Though the world has turned to keyboards and touch screens, the pen remains an essential accessory and a best friend -- by your side, ready to go anywhere and quick to help you express yourself.

For diligent note takers, dedicated journalists or those contemplating the next New York Times best seller, our four ballpoint pens get the ink and creative juices flowing. They are slim and sleek as well as long and lean, evoking a bullet train going across your notebook. They are also weighty, with metal outer casings, so they feel great in your hand while elevating your workplace.

Three pens – silver, gold and rose gold – have metallic finishes and one pen comes in matte black. They have 0.5 mm fine tips that spring to life with a twist.

The pens, featuring The Times logo printed on their sides, were designed in Los Angeles by Poketo, the maker of aesthetically pleasing, stylish modern pens.

Black ink; refillable (Cross, Model 8514).