Have you ever found yourself struggling to take digital notes or create digital designs because you just can’t seem to find the right stylus? It can be frustrating to have an idea in your head but not be able to bring it to life on your device.
That’s where the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen come in – two of the most popular styluses on the market. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll dive into the features and benefits of each stylus to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a digital artist, note-taker, or just looking for a more precise way to navigate your device, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a closer look at the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen.
Overview of Apple Pencil and Surface Pen
When it comes to digital styluses, two of the most popular options are the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen.
Both are designed to work seamlessly with their respective brands’ devices, but they have some key differences that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is a sleek and powerful stylus designed specifically for use with the iPad and iPad Pro. It features an incredibly responsive tip that can detect pressure and tilt, allowing you to create a wide range of strokes and effects.
The newest version of the Apple Pencil, released in 2021, is compatible with the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation).
Pros
- Extremely precise and responsive
- Supports pressure and tilt sensitivity
- Long battery life
- Magnetic attachment to iPad for easy storage and charging
Cons
- Only works with Apple devices
- Expensive compared to other styluses
- No eraser function
Surface Pen
The Surface Pen is Microsoft’s answer to the Apple Pencil. It’s designed to work with the Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Studio, and offers a similar level of precision and responsiveness.
The newest version of the Surface Pen, released in 2022, features 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and a tilt function for shading.
Pros
- Compatible with a range of Microsoft devices
- Supports pressure and tilt sensitivity
- Eraser function on the back end
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- Can be less precise than the Apple Pencil
- Battery life is shorter than the Apple Pencil
- May require additional calibration to work properly
In summary, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are excellent digital styluses that offer a high level of precision and responsiveness.
The choice between them largely comes down to which device you’re using and which features are most important to you.
If you’re an iPad user looking for the ultimate stylus experience, the Apple Pencil is the clear choice. If you’re a Microsoft user looking for a versatile stylus that works across multiple devices, the Surface Pen is a great option.
Design and Ergonomics
When it comes to design and ergonomics, both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen have their own unique features.
Here’s a breakdown of each stylus:
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil has a sleek, minimalist design that is lightweight and easy to hold. It’s made of white plastic and has a matte finish that provides a good grip.
The pencil is 6.92 inches long and has a diameter of 0.35 inches. It’s a bit longer and thinner than a regular pencil, but it’s still comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
One of the standout features of the Apple Pencil is its magnetic cap, which protects the lightning connector and makes it easy to attach to your iPad. The pencil charges via the lightning connector and has a battery life of up to 12 hours.
Surface Pen
The Surface Pen is available in a variety of colors and has a more traditional pen-like design. It’s made of metal and has a slightly heavier weight than the Apple Pencil, which some users may find more comfortable to hold. The pen is 5.71 inches long and has a diameter of 0.38 inches.
The Surface Pen also has a unique eraser feature that allows you to erase mistakes by flipping the pen over and using the eraser tip. It’s a convenient feature that can save you time and effort.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each stylus:
Apple Pencil
Pros:
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Magnetic cap for easy attachment
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Only compatible with iPad Pro models
- No eraser feature
Surface Pen
Pros:
- Available in a variety of colors
- Metal construction for a more traditional feel
- Eraser feature for easy mistake correction
Cons:
- Slightly heavier weight may not be comfortable for all users
- Tilt control only works with certain devices
Overall, both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen have their own unique design and ergonomic features that make them a great choice for digital artists and designers. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your workflow.
Performance and Responsiveness
When it comes to performance and responsiveness, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are highly responsive and accurate.
They provide a smooth and natural writing experience, making them ideal for artists, designers, and note-takers alike.
Latency
One of the key factors that affect performance and responsiveness is latency, which refers to the delay between the time you make a stroke and the time it appears on the screen. The lower the latency, the more natural and responsive the writing experience.
The Apple Pencil offers an impressively low latency of just 20ms, which makes it feel almost like you’re writing on paper.
The Surface Pen, on the other hand, has a latency of around 21ms, which is also very low and provides a smooth and natural writing experience.
