Practice: Logitech Pencil – an alternative to the easy-to-use Apple pencil

Earlier this year, at its high school education event in Chicago, Apple unveiled the 6th generation iPad with a base price of only $ 329. This was the first non-Pro iPad to support the Apple pencil. Instead of creating a cheaper Apple pencil or lowering the price of the existing version, Apple loaned its technology to Logitech and the $ 49 pencil crayon was born.

After being initially available only in school districts, we are announcing today that the Logitech Pencil will be available to the general public, which means it will be sold in Apple stores and online. Starting on September 12, the same day as Apple's next press conference, the Logitech Pencil will go on sale in Apple stores and on the Logitech website. Later, in October, the pencil will be available in other outlets.

How does the Logitech Pencil compare to the Apple Pencil for 6th generation iPad users? Watch our unpacking video and see the full scoop.

Characteristics

• Works only with the sixth generation iPad
• Uses Apple Pencil technology
• Supports tilt
• Does not support pressure sensitivity
• Automatic connection, no Bluetooth connection required
• On / Off button
• Power indicator
• Automatic shutdown after 30 minutes
• Robust designed for classrooms
• Removable cap
• Female Lightning Port for charging
• Charge of 2 minutes = 30 minutes of autonomy
• 7 hours of active writing on a full charge
• Resists falls up to 4 feet
• Limited one year warranty
• Price: $ 69.99
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.5 x 0.3 inches
• Weight: 0.7 oz

Although the Logitech Pencil uses Apple Pencil technology for perfect pixel accuracy, palm rejection and overall responsiveness, it's a very different experience than Apple's stylus.

First, the Logitech Pencil only works with the 6th generation iPad. It does not work at all with any version of iPad Pro, so if you have an iPad Pro, you have to stick with the traditional Apple Pencil.

Second, the Logitech pencil costs $ 30 cheaper, at $ 69.99. This alone makes it attractive for those on a tight budget. Just think that you can score an iPad 6 + Logitech Pencil, both new, for 399 $ HT.

The next big difference is in overall design and manufacturing quality. The Logitech Pencil clearly stands out from the minimalist appearance of the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil is larger, cylindrical and has a shiny white glossy surface. He is also more likely to get out of a table than the Logitech Pencil, even though he has been weighted to avoid this.

The Logitech Pencil has a child-friendly design with a flat shape to resist rolling. It also comes with a bright orange hood, a power button and a smart tip area. The cap, which covers the female light port used for charging, is attached to the Logitech Pencil Pencil to prevent its loss.

Another difference between Logitech Pencil and Apple Pencil is related to matching and charging. With the Apple Pencil, Bluetooth pairing is achieved by connecting the Apple Pencil Lightning connector directly to an eligible iPad. Such a thing proved a little tricky, so Logitech eliminated the idea of ​​pairing in favor of an instant connection with the sixth-generation iPad. All you have to do is hold the power button near the top of the Logitech Pencil for a second, and the stylus is immediately available for use.

The loading of the Logitech Pencil differs from that of the Apple Pencil in that it includes a female Lightning connection. This means that you can easily recharge your Logitech Pencil with a Lightning cable, as you do with your iPad, iPad, AirPods, etc. It also means that there is no direct connection to the iPad to charge, a feature with the Apple pencil, but it turns out convenient when you need a Meme it fast charge.

Since it does not associate with the iPad as an Apple Pencil, there is no battery widget available for Logitech Pencil in iOS. Instead, Logitech provides an LED battery indicator on the device itself. A simple press on the power button reveals the battery status via the LED. A green light appears when the battery is above 10%, a red light less than 10% and a flashing red light less than 5%.

The Logitech Pencil works very well like the Apple Pencil when it is used to draw with your favorite applications that support pen input. For example, the rejection of the palm is still part of the equation, as well as the type of reactive precision input proposed by Apple Pencil.

Yet the general feeling of the device in your hand is very different. For me, the Logitech Pencil feels more comfortable to use. I've always thought that the Apple pencil was a bit too thin so that my hands could grab it comfortably. The Logitech Pencil, meanwhile, with its square design, allows more hand to come in contact with the surface of the device. It's probably more of a thing of preference, but I've enjoyed the pencil feel on the Apple pencil in both short bursts and long marathons of use.

Unfortunately, Pencil users from an Apple Pencil will have to deal with the fact that the pressure sensitivity, an important selling point of the Apple pencil for artists, is nonexistent in the Logitech stylus. This is the main feature that separates these two devices with regard to the general features. This means that pressing the display with your Logitech Pencil does not affect the weight of the stroke, which greatly affects the way you use the stylus artistically.

The Logitech Pencil pencil is based on the Apple Pencil technology, but it is not a renowned Apple Pencil.

This does not mean that the Logitech Pencil can not be used to make art because it is possible. Prior to the Apple Pencil's pressure sensitivity, there were styli for doing art, and the Pencil can be used to do it too; you just have to work with this major limitation. The pen also supports the tilt feature, allowing you to use thicker or thinner lines depending on the angle of repose of the tip on the iPad screen. I find that the Apple pencil is better suited for tilt functionality, as is the physical design of the pen.

If you need a reliable stylus for taking notes, marking and for limited artistic use, the Logitech Pencil is an interesting alternative and cheaper. However, this is not a 1: 1 Apple replacement, especially with respect to art. Lack of pressure sensitivity plays a major role in the way drawing applications are used, as it offers much less flexibility and overall nuance in the weight of attacks.

But for those of you who are not interested in drawing, painting, etc. For the most demanding users and markers, the Logitech Pencil may be a cheaper alternative and, for some users, the Apple Pencil.

What are your first impressions of the Logitech pencil? Sounds down in the comments with your thoughts.