Contents
- Top 10 rating according to KP
- Editor’s Choice
- 1. Microsoft Surface Pen (from 4 rubles)
- 2. Apple Pencil (1st Generation) (from 8 rubles)
- 3. HUAWEI M-Pen lite (from 2 rubles)
- What other styluses are worth paying attention to
- 4. Adonit Mini 4.0 (from 4 rubles)
- 5. Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) (from 10 rubles)
- 6. Devia Touch Pencil (from 2 rubles)
- 7. WIWU Picasso Active P339 (from 2 rubles)
- 8. Adonit Droid (from 2 rubles)
- 9. WACOM Bamboo Duo (from 1 rubles)
- 10. Baseus Golden Cudgel Capacitive (from 570 rubles)
- How to choose a stylus
There are many types of styluses, they also differ in the material from which they were made. The main purpose of using this gadget is to allow the user to perform various actions on the touch screen without touching it with their fingers. Styluses gained wide popularity with the spread of devices that have a screen that reacts to touching it.
Styluses allow you to maintain precise action, while avoiding dirt, sweat and grease from your fingers on the device. The operation of the stylus is very similar to the operation of a pencil or pen, without applying ink, and at the same time very practical in terms of entering data into a computer. In general, the stylus is an invention known since ancient times, even the ancient Greeks used a similar tool to draw letters on a board with wax. In the Middle East, signs were applied to clay tablets with a similar stick. But modern styluses help with data entry on touch-screen computers.
What kind of operations can be carried out with such an input device? The first thing to start with is writing notes. In this role, your smartphone or tablet will be a replacement for a notepad. Using the stylus, you can also make sketches of various kinds. Another function that these “sticks” successfully cope with is notes and amendments to screenshots. In addition, the stylus will be convenient for posting and sending fragments.
Undoubtedly, it is very comfortable to edit images with a modern stylus, and this is essentially a multifunctional graphic pen with which you can perform all sorts of actions. We decided to rank the top ten styluses for 2021. We hope that our top will help you decide and choose the most suitable input device of this type. Artem Konkin will speak as an expert on modern styluses and talk in detail about the nuances that you should pay attention to when buying.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor’s Choice
1. Microsoft Surface Pen (from 4 rubles)
The Microsoft Surface Pen is a great stylus at an affordable price. Powered by replaceable AAAA batteries. This stylus connects via Bluetooth to a Surface device. In order for the pen to be discoverable, you must hold the top button for seven seconds. In general, this key performs many functions. For example, if you press the top key once, this will allow you to enter the Windows Ink Workspace. It will be a great option to get started with the stylus. If you press and hold the top key, the Sticky Notes program will be called up. Double tapping will take you to the thumbnail screen. This stylus allows you to successfully work in any program that supports handwriting. The stylus has a feature to block any other touch on the screen while using the Surface Pen. The gadget is also very useful in applications with a creative focus, in creating drawings and sketches. It works great with apps like Adobe Photoshop Elements, Sketchable, Drawboard PDF, and Staffpad.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Apple Pencil (1st Generation) (from 8 rubles)
The Apple Pencil is a signature stylus from Apple. This pen is designed for comfortable work on iPad, iPad Pro, iPad mini tablets. Successfully performs its functions on capacitive-type screens. The connection is made using Bluetooth. This is more than enough to maintain the full functioning of the stylus. The pen itself is equipped with a magnetic cap. Comes with replacement tips. The stylus has an ergonomic and stylish design. The design is thought out in terms of convenience and allows you to work for a long time without getting tired in your hand. The material of manufacture was plastic, with a high wear resistance. Charges an average of 8-9 minutes. The charge lasts for 12 hours according to the manufacturer. However, over time, the duration of work will decrease.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. HUAWEI M-Pen lite (from 2 rubles)
