Tablets, smartphones, which are "in service" of a person of the 21st century, are quietly replacing a notebook and pen, telephone, camera and many other things. However, their functionality is limited due to digital technologies. For example, it is often difficult for the user to type text, especially if the hands are covered with gloves, or if you need to draw something by hand. Then the stylus will come to the rescue. What is a stylus for? What kind of devices are there? This article will tell you. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers you an overview of the best styluses for 2020.
A bit of history
Once electronics became ubiquitous, a solution to the problem of communicating with the graphical interface of computers was required. For a computer, this solution was a joystick, keyboard, mouse. However, there remained an urgent task of finer control of the monitor cursor, since for artists, graphic designers, mouse control was rough, not precise.
Everything changed with the advent of touch technology. When the first resistive screens appeared, it became possible to create graphic tablets for PCs, on which artists and designers could draw pointwise using a special pen, stylus. Later, this control technology was transferred to exchange information on smartphones and tablets.
What it is?
Essentially, a stylus (nib, electronic pen, or pencil) is a rod whose filling depends on the type of touchmonitor used. There are two of them:
- Resistive - type of monitors used in smartphones, tablets of the first generation. When you press the protective layer of the display, a physical impact is transmitted to the resistive layers. Closing, they change their resistance, about which information is received indicating the point of pressure.
- Capacitive - its principle of operation is all the same change in resistance, but not under the influence of physical impact, but when touched by a conductive element. This is, for example, a human finger. The advantage of this type of technology, high performance - speed, long operating time. Resistive devices are equipped with budget devices, the popularity of models, which is still relevant. But modern touch-sensitive electronic devices are equipped, as a rule, with only capacitive displays.
Thus, the electronic pencil is either for resistive or capacitive devices. Understanding which one you need is quite simple if you conduct an easy test. It is enough to hold something non-sharp on the LCD monitor, for example, the blunt side of a pencil. If there is a response, then resistive technology is used, if not, then capacitive. Thus, inexpensive models can work from a pen, which can be a simple pencil, a pen with a nozzle made of soft material. The main thing is that such a stylus does not scratch the screen, it has a wide contact surface. On the contrary, a resistive pen requires an electronic pen with a narrow working surface, a conductive base. Moreover, a metallic conductive material will not work here. The electronic pen device consists of metal, electromagnetic shavings, or a magnetic ring. The nozzle of such a pen is made of rubber or silicone.
Scope of the electronic pen
The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the use of an e-pen for drawing, by designers, artists. But besides this, the pen will be irreplaceable:
- If your device has a large screen, you will have to hold it with one hand, take the test with the other, and surf the Internet is extremely inconvenient;
- For communication via instant messengers, when hands are protected from the cold by gloves, mittens;
- For work, when creating a colorful presentation or when a digital signature is required for documents;
- The pen ensures comfortable operation of the tablet, smartphone, leaving the screen clean, without any traces of touch;
- There are branded styluses with the function of drawing animation pictures, emoji;
- When editing photos, videos, audio in converters, graphic, audio editors.
Types of electronic pens
In addition to the division into capacitive, resistive electronic pens, there are Android and iOS operating systems. Moreover, if we talk about iOS, then it is important what type of iPad we are talking about. After all, the well-known marketing policy of Apple is that when new products of the company are released, their work with peripheral devices of old versions becomes difficult or even impossible.
In addition, there are, as mentioned above, branded pens. For example, companies such as Samsung, they will be able to work with devices from other companies, but their functionality will be limited. The network also contains tips, videos on creating your own pen from scrap materials. But besides the fact that such electronic pencils have an unpresentable appearance, they can sometimes ruin the gadget by scratching, for example, its display.
Which company is better to buy a pen?
