What Is A Tattoo Pen Machine? How Does A Tattoo Pen Work?
In simple words, a tattoo pen is a tattoo machine designed to look like a pen. These pens are replacing the traditional tattoo guns due to the sheer convenience of using them. Its slender structure allows better grip and control to the artist. Unlike traditional guns that run on an electromagnetic coil that moves the needle up and down, a tattoo pen machine uses a motor for needle movement and inking. This makes the entire process quieter and less vibrative. However, it is just as effective. In addition, they are adjustable and user-friendly and utilize needles that come in replaceable cartridges. Now let’s dive into our list of best tattoo pen machines, shall we?
10 Best Tattoo Pen Machines
1. Best For Beginners: Dragonhawk Beginners Tattoo Pen Kit
The Dragonhawk Beginners Tattoo Pen Kit is equipped with an RCA jack. It facilitates continuous operation with low noise. Its cartridge needles contain a silicone membrane that makes them flexible, strong, and working for a long time. It is compatible with most cartridge needles. The tattoo pen offers visible needle depth while the power supply delivers accurate and prompt voltage adjustments. It is powerful, strong, and ideal for shading or lining. Its membrane also prevents spit backs. In addition, there is an indentation at its tip that increases ink flow and saturation. This kit consists of an Atom M1 tattoo machine, ten disposable cartridge needles, Dragonhawk tattoo power supply, and Immortal colors. This video will help you understand the product better. Pros
Fewer vibrations Low noise Long-lasting stability Lightweight Easy to use Tip indentation
Cons
Low-quality ink
2. Best Easy-To-Use: Atomus Tattoo Pen
The Atomus Tattoo Pen is a strong and powerful machine for precise shading and lining. It operates at a speed of 9000R/minute. It stays stable between 6-9V and comes with a cord connection. It is made with a zinc alloy that makes it lightweight and long-lasting. It is less noisy and portable. In addition, its ergonomic design makes it easy to use. It has a DC clip cord compatible with most tattoo machines and power supply brands. Pros
Lightweight Ergonomic Adjustable needle length Low noise Long-lasting stability
Cons
No back-up motor
3. Best Comfortable: Yilong Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine
The ergonomically designed Yilong Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine has a comfortable and easy-to-grip handle that gives the feel of holding a real pen. It is made from superior aluminum alloy, making it lightweight and hard. It does not heat up even after using it for a long time. Its ten slots eccentric wheel guarantees long life. It produces low noise, provides long-lasting stability, and is compatible with all cartridge needles. This tattoo pen comes with a powerful motor. It comes with an adjustable needle depth and works on a DC connection. This machine offers maximum accuracy and control and is a favorite amongst tattoo artists. Pros
Ergonomic Lightweight Compatible Low noise Long-lasting stability Powerful motor
Cons
Does not come with a foot pedal
4. Best Lightweight: Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine
The quiet Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine does not heat up even after a long time of usage. It runs at 12000 rpm and has a 36 mm sleeve grip. It comes with a stroke length of 4mm, making it ideal for bold or fine lines, traditional styles, and traditional colors. It weighs 125 g, comes with an RCA cord connection, and ensures continuous, smooth, and soft operation. This pen has a working voltage of 6V–9V, pebble modeling, and a coreless motor of 12V/12000rpm. It is compatible with all types of cartridge needles. Pros
Low noise Stable Ergonomic design Strong power Does not heat up Cordless motor
Cons None
5. Best Durable: Bronc V9 Rotary Short Tattoo Pen Machine
The Bronc V9 Rotary Short Tattoo Pen Machine is made of aircraft aluminum and precision CNC. It works at a speed of 12000rpm. It is powered by Swiss Motor, and it uses an RCA jack connection. The standard stroke length is 3.5mm. This durable machine has a high torque. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and comfortable to work with. Pros
Ergonomic design Durable Lightweight Strong Low noise Easy to adjust Runs smoothly
Cons
Vibrates a lot
6. Best Battery Life: HoriKing Wireless Tattoo Pen
The HoriKing Wireless Tattoo Pen is the result of the years of joint effort put in by designers, engineers, and artists. This pen is a blend of traditional and new-age technology and is the first tattoo machine with a wireless digital display. This device is easy to operate and compact and comes at an excellent price for the quality. It can be completely charged in 1.5 to 2 hours through USB. Once fully charged, it will keep going for 6 to 7 hours. The frame of the machine is easy to disassemble and maintain, while its parts can be easily replaced. This lightweight tattoo pen will not strain your arms, allowing you to focus on your art. It is compatible with most power supply and tattoo cartridge needle brands. Pros
Low noise Lightweight Ergonomic design Runs smoothly Easy to use Good battery life Digital display
Cons
Vibrates a lot
7. Best Portable: Machine: Beveace Tattoo Pen
The Beveace Tattoo Pen is a low noise, strong-powered, super-stable machine which is easy to use. It is made of a space aluminum frame and consists of a coreless motor and an RCA cord connection. It is designed like a pen with a great grip, allowing a precise and comfortable tattooing procedure. It has a length of 3.6 inches and a weight of 7oz, with a maximum operating voltage of 12V. It is compact and convenient to carry and can fit into your pocket. Pros
Runs smooth Low noise Excellent for aligning and writing Strong motor Direct drive Compatible with any RCA wireless battery Easy to use
Cons
Heavy
8. Best For Smooth Operation: Mummy Rotary Tattoo Pen
The Mummy Rotary Tattoo Pen is designed like a shaft drive with a stroke cam of 3.2mm and 3.7mm. This pen works primarily on inertial slap force that makes it convenient for a tattoo artist. It comes with a voltage of 8V and a speed of 10000 rpm. The pen is stable and produces less noise. It’s coreless motor offers high speed and high power. It consists of both soft and hard rotation adjustments. You can adjust the needle length as required. This kit consists of 1 tattoo pen and 1 RCA clip cord. Pros
