Many digital artists who work on iPad using Apple Pencil find a pencil grip to be one of the must-have accessories. I have been using my iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil for almost seven years – mainly drawing in Procreate, taking notes, and sketching – and I never ever had a pencil grip. When I discovered that Paperlike, the company that created a famous screen protector, now sells Apple Pencil grips, I decided to try it out. As they advertise on their website, Paperlike pencil grips aim to increase your accuracy and precision while providing comfort when drawing. And in this article, I will go over what’s inside the box, the grip’s design, how it works, and if it is worth buying.
Price and packaging
The Paperlike Pencil Grip comes in a small, protective carton package that is easy to open. Inside the box, you will find two different pencil grips: the Maximum Comfort Grip and Maximum Precision Grip, both of which are designed specifically for the Apple Pencil. The package also includes a QR code, which when scanned, takes you to a detailed video instruction on how to prepare your Apple Pencil and how to put these grips on. The instruction video was helpful, as it showed me that my Apple Pencil might need some preparation before using the grips.
What’s in the box
- Thank you note (which is also a sticker)
- Maximum Comfort Grip (bigger one)
- Maximum Precision Grip (smaller one)
When you open the box, the first thing you will see is the QR code with instructions printed on the side. You will also find a printed sticker with someone else’s artwork and a “thank you” note on the other side. Under the sticker, you will find two pencil grips attached to the package. The grips are very easy to take out.
Design
The design of both grips is the same, the only difference being the size. Both grips are made of what seems to be silicone or rubber (the website doesn’t specify the material) and are white with a bit of transparency. The grips have a minimalistic design, which I personally like very much. To me, it seems like the grip was designed to blend in with the Apple Pencil instead of standing out. On the pencil grip itself, you won’t find any decoration or designs; the only thing that appears on the grip is the Paperlike logo, but you won’t really see it unless you look at it from a certain angle. The grip has two grooves for fingers to hold it, which I found comfortable to hold.
Maximum Comfort Grip
The Maximum Comfort Grip is the bigger of the two pencil grips included in the Paperlike package. It is designed for long writing or drawing sessions and claims to reduce fatigue and hand cramps.
I found the grip to be very comfortable and soft, allowing for hours of drawing and writing without feeling tired. I completed an entire illustration without needing to take breaks. However, I did not feel like I had full control over my pencil while using this grip, making it better suited for sketching or coloring rather than precise drawings.
As for writing, I did not enjoy using the Maximum Comfort Grip. It felt like I didn’t have full control of my pencil, which was a constant issue. However, I know many people find it helpful for long writing sessions such as taking notes or writing lectures. If you do a lot of writing on your iPad, it may be worth trying out.
Maximum Precision Grip
The Maximum Precision Grip is the smaller of the two pencil grips included in the Paperlike package. It is designed to offer better stroke precision and accuracy when creating detailed or precise drawings. This grip is particularly popular among artists.
I found that this pencil grip would be best suited for digital artists who create precise-line artworks because it provides comfort, stroke accuracy, and full control over the Apple Pencil. I personally liked this pencil grip and, out of the two options, I would most likely choose the Maximum Precision grip. It fits well in the hand and, unlike the comfort grip, does not feel too large.
How to put it on
Applying the grip is a simple process, but I found the instructional video provided by Paperlike to be helpful. The video, led by the CEO, Jan Sapper, goes over a step-by-step process on how to put on the pencil grip. Here is how you should do it:
Step 1: Clean your Apple Pencil. Remove dust and any oil to ensure the grip doesn’t slide.
Step 2: On the pencil grip, find the flat side. This will sit on the flat side of your Apple Pencil. If you are using the 1st Gen Apple Pencil, you can skip this step.
Step 3: On the pencil grip, find the Paperlike logo. This is the back and will go to the back of your Apple Pencil (not near the tip).
Step 4: Slide the grip on, starting at the tip and moving it until it sits about 0.7 to 1 inch from the tip.
Applying the pencil grip was easy and only took a couple of minutes. Cleaning my pencil took longer than applying the grip. It requires a bit of force, but it is not difficult.
Double tap feature
The Paperlike pencil grips are compatible with the Double Tap gesture feature on the Apple Pencil. However, I had mixed feelings about it. Every time I tried to use it, my fingers would slide off and I would lose my Apple Pencil. To use the Double Tap feature, you need to turn your pencil, tap, and then turn it back.
I am not someone who frequently uses the Double Tap gesture, so for me, the fact that it wasn’t comfortable to use with the grip on was not a problem. However, for someone who is used to this gesture, it may take some time to get used to using it with the grip.
Magnetic charge
The Paperlike pencil grip is also compatible with magnetic charging. In the video, I tested if it somehow affects the way the pencil is charged, and I have to say that there were absolutely no problems with magnetic charging. When you magnetically attach your Apple Pencil, you can see a slight gap between the part of the pencil where the grip is and the iPad. This slightly affects how strong the magnets hold the Apple Pencil, but it is not a significant issue. The pencil doesn’t slide or move.
My opinion
When it comes to whether this pencil grip is worth it, it is a personal decision. I believe that the price of $39.99 ($29.99 if purchased on sale) for two pencil grips is a bit high. Many users will likely end up using only one of the grips, as switching between them is not a quick process. For me, it would make more sense to buy the grips separately, as I would only use the Maximum Precision Grip.
Overall, I liked the Paperlike Pencil Grip. It is a nice and premium product. I liked the way the grip felt in my hands, the minimalistic design, and how it worked. I would suggest giving it a try if you do long drawing or writing sessions.
Where to buy
You can buy the Paperlike Pencil Grip on the official Paperlike website under iPad Accessories. Paperlike offers free USA and worldwide shipping. In the USA, your package will be delivered in 2-5 business days. You can also purchase this product on Amazon, sold by Paperlike. If you have Prime, it can be delivered in two days or sometimes even overnight.
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