Now in the online store it is easy to order a pen at a price lower than that of well-known brands. However, the quality of products of unknown companies leaves much to be desired, and such devices are unlikely to last long. The best manufacturers of electronic pens at the moment are:
- Baseus is a South Korean manufacturer that produces accessories, peripherals, for laptops, smartphones. Popular models of the company's pens have earned good reviews due to the use of environmentally friendly technologies, a wide network of sales points that provide support, a service guarantee.
- Wacom is a Japanese company known for its products since the early 80s of the last century. Its products combine thoughtful ergonomics, modern design and high quality. The company develops devices with minimal dependence on power sources or without them at all, which ensures their long operating time and ease of use.
- Adonit is an American company specializing in the production of electronic pens for all types of operating systems, Android, iOS, Windows. This, in the opinion of buyers, makes the products universal in use. This is especially valuable if the user has several devices with different operating systems.
- Carcam is a domestic company that has attracted attention by its democratic pricing policy, wide support of service centers, and up-to-date products. If the question is how much high-quality products cost you, be sure to take a closer look at the products of this company.
How to choose a quality nib?
After the user has figured out the type of device screen he uses, his operating system, he should decide for what purpose this device is purchased. This will help you avoid mistakes when choosing and save money.
First of all, you should pay attention to the description of the pen. When it contains information that the stylus is universal, it means that it can be used for most everyday tasks. But they cannot draw, process photographs.
If your selection criteria is point, jewelry work, then you should choose a nib with a narrow tip, which is as comfortable as possible in your hand, and does not cause discomfort during long work. However, the average price of such devices is higher than those of general use.What to look for when choosing such an expensive pen ?! In addition to the fact that it must be from a well-known company that guarantees the quality of products, you should ask whether there is a stand or a cover for it in the kit. These seemingly insignificant accessories will keep the nibs from getting dull, extending the life of the pen.
Rating of quality styluses for 2020
For iPad tablets
Apple Pencil
A distinctive feature of iPad pro models with a screen diagonal of 9.7; 12.9 inches is that they are susceptible to the touch of the fingers, the force applied by them, the angles of impact. Therefore, the handles that work with the iPad pro must be of a special design to be able to implement all the functionality of these monitors. Apple Pencil allows you to fully reveal the functionality of these gadgets, making your work comfortable and easy to use. The pen received the best recommendations from 3D modeling professionals, graphic designers. A pair of iPad pro plus Apple Pencil replaces a full laptop when they are away from home, for example, while on vacation.
Advantages:
- Weight - 21 grams;
- The package includes replaceable tips;
- Work via Bluetooth;
- Includes a magnetic cap for easy pen storage;
- Fast sliding across the screen;
- Excellent build quality.
Disadvantages:
- Price;
- It lasts as long as the iPad pro does.
Cross townsend e-stylus
Fountain pens, ink pens from Parker, Waterman symbolize respectability and success of the owner. With this in mind, Cross Townsend has created their E-Stylus, stylized to look like expensive fountain pens of the past. In addition to the external resemblance, the E-Stylus has a refined, graceful "handwriting" similar to fountain pens. At the same time, special manipulations for setting up, Bluetooth connection does not require, it is enough just to turn it on. The color of the handle is either noble silver or solid gold.
Advantages:
- The package includes replaceable tips;
- Presentable appearance;
- Perfect as a gift;
- Lifetime warranty;
- Slim (2.6mm) tip size;
- Powered by a simple AAA battery.
Disadvantages:
- Price - 12,000 rubles.
Logitech crayon
One of the indisputable advantages of iPads is the fact that a large amount of software, which was previously installed only on PCs, is adapted for these models. Among them are Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, text editors, presentation programs, and more. There are analogs of these programs on smartphones, but they have greatly reduced functionality. However, the iPad will not allow you to fully feel, unleash the potential of programs without a special pen. Such as the Logitech Crayon. It was originally designed to meet the requirements of web designers, graphic illustrators, artists, allowing all their ideas to be realized in digital form. The thickness of the brush when drawing changes its thickness depending on the inclination. This makes the brush work simple and intuitive. The ergonomics of the pen has been thought over, it does not slip out of your hands, without causing fatigue.
