Now The Sky Is Opalite Pen vs 1989 Jotter Pen
By Stationery that gets you · MangoIllustrated | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Now The Sky Is Opalite pen and the 1989 jotter pen from MangoIllustrated. Both are 0.5mm fine-point pens but differ in ink type and design story.
Quick answer
Choose the Now The Sky Is Opalite for a classic ballpoint feel with black ink, or the 1989 jotter pen for smooth gel ink that adds a nostalgic touch to your notes.
Ink type matters for your writing experience
The biggest difference between these two pens is the ink. The Now The Sky Is Opalite writes with black ink in a traditional ballpoint style, while the 1989 jotter pen uses black gel ink. Gel ink tends to be smoother and more vibrant, which can make your handwriting pop on the page. Ballpoint ink is more smudge-resistant and dries faster, making it a practical choice for left-handed writers or quick note-taking.
Both pens use a 0.5mm fine point, so line width is identical. The choice really comes down to whether you prefer the feel of gel or ballpoint ink.
Design story and aesthetic
Both pens feature a teal barrel and are illustrated by Katie Valentine, founder of MangoIllustrated. The Now The Sky Is Opalite has white text on a teal barrel, while the 1989 jotter pen has the year 1989 embossed on the barrel. The 1989 design leans into nostalgia, while the Opalite pen has a more artistic, celestial feel. Neither is better—it's about which story resonates with you.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Ink feel: Opalite: ballpoint ink, dries fast, less likely to smudge. Jotter: gel ink, smoother writing, more vibrant appearance.
- Design appeal: Opalite: artistic white text on teal. Jotter: nostalgic embossed year on teal.
- Best use case: Opalite: everyday note-taking, left-handed writers, quick lists. Jotter: journaling, creative writing, any task where you want a smooth, expressive line. If you often switch between pens, consider keeping one of each for different moods or tasks.
Product facts
- Now The Sky Is Opalite pen: Now The Sky Is Opalite pen has a teal barrel with white text, 0.5mm fine point, and black ink. The fine point gives you precise lines for detailed writing or drawing, and the black ink is a reliable choice for everyday use.
Now The Sky Is Opalite pen - 1989 jotter pen: 1989 jotter pen has a teal barrel with 1989 embossed, writes in black gel ink, 0.5mm fine point. Gel ink flows smoothly and produces bolder-looking black lines, which can make your notes or journal entries feel more polished.
1989 jotter pen
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Writers who prefer a fast-drying, smudge-resistant ink for everyday notes
- Fans of artistic, celestial-themed stationery
Not for
- Writers who want the smoothest possible ink flow and don't mind a bit of smudge risk
- Those who prefer a minimalist or purely functional pen design