Pressure Sensitivity
Another important factor that affects performance and responsiveness is pressure sensitivity, which refers to how much pressure you need to apply to the stylus to create a thicker or thinner line.
Both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen offer a high degree of pressure sensitivity, which allows for precise and detailed drawings and sketches.
The Apple Pencil offers up to 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is the highest in the market.
The Surface Pen, on the other hand, offers up to 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity on the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3, and up to 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity with tilt support on the Surface Pro X.
Responsive
In terms of responsiveness, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are highly responsive and accurate. They provide a smooth and natural writing experience, making them ideal for artists, designers, and note-takers alike.
Zero-Force Inking
Both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen offer zero-force inking, which means that you don’t need to apply any pressure to the stylus for it to start writing or drawing. This makes them ideal for taking quick notes or making sketches on the go.
Pros and Cons
| Apple Pencil | Surface Pen |
|---|---|
| Low latency of 20ms | Low latency of around 21ms |
| Offers up to 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity | Offers up to 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity |
| Highly responsive and accurate | Highly responsive and accurate |
| Zero-force inking | Zero-force inking |
| Only works with iPad Pro | Works with Surface devices only |
| Expensive | Comes with some Surface devices |
| Requires charging | Requires charging |
Overall, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen offer excellent performance and responsiveness, making them ideal for a wide range of tasks. However, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the device you are using.
Drawing and Sketching Capabilities
When it comes to drawing and sketching, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are excellent options for artists and designers.
They both offer precise and responsive stylus input, allowing for detailed and accurate sketches and drawings. However, there are some differences to keep in mind.
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is known for its exceptional drawing capabilities. It is incredibly responsive and accurate, with virtually no lag time between the stylus and the screen.
The pencil also has tilt support, which means that you can change the angle of the stylus to create shading and other effects.
One of the biggest benefits of the Apple Pencil is its compatibility with the iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro has a large, high-resolution display that is perfect for drawing and sketching. The combination of the Apple Pencil and the iPad Pro is a favorite among artists and designers.
Surface Pen
The Surface Pen is also a great option for drawing and sketching. It offers precise and accurate stylus input, with minimal lag time. The Surface Pen also has tilt support, allowing for shading and other effects.
One of the benefits of the Surface Pen is its compatibility with the Surface Pro and other Windows devices.
The Surface Pro has a large, high-resolution display that is perfect for drawing and sketching.
Additionally, the Surface Pen has a button on the side that allows you to quickly access various drawing tools and features.
Pros and Cons
| Apple Pencil | Surface Pen |
|---|---|
| Exceptional drawing capabilities | Great for Windows devices |
| Tilt support for shading and other effects | Button on the side for quick access to drawing tools |
| Compatible with iPad Pro | Compatible with Surface Pro and other Windows devices |
Overall, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are excellent options for drawing and sketching. The choice between the two will largely depend on your device preferences and operating system.
Software and App Compatibility
When it comes to software and app compatibility, both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen have their own advantages and limitations.
Here’s what you need to know:
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is designed to work seamlessly with iOS devices, including the iPad and iPhone. It is compatible with a wide range of apps, including Procreate, GoodNotes, Notability, and many others.
The Apple Pencil also supports palm rejection, which means you can rest your hand on the screen while you write or draw without accidentally making marks.
However, the Apple Pencil is not compatible with Windows devices, which limits its versatility.
If you need to use the Apple Pencil with a Windows device, you’ll need to use a third-party app or software, which may not provide the same level of functionality as native iOS apps.
Surface Pen
The Surface Pen is designed to work with Windows devices, including the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book. It is compatible with a wide range of apps, including OneNote, Microsoft Office, and Windows Ink Workspace.
The Surface Pen also supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, which allows for more precise control when drawing or writing.
However, the Surface Pen is not compatible with iOS devices, which limits its usefulness if you need to work across multiple platforms.