Advantages:
- Shock-resistant body allows you to drop the pen;
- Supports the Adobe series of programs;
- Does not roll off the work surface.
Disadvantages:
- No wireless charging.
Adonit pixel pro
The device completes the TOP devices for iOS, the development of which from the very beginning was carried out for the functionality of Apple products. At its core, an e-pen is more like a computer mouse in its characteristics. The same control of movements on the display, the same buttons with the ability to program for specific tasks. In addition, the pen is equipped with the proprietary Palm Rejection technology. While working with the stylus, the monitor is locked in order to avoid accidental touches. Therefore, designers, artists, working with Pixel Pro are confident that their many hours of work will avoid the fate of being destroyed from an accidental mistake.
Advantages:
- The set includes a magnetic stand - charging;
- Increased point positioning accuracy;
- Over 2000 adjustable sensitivity levels;
- Programmable buttons for quick access to applications.
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to order online;
- There is no fast charging option.
For smartphones
Wacom Bamboo Sketch
The model is perfect for budget phones. Despite the low price category, the line drawn by the pen changes its density depending on the pressure. At the same time, changes from a wide line to a thin one and vice versa occur smoothly, which makes it possible to acquire a model as a "trial ball" in drawing. The gadget is interesting for its extended functionality, which can be configured using two keys on the pen body.
Advantages:
- Supplied with a case and two tips;
- Budget price;
- Ergonomic appearance;
- You can assign specific applications to buttons.
Disadvantages:
- There is no instruction in Russian;
- Freezes occur periodically;
- Sometimes smooth lines are angular.
Jot pro fine
The thinner the drawn line, the more possibilities the electronic pen has. Realizing this fact, Adonit has created an ultra-fine outline nib. An interesting solution has also been applied, which makes the drawing of the drawing dependent on the degree of pressure. To this end, the conventional tip has been replaced by a disc-spring design that transfers the pressure to the smartphone screen. The surface of the disc is covered with silicone, which makes the movements on the display smooth, not capable of damaging it. Good grip with the user's fingers is provided by the rubberized surface, durable, aluminum housing.
Advantages:
- Very thin outline lines;
- Lightweight thanks to the aluminum body;
- There is no need to recharge;
- Supports both OS;
- Transfer to the surface of the degree of pressure.
Disadvantages:
- Low sensitivity;
- Requires certain handling skills.
Wiwu Picasso Active
A universal device supporting Android and iOS operating systems, with an interesting triangular shape, which is rigidly fixed by the user's fingers. The model differs from similar devices in a long period, more than 5 months of battery life, a storage case that combines a charger, which saves space on the desktop. The case is convenient when carrying the device, the magnetic fasteners do not allow it to open during strong vibration, shaking, and the shock-resistant case will protect it from shocks if you drop it. The device is recharged through the case using Type-C.
Advantages:
- It is possible to connect equipment via USB port;
- There is charging via Qi-interface;
- Beautiful aluminum shell.
Disadvantages:
- The price is more than 4000 rubles.
Baseus Golden Cudgel Capacitive
The rating ends with a smartphone - pens, a simple, budget device of a well-known South Korean brand. It uses a technology similar to the Jot Pro Fine described above - a disc covered with silicone, a spring that transfers hand pressure. The device is completely universal, both as possible to work on different operating systems and in the field of application. It will be useful for novice artists, designers, office workers when drawing charts, creating presentations.
Advantages:
- There is a clip on the jacket, shirt;
- Transmits finger pressure;
- Works with all types of smartphones, tablets.
Disadvantages:
- There is no replaceable tip;
- The protective glass of the device can block the stylus.
Conclusion
The review was compiled on the basis of the relevance of information taken from various sources on the network. If a visitor to the page wants to add his information or give advice on which stylus is better to buy, where to buy an inexpensive model, you can do this in the comments under the article.