Smooth operation Adjustable stroke Hard and soft settings Low noise Lightweight Comfortable to use Versatile
Cons None
9. Best For All Skin Types: Mast Tour Pro Tattoo Rotary Pen
The Mast Tour Pro Tattoo Rotary Pen is gentle and smooth that makes it suitable for all skin types. It has a 3.6mm stroke length and a powerful motor, apt for running large liner group cartridges. It can be easily covered and protected and has an efficient cartridge replacement system. This tattoo pen provides a sleeve grip of 32mm with a low center of gravity that gives the artist freedom of movement. It is compatible with all types of wireless power batteries and power supplies and is perfect for bold lines in black and grey. Its pen-like design is flexible, lightweight, and has an adjustable needle stroke. Pros
Low noise Strong hit Compact Lightweight Comfortable grip Powerful Durable
Cons
Too strong for shading
10. Best Value For Money: Mast Lancer Wireless Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine
The Mast Lancer Wireless Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine has an LED screen that shows the operating voltage. Its voltage can be adjusted in 0.1v increments. It has a 3.5mm stroke length and 12000 rpm speed. The adjustable cartridge needle length is 0 to 4 mm with a grip twist, while the battery capacity is 1900mAh. This machine can work for 8-12 hours with one battery and comes with two replaceable wireless batteries. Pros
Powerful Great battery life Easy to use Adjustable needle length LED screen Value for money
Cons
Hits too soft
Do you already have a tattoo gun? Are you wondering why you should buy a tattoo pen? Read below all the benefits you can enjoy by investing in a tattoo pen.
Advantages Of Using A Tattoo Pen Machine
While they may not entirely replace the traditional tattoo guns, tattoo pens have come a long way and captured the hearts of many artists. Here are some advantages of using a pen tattoo machine.
Driven by motor and devoid of cables User friendly and adjustable Don’t produce any noise Stable built Lighter and easier to use for long hours Easy to sterilize in an autoclave
If this list convinces you to go for a tattoo pen, read below a small guide so that you make the right choice.
What To Consider Before Buying A Tattoo Pen
Motor: Go for a powerful motor that provides a steady performance, which will help you make clear and fine lines.
Battery: You need to pick a machine where the battery runs for a long time, at least till the end of one tattoo session. You can also buy an extra battery so that you can continue working while the other battery is charging.
Needle compatibility: You will have to replenish the needle in a pen tattoo machine. So, ensure that the machine is compatible with most needle cartridges.
Needle depth: The needle depth should be adjustable, and the needle should not go below the second layer of skin to prevent blowouts.
Weight: A lightweight machine is always easier to use and gives a good grip, and that is what an artist wants while focusing on creativity.
Weight balance: A good tattoo pen machine balances itself well and takes the weight away from the back of your hand, giving you the freedom of movement.
Diameter: The tattoo pen machine should accommodate needles of thick and thin diameters; thin ones are used for lining, and thick ones are used for shading.
Voltage: This decides how fast your machine runs. It is usually between 4 to 12 volts. It is best to run your machine at 7.5-8.5 Volts for line work, while for shading, 8-10 volts is advisable.
Even the best machine becomes a Petri dish for germs if not sterilized and cleaned properly. In the section below, there is a guideline on how to clean a pen tattoo machine
How To Clean A Pen Style Tattoo Machine
First, wipe off the extra ink from the machine using a moist towel. After that, use chemical cleaners, UV sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, or autoclaves for sterilization. Of the lot, autoclaves offer the best sterilization to pen-style tattoo machines by destroying the germs with wet or dry steam under high pressure.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She loves to keep pace with the latest trends and write about beauty products. Shiboli browsed through hundreds of online reviews from the customers to compile a list of the best tattoo pen machines. She curated the list based on the motor, needle compatibility, battery, needle depth, weight, diameter, and voltage. These machines are lightweight, run smoothly, offer low noise, and are long-lasting. In the infographic below, you will find some quick tips on how to select the best tattoo machine. Let’s take a look! How Long Does A Pen Tattoo Last? The longevity of the tattoo is mostly dependent on the tattoo ink used. Tattoos made with the pen usually last for 5 to 10 years. Eventually, all tattoos fade, but you can make it last longer by following aftercare routines for the tattoo for a couple of months. Exposure to sun, friction, poor nutrition, poor skin care, and weight gain can cause the tattoo to fade quickly. If required, you can go for a touch-up to bring back life into it. How can I protect my tattoo pen? Wrap your tattoo pen with a cord cover. Wrap the top part twice. Use a vet wrap to cover the pen a few times, leaving the top part (needle groove) open – this helps you get a good grip. Then, you can pop the needle through the cors cover and get working. What voltage should my tattoo pen be on? Ideally, 7V to 9V is good for lining, and 8V to 10V is good for shading. The actual power depends on your design. What depth should a tattoo needle be set at? The tip of the needle should be between 1-2 mm, depending on the skin thickness of each individual. How many times per second does a tattoo needle move? A tattoo needle punctures your skin 50 to 3000 times per second. However, this can vary depending on the requirements and preferences of the tattoo artist.
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