HUAWEI M-Pen lite is a budget solution for an artist! The stylus is specially designed for MediaPad M5 Lite 10 and MediaPad M6 tablets. The stylus in combination with the tablet will be an excellent bundle for those professionals whose work is related to computer graphics. The stylus is lightweight and the ergonomic design fits securely in your hand, extending your writing time by reducing fatigue. The stylus is suitable for text input, drawing, device control. The body of the pen is made of durable metal. The gadget itself runs on AAAA batteries. Judging by the manufacturer’s statements, this stylus has 2048 levels of sensitivity. This pen may experience slight lag when making short, quick strokes. Otherwise, no errors were found during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
What other styluses are worth paying attention to
4. Adonit Mini 4.0 (from 4 rubles)
Adonit Mini 4.0 is a stylus with a well-thought-out effective design, which is very convenient to use due to the ergonomic body. The device is compatible with any type of touch screens. A great gadget for taking notes, writing and creative solutions related to graphics and drawing. Supports Android and iOS devices. The stylus features a precision disc tip. It allows you to perform operations on the screen with precision and simplicity, and gives you the feeling of writing on paper. The stylus is equipped with a special carrying clip. The detachable housing allows you to securely store the handpiece and protects it from damage. While writing, it blocks the screen from unnecessary touches.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) (from 10 rubles)
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is a more advanced version of the Apple Pencil stylus and belongs to the second generation. Designed to work with 11″ Pad Pro, 12,9″ iPad Pro (3rd generation). The main reason why this stylus is placed in fifth place is the very high prices. A strong plus of this stylus is a double tap on the flat side – and you no longer have a pencil in your hands, but an eraser. This is much more convenient and faster than reaching for the toolbar. The stylus is charged while attaching the stylus to the side of the iPad. Now about the differences between the Apple Pencil 1 and 2 generations. The second generation stylus has a more thoughtful design and is slightly smaller in size. In the second generation, charging is carried out more comfortably, through magnetization. The first through the connection to the connector. In the second generation, the functionality was slightly expanded: they added the ability to double-tap, pressing the stylus on the iPad Pro in sleep mode immediately opens the notes mode. Otherwise, everything is the same as in the first generation. The first generation will cost a couple of thousand less.
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Devia Touch Pencil (from 2 rubles)
Devia Touch Pencil is an inexpensive tablet/iPad compatible stylus. There is support for iOS. The advantages of the stylus are its elegant design and response to pressing force, which is achieved thanks to the built-in sensors. This allows you to adjust the thickness of the line while writing. The device is suitable for drawing, but according to some users, certain stylus errors occur during the sketching process. The handle turns on with one touch and turns off in the same way. Charging is via Micro-USB, which is included. Has a magnetic cap. The body is made of ABS plastic.
Advantages and disadvantages
7. WIWU Picasso Active P339 (from 2 rubles)
WIWU Picasso Active P339 is another budget stylus option. It is compatible with many touch screens. Supports both iOS and Android devices. This model provides the ability to connect to a tablet or other device with a touch screen via Bluetooth. The practical design of the stylus is designed for long, comfortable work. The design of the stylus has a special clip that allows you to attach the pen for the convenience of the user. The stylus is more suitable not for drawing, but for such tasks: adjusting a picture, creating text comments, quickly creating notes, surfing the net,
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Adonit Droid (from 2 rubles)
Adonit Droid is a versatile stylus that is compatible with most touch screen devices. The advantage is its low price. A special feature is the tip in the form of a precision microdisk, as in the Adonit Mini 4.0 stylus. According to the manufacturer, this allows you to achieve a high positioning rate. The disk size is 4,75 mm. This “handle” does not require connection with the device via Bluetooth. The stylus is suitable for a range of tasks from drawing to photo editing.
Advantages and disadvantages
9. WACOM Bamboo Duo (from 1 rubles)
WACOM Bamboo Duo is essentially a pen with two functions: a ballpoint pen and a universal stylus. The tip is made of carbon fiber. That is, with this stylus you can take notes, both on paper and on a tablet. Excellent external design, balance, smooth interaction with the touch screen. The stylus is compatible with many devices that have a capacitive touch screen. All in all, a beautiful pen that combines different functions at a low price.
