As much as we all want to do free-hand art for our clients, it is a must that we use all technology available to create wonderful designs. One of the essential tools web designers must have would be a good stylus. But with the market saturated with so much, how do we know which stylus to choose?
The best stylus for web designers is almost subjective. It depends on a variety of factors and would also largely depend on what highlighted feature the designer is banking on. As a tip, here are some of the considerations designers should look out for when finding the best stylus that works for them.
When choosing the best stylus for web designers, watch out for these
- Nibs and tips for precision – The nib, or the tip of the pen, is usually the crowning feature of a stylus. There are different sizes, kinds, and even materials. A lot of times, designers must have to try a few to know what works best for them.
- Ergonomics- A feature unfortunately too often taken for granted, ergonomics affects our work in more ways than we expect it. The size, weight, and fit (yes how it fits your hand) are all important for long-term use. This is to avoid strain in your hands, finger, and wrists. Styluses come in revolutionary shapes