 updated: 2026-10-20 author: "Ellis Penhale" publisher: "Stationery Times" sources: 33 products: - name: "Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan or Mexico" material: "54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip" released: "2001" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "BLN73, BLN75, BL77, BLN77, BL80" gtin: "072512200544" url: "https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-gel-pen" --- # Pentel EnerGel RTX: Liquid Gel Ink, Tips & Refills > The Pentel EnerGel RTX is a refillable, retractable gel pen from Japanese maker Pentel that uses EnerGel "liquid gel" ink, which Pentel says is lower in viscosity and quicker drying than ordinary gel ink. It comes in 0.3 and 0.5 mm needle tips, 0.7 mm needle or metal tips, and a 1.0 mm metal tip. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.7 mm (BL77) retractable gel pen with the tip out: gray barrel, black top and push button, metal clip, latex-free rubber grip and metal cone tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-energel-16x9.png) *The EnerGel RTX BL77, the classic 0.7 mm metal-tip model.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-energel-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan or Mexico | 54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip | 2001 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80)): Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX (BL77 metal tip and BLN73/75/77 needle tips) as 'Japan / Mexico' without saying which SKU comes from where. Retailer listings match: OfficeSupply.com lists Mexico for one RTX listing. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Check the package of the exact pen you buy. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20 ## Key takeaways - Maker: ASTRUM Corporation of Japan, called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; in the US it is sold by Pentel of America. Pentel's Japanese site says EnerGel launched in 2001 and had sold more than 1.6 billion pens worldwide as of August 2026. - EnerGel RTX tip sizes: 0.3 mm needle (BLN73), 0.5 mm needle (BLN75), 0.7 mm metal (BL77) or needle (BLN77), and 1.0 mm metal (BL80). - Pentel markets the ink as quick-drying and smudge-resistant, and recommends it for left-handed writers. We have not timed it. - Every RTX is refillable: LRN3, LRN5 and LRN7 are needle-tip refills, LR7 and LR10 are metal-tip refills. - Pentel of America says the RTX body uses 54% recycled plastic, and its 2022 catalog gives the origin as Japan / Mexico. In Japan the same pen lists at ¥275 (about US$1.70) from October 1, 2026. ## What is the Pentel EnerGel RTX? **The Pentel EnerGel RTX is a refillable, retractable gel pen from Pentel, the Japanese pen brand of ASTRUM Corporation (called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026), built around its EnerGel "liquid gel" ink.** RTX is short for retractable: you click the end to extend and retract the tip, and the pen has a latex-free rubber grip. ![Pentel EnerGel RTX tip sizes magnified 200 times: 0.3 mm needle (BLN73), 0.5 mm needle (BLN75), 0.7 mm metal or needle (BL77, BLN77) and 1.0 mm metal (BL80)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-energel-tip-sizes.svg) *The four EnerGel RTX tip sizes at 200×, with the US model code for each.* EnerGel dates to 2001. Pentel's Japanese site says the line had sold **more than 1.6 billion pens worldwide** as of August 2026; its magazine says EnerGel was made for export first and reached Japanese shops in 2003. The RTX is the main refillable EnerGel model sold in the US by Pentel of America, which says the body is made with **54% recycled plastic** as part of its Recycology range and lists the 0.7 mm BL77 in 20 ink colors. ## What does "liquid gel" ink mean? **Liquid gel is Pentel's name for a gel ink with low viscosity: it is still a gel ink, but Pentel says it flows and dries more like a liquid ink.** Pentel's Japanese site adds that it has three times the lubricant of its usual gel ink (0.5 and 0.7 mm, Pentel's comparison). Pentel UK describes the EnerGel formula as "smoother flowing and quicker drying than ordinary gel ink", and says that unlike liquid-ink rollerballs it doesn't need a regulator to control the flow, because the ink feeds straight from the refill to the tip. Retailers file EnerGel under gel pens, so if you are comparing it with other gel pens such as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) or the [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/), compare like with like. ## Does EnerGel ink really dry quickly? **Pentel markets EnerGel as quick-drying and smudge-resistant, and recommends it for left-handed writers, but it doesn't publish a dry time in seconds.** The quick-dry claim is the main reason people pick EnerGel over other gel pens. For how it compares with other quick-drying pens, see our [best pens for left-handed writers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers/). ## Pentel EnerGel vs Pilot G2: which smears less? **The Pentel EnerGel RTX smears less than the Pilot G2 by maker claims and informal tests: Pentel markets its liquid gel ink as quick-drying, while reviewers report G2 smearing, mostly in the 0.7 and 1.0 mm sizes.** Neither Pentel nor Pilot publishes a dry time in seconds, and we haven't timed either yet. In a 2011 blog test, Mark Dominus at leancrew.com found the EnerGel smudged only if touched within a second or two, while the G2 sometimes left smeary blobs. Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks the EnerGel for people who smear and the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) as the best all-round gel pen. ## Pentel EnerGel RTX specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo; sold in the US by Pentel of America | | Model numbers (US) | BLN73 · BLN75 · BL77 · BLN77 · BL80 | | Tip sizes | 0.3 mm needle · 0.5 mm needle · 0.7 mm metal or needle · 1.0 mm metal | | Ink | EnerGel liquid gel ink | | Mechanism | Retractable (click) | | Grip | Latex-free rubber | | Body | 54% recycled plastic (per Pentel of America) | | Refills | LRN3, LRN5, LRN7 (needle) · LR7, LR10 (metal) | | Japan list price | ¥275 (about US$1.70) incl. tax from October 1, 2026 | | Made in | Japan or Mexico (Pentel of America catalog) | Model numbers, tip sizes, ink and recycled content come from Pentel of America. Pentel doesn't publish an official length or weight for the RTX in the sources we found, so we've left them out. Pentel's Japanese site sells the same pen as plain エナージェル (EnerGel) with the same codes, plus a **0.4 mm needle tip (BLN74) that is not in the US range**. It lists every size at ¥275 (about US$1.70) including tax, up from ¥253 (about US$1.60) under a price revision that took effect on October 1, 2026, and EnerGel refills at ¥99 (about US$0.60). The JAN barcode of the 0.3 mm black BLN73-A is 4902506305008. ## What tip sizes does the EnerGel RTX come in? **Four tip sizes: 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm with a needle tip, 0.7 mm with a metal or needle tip, and 1.0 mm with a metal tip.** The letter N in the model code marks a needle tip: BLN75 is the 0.5 mm needle, BL77 is the 0.7 mm metal tip. - **Needle tip (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mm):** a long, thin tube that leaves the writing point easy to see; good for small handwriting. - **Metal tip (0.7, 1.0 mm):** the standard cone-shaped tip. The 0.7 mm BL77 is the classic RTX. On thin paper, such as a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/), a finer tip lays down less ink and is the safer choice. ## What refills does the EnerGel RTX use? **Every EnerGel RTX takes any EnerGel refill: LR refills for metal tips and LRN refills for needle tips.** Pentel's catalog says any EnerGel refill fits, so you can switch tip style. | Refill | Tip | Size | |---|---|---| | LRN3 | Needle | 0.3 mm | | LRN5 | Needle | 0.5 mm | | LRN7 | Needle | 0.7 mm | | LR7 | Metal | 0.7 mm | | LR10 | Metal | 1.0 mm | The letter after the code is the ink color: for example LRN5-C is blue and LR10-B is red. Pentel UK also sells an LRP7 refill with permanent ink. ## How does the EnerGel RTX compare to the EnerGel Pearl and EnerGel-X? **All three are retractable pens with the same EnerGel ink, and the 0.7 mm metal-tip versions all take the LR7 refill; they differ mainly in body.** | Model | US code | Body | Tips | |---|---|---|---| | EnerGel RTX | BL77 and siblings | Colored barrel, rubber grip | 0.3–1.0 mm, needle or metal | | EnerGel Pearl | BL77PW, BLN75PW, BLN77PW | Pearly barrel with metal accents | 0.7 mm metal, 0.5 and 0.7 mm needle | | EnerGel-X | BL107, BLN105, BL110 | Transparent barrel that shows the ink level | 0.7 and 1.0 mm metal, 0.5 mm needle | Pick the RTX for the widest choice of tips, the Pearl if you want the white barrel, and the EnerGel-X if you want to see how much ink is left. For a gel pen with water-based pigment ink and a binder clip, see the [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/). ## Where is the Pentel EnerGel RTX made? **In Japan or Mexico: Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog lists the origin of both the metal-tip and needle-tip EnerGel RTX as "Japan / Mexico".** It doesn't say which SKU comes from where, and Pentel's Japanese page states no country, so check the package. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does liquid gel ink mean on the Pentel EnerGel? Liquid gel is Pentel's name for its EnerGel ink. Pentel says it is a low-viscosity gel ink that flows more smoothly and dries more quickly than ordinary gel ink, and that unlike liquid-ink rollerballs it needs no regulator to control the flow. ### Does Pentel EnerGel ink really dry fast? Pentel markets EnerGel ink as quick-drying and smudge-resistant and recommends it for left-handed writers. Pentel does not publish a dry time in seconds in the sources we found, and we have not timed it ourselves. ### What tip sizes does the Pentel EnerGel RTX come in? The EnerGel RTX comes in 0.3 mm needle (BLN73), 0.5 mm needle (BLN75), 0.7 mm metal (BL77), 0.7 mm needle (BLN77) and 1.0 mm metal (BL80). We found no 0.35 mm RTX model; that figure sometimes appears as a line width rather than a tip size. ### What refill does the Pentel EnerGel RTX use? Any EnerGel refill. The metal-tip refills are LR7 (0.7 mm) and LR10 (1.0 mm); the needle-tip refills are LRN3 (0.3 mm), LRN5 (0.5 mm) and LRN7 (0.7 mm). The letter after the code gives the ink color, such as A for black and C for blue. ### What is the difference between the EnerGel RTX, EnerGel Pearl and EnerGel-X? All three are retractable pens with the same EnerGel ink. The RTX is the main refillable line with a rubber grip and the widest choice of tips. The Pearl has a pearly barrel. The EnerGel-X is the lower-priced line, best known as the 0.7 mm BL107, and Pentel of America also sells it in 0.5 mm needle (BLN105) and 1.0 mm (BL110). ### Where is the Pentel EnerGel RTX made? In Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX as 'Japan / Mexico' without splitting it by SKU, so check the package of the exact pen you buy. ### Is the Pentel EnerGel RTX good for left-handed writers? Pentel markets EnerGel ink as quick-drying and loved by left-handed writers, because fast-drying ink is less likely to smear under the hand. That is the maker's claim; we have not tested it. ## Sources - [ぺんてる: エナージェル (Pentel Japan: EnerGel product page, model codes, JAN, ¥275 list price, refills)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/ballpointpen/energel/) - [ぺんてる: 左利きでも汚れず書けるゲルインキボールペン・エナージェル「左ききさんにやさしくしたいペン」プロジェクト (Pentel Japan news, August 7, 2026: launched 2001, over 1.6 billion sold)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20260807/) - [ぺんてる: 製品価格改定のお知らせ (Pentel Japan: price revision from October 1, 2026, with item list PDF)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/202600806/) - [ぺんてるマガジン: 知る人ぞ知るボールペン「エナージェル」 (Pentel Japan magazine, October 2023: development story, overseas-first launch, Japan from 2003)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/magazine/mono-monogatari_202310-2/) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.7 mm](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-gel-pen) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX Extra-Fine 0.3 mm](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-liquid-gel-pen-extra-fine-0-3mm) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX needle tips](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-deluxe-rtx-gel-pen-1541) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX 1.0 mm bold](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-liquid-gel-pen-bold-line) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel Pearl Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.7 mm metal tip (BL77PW)](https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-energel-pearl-retractable-liquid-gel-pen-0-7mm) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel Pearl needle tip, 0.5 and 0.7 mm (BLN75PW, BLN77PW)](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-pearl-retractable-0-5mm-0-7mm-needle-tip-fine-line-assorted-ink-colors-1) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel-X Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.7 mm (BL107)](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-x-rollergel-pen-0-7mm-os) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel collection](https://www.pentel.com/collections/energel) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: EnerGel RTX needle tips (BLN73, refill compatibility, origin Japan / Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/16) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: EnerGel RTX metal tip BL77 (origin Japan / Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel-X BL107 (low-viscosity liquid gel ink, no regulator)](https://pentel.co.uk/product/pentel-energel-x-bl107) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel 0.7 mm refill](https://pentel.co.uk/product/energel-0-7mm-refill) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel needlepoint 0.5 mm refill](https://pentel.co.uk/product/energel-needlepoint-0-5mm-refill) - [Impress Watch (Japanese, October 10, 2023): EnerGel adds nine standard colors; launched 2001](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1536985.html) - [JetPens: Pentel EnerGel RTX Needle-Point 0.3 mm (recycled plastic, latex-free grip)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-EnerGel-RTX-Gel-Pen-Needle-Point-0.3-mm-Blue/pd/21494) - [Staples: EnerGel RTX Deluxe 0.7 mm needle tip (BLN77)](https://www.staples.com/pentel-energel-rtx-deluxe-retractable-liquid-gel-pens-medium-point-0-7mm-black-barrel-black-ink-ea/product_PENBLN77A) - [Quill: EnerGel LRN5 refill](https://images.quill.com/pentel-energel-gel-ink-pen-refill-fine-tip-blue-ink-each-lrn5-c/cbs/444631.html) - [Quill: EnerGel LR10 refill](https://images.quill.com/pentel-energel-1-mm-bold-liquid-gel-pen-refill-red-ink-lr10-b/cbs/444626.html) - [Officecrave: Pentel LRN7 refill](https://www.officecrave.com/pentel-lrn7a.html) - [Unsharpen: Pentel EnerGel LRN3 refill](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pentel-energel-lrn3/) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel permanent refill LRP7](https://www.pentel.co.uk/product/pentel-energel-permenant-refill-0-7mm-lrp7/) - [Blue Dog Ink: EnerGel Pearl 0.5 mm needle tip (BLN75PW)](https://www.bluedogink.com/pentel-energel-rtx-gel-pen-retractable-fine-05-mm-needle-tip-black-ink-white-black-barrel-bln75pwa.html) - [On Time Supplies: EnerGel Pearl BL77PW (LR7 refill)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penbl77pwp-energel-rtx-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-pink-ink-white-pink-barrel.html) - [Officeworks: EnerGel-X BL107 (transparent barrel)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pentel-energel-x-bl107-gel-pen-blue-pebl107c) - [Blue Dog Ink: EnerGel-X BL107 (LR7 refill)](https://www.bluedogink.com/pentel-energel-x-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-blue-ink-blue-barrel-dozen-bl107c.html) - [OfficeSupply.com: EnerGel RTX listing (country of origin Mexico)](https://www.officesupply.com/school-supplies/basic-school-supplies/pencils-pens/gel-ink-pens/energel-energel-liquid/p517646.html) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) - [leancrew.com: EnerGel (February 2011; EnerGel vs G2 smearing)](https://leancrew.com/all-this/2011/02/energel/)