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Baseus Golden Cudgel Capacitive (from 570 rubles)
Baseus Golden Cudgel Capacitive is the simplest and most affordable stylus option in our ranking. Like the previous version, it acts in two roles: a pen and a stylus. Compatible with any device equipped with a touch screen. Supports iOS and Android software. The thickness of the line is regulated by the force of pressing the screen. The tip of the stylus and the shaft of the pen are protected by caps. The body is made of aluminum and feels good in the hand.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a stylus
Screen types
The operation of the first touch screens was based on the resistive principle. Without going into technical details, the basis of this principle is the closure. Micro-isolators separate the monitor from the rest of the computer, and when touched at a certain point, the isolator closes. This pulse underwent special processing, turning into display coordinates. Styluses were necessary for such devices, because finger pressure was not enough. However, such displays could also be controlled using any solid object other than a stylus. The strength of such screens: fast typing and easy replacement of the external panel.
As for the current situation, another type of screen is widespread – capacitive. The principle by which this type of display works is as follows: the screen is covered with a conductive layer of small thickness, when touched, this material changes resistance, which signals that it is being pressed. Capacitive screens are more durable and long lasting. The electrode grid is easy to apply, unlike the resistive membrane, which is sensitive to damage. Such screens easily respond to a slight touch with a finger. The advantages of such displays are reliability and ease of operation. The downside is that if your fingers are dirty or wearing gloves, then the screen will remain indifferent to your touches.
What can you do with a stylus
A stylus with a tuft of fibers at the tip is perfect for all designers and artists to work with. The hairs transmit current when they touch the screen, as if it were a paint brush.
If the tip of the “stick” is made of rubber, then it belongs to the universal. This model is suitable for all types of devices and perform a wide range of functions: write text, draw sketches, etc.
Styluses with a plastic tip are particularly accurate and durable. But it is not very practical for him to draw, as he is flat.
The pen-style stylus is perfect for working on a graphics tablet. A significant disadvantage is that the core of this pen wears out and needs to be changed periodically.
Stylus construction
The device of the stylus is very simple. The resistive display stylus is a plastic or metal stick with a tip that does not scratch the screen. As for styluses for capacitive displays, they have a tip made of conductive materials, just like a human finger. This allows you to change the resistance at a specific point on the screen. For this type of screen, there are basically four types of styluses: a stylus, in the form of a brush, made of conductive fibers; stylus on a sponge; rubber stylus; plastic stylus.
Types of styluses
The active stylus affects the digitizer, which is the part of the screen responsible for communicating between the display and the stylus. In terms of functionality, an active stylus is very similar to a computer mouse and can perform the same actions: pointing, highlighting, context menu, and so on. Most digital styluses have the ability to cancel accidental hand touches. This is very convenient when you write with a stylus, as the display will only respond to your actions with the stylus.
The passive stylus is similar in functionality to a human finger. It does not require food. Able to work on any device that is equipped with a touch screen. Perhaps this is one of the important advantages of passive styluses. Not every touchscreen computer is capable of interacting with an active stylus. Therefore, it is important to clarify this before buying: the scope. With a passive stylus, there are no such problems. However, it has a smaller range of functions that it can perform on a computer.
Additional equipment
There are stylus models that can be connected to Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth. It is also worth remembering that Android and iOS have different types of connectors. It is worth considering this before buying a stylus.
Active styluses can be equipped with additional buttons that are responsible for specific functions: erasing text, calling the menu. Also, the stylus can be equipped with a function for recognizing the angle of inclination and pressing force. It happens that a graphic pen is made by a certain company, such as Apple. They will only work with touchscreen devices of the same brand. Connection to computers of other firms simply will not take place. Remember that the degree of screen sensitivity to the stylus can be adjusted by the degree of pressure, or through the settings of the stylus, if connected via Bluetooth.
What to look for when choosing
There are many types of stylus, they differ in size, design, type of work and screen type. It is worth considering the dimensions of the screen, the technology by which it functions, and the size of those objects on the screen that will need to be controlled.
Universal styluses are perfect for all types of gadgets. But do not be lazy and neglect the recommendations for interacting with your gadget, perhaps there are the most optimal types of styluses for your device.
In the store, it is best to try the stylus at work. It should fit comfortably in your hand, and pressing the screen should be easy. It is important that the tip is made of materials that will not scratch the screen.