While there are third-party apps that allow you to use the Surface Pen with iOS devices, they may not provide the same level of functionality as native Windows apps.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of each stylus when it comes to software and app compatibility:
| Stylus | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil | Works seamlessly with iOS devices and a wide range of apps. Supports palm rejection. | Not compatible with Windows devices, which limits its versatility. Third-party apps or software may not provide the same level of functionality as native iOS apps. |
| Surface Pen | Works seamlessly with Windows devices and a wide range of apps. Supports tilt and pressure sensitivity. | Not compatible with iOS devices, which limits its usefulness if you need to work across multiple platforms. Third-party apps may not provide the same level of functionality as native Windows apps. |
Overall, when it comes to software and app compatibility, your choice between the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen will depend largely on the devices and platforms you use most often.
If you primarily use iOS devices, the Apple Pencil is likely the better choice. If you primarily use Windows devices, the Surface Pen is likely the better choice.
Battery and Charging
When it comes to the battery and charging of the Apple Pencil vs Surface Pen, there are some notable differences to consider.
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is a rechargeable device that can be charged using the Lightning connector on the iPad. It can also be charged using a USB-C to Lightning cable, which is sold separately.
The Pencil has a battery life of about 12 hours, and it can be charged for about 30 minutes of use in just 15 seconds.
Surface Pen
The Surface Pen is also a rechargeable device, but it has a slightly longer battery life of up to 20 hours. It can be charged using the Surface device’s USB-C port or the Surface Slim Pen Dock, which is sold separately.
The Surface Pen also supports wireless charging, which is a convenient feature that eliminates the need for cables.
Pros and Cons
| Apple Pencil | Surface Pen |
|---|---|
| Can be charged using a USB-C to Lightning cable | Supports wireless charging |
| Can be charged using the Lightning connector on the iPad | Battery life is slightly longer |
| Can be charged for about 30 minutes of use in just 15 seconds | Can be charged using the Surface Slim Pen Dock, which is sold separately |
Related Posts:
Additional Features
Both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen come with additional features that make them stand out from other digital styluses.
Here are some of the features that you should know about:
Bluetooth Connectivity
Both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen use Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your device. This allows for a more seamless experience when using the stylus, as you don’t have to worry about any wires getting in the way.
Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity allows for some advanced features, such as pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.
Magnetic Attachment
The Surface Pen has a magnet on the side that allows it to attach to the side of your Surface device. This is a convenient way to keep the stylus within reach, and it also helps to prevent it from getting lost.
The Apple Pencil, on the other hand, does not have a magnet, but it does have a built-in clip that you can use to attach it to your iPad case or pocket.
Eraser Functionality
Both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen have an eraser function that allows you to easily erase mistakes or make corrections.
With the Apple Pencil, you simply flip the stylus over and use the back end to erase.
The Surface Pen, on the other hand, has a button on the side that you can press to activate the eraser function.
Extra Tips
Both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen come with extra tips that you can use to replace the original tip when it wears down.
This is a convenient feature that can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to buy a whole new stylus when the tip wears down.
Palm Rejection
Palm rejection is a feature that allows you to rest your hand on the screen while you’re using the stylus, without accidentally registering any input.
Both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen have palm rejection capabilities, which makes them more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Pros and Cons
| Features | Apple Pencil | Surface Pen |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Pro | Pro |
| Magnetic Attachment | Con | Pro |
| Eraser Functionality | Pro | Pro |
| Extra Tips | Pro | Pro |
| Palm Rejection | Pro | Pro |
Related Posts:
Device Compatibility
When it comes to device compatibility, both the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen have their own limitations.
Let’s take a closer look at which devices are compatible with each stylus.
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is compatible with several iPad models, including the iPad Pro (all generations), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad (6th and 7th generation), and iPad Mini (5th generation).
However, it’s important to note that the first-generation Apple Pencil is not compatible with the latest iPad Pro models, which require the second-generation Apple Pencil. Additionally, the Apple Pencil is not compatible with any Mac or Windows devices.
Here’s a table summarizing the Apple Pencil compatibility:
| Device | Compatible with Apple Pencil |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro | 1st and 2nd generation |
| iPad Air | 3rd generation |
| iPad | 6th and 7th generation |
| iPad Mini | 5th generation |
| Mac | Not compatible |
| Windows | Not compatible |
Surface Pen
The Surface Pen is compatible with several Microsoft Surface devices, including the Surface Pro (all generations), Surface Laptop (all generations), and Surface Book (all generations).
It’s important to note that the latest Surface Pen with tilt functionality only works with the Surface Pro (5th generation) and later, and the Surface Laptop (1st generation) and later. Additionally, the Surface Pen is not compatible with any Mac or iOS devices.
Here’s a table summarizing the Surface Pen compatibility:
| Device | Compatible with Surface Pen |
|---|---|
| Surface Pro | All generations |
| Surface Laptop | All generations |
| Surface Book | All generations |
| Mac | Not compatible |
| iOS | Not compatible |
Pros and Cons
- Apple Pencil:
- Pros: Compatible with a wide range of iPad models with excellent performance.
- Cons: Not compatible with any Mac or Windows devices.
- Surface Pen:
- Pros: Compatible with a wide range of Microsoft Surface devices with excellent performance.
- Cons: Not compatible with any Mac or iOS devices.
Related Posts:
- Can Apple Pencil 2 Work On iPad 9th Generation? Find Out Here!
- Can Apple Pencil 1 Work On iPad Pro? Quick Guide 2023
- Can Apple Pencil Be Used On Any iPad? Uncovering Compatibility Secrets 2023
- Are Apple Pencils Compatible With All iPads? Your Easy Guide 2023
- The Apple Pencil Debate: Can You Use it With An iPad Air 2? 2023
Cost and Value for Money
When it comes to the cost and value for money, both Apple Pencil 2 and Surface Slim Pen are priced similarly.
However, the Surface Pen is a more affordable option compared to the Apple Pencil 2. The Surface Slim Pen is priced at $144.99, while the Apple Pencil 2 is priced at $129.00.
One of the significant advantages of the Surface Pen is that it comes with a battery that lasts up to 18 months, which is a significant improvement from the previous version. On the other hand, the Apple Pencil 2 has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 12 hours.
Another factor to consider is the compatibility of the stylus. The Surface Pen is compatible with a wide range of devices, including the Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, and Surface Laptop 3, while the Apple Pencil 2 is only compatible with the iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Here’s a quick comparison table of the cost and value for money of the Apple Pencil 2 and the Surface Slim Pen:
| Stylus | Price | Battery Life | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil 2 | $129.00 | 12 hours | iPad Pro, iPad Air |
| Surface Slim Pen | $144.99 | 18 months | Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3 |
Pros and Cons:
- Apple Pencil 2:
- Pros: rechargeable battery, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and compatibility with the iPad Pro and iPad Air.
- Cons: expensive compared to Surface Pen, limited compatibility with devices.
- Surface Slim Pen:
- Pros: affordable, long battery life, compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- Cons: not as many features as the Apple Pencil 2, not compatible with iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Related Posts:
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are excellent digital styluses that offer a lot of value to users. When it comes to comparison, both have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use the stylus for.
If you’re looking for a stylus that’s more geared towards productivity, the Surface Pen may be the better choice for you.
It has a more traditional pen-like feel, which can be more comfortable for extended use. Additionally, the Surface Pen offers more customization options, such as the ability to program the button on the pen to perform different functions.
On the other hand, if you’re a creator looking for a stylus that’s more geared towards drawing and design, the Apple Pencil may be the better choice for you.
It’s incredibly responsive and accurate, making it an excellent tool for digital art. Additionally, the Apple Pencil has a more natural feel, with pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition that mimics traditional drawing tools.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Apple Pencil
Pros:
- Excellent for drawing and design
- Natural feel with pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other styluses
- Only compatible with Apple devices
Surface Pen
Pros:
- More traditional pen-like feel
- Customizable button
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
Cons:
- Slightly less accurate than the Apple Pencil
- Shorter battery life than the Apple Pencil
Overall, both the Apple Pencil and the Surface Pen are great options for anyone looking for a digital stylus. Consider your needs and preferences, and make your decision based on what will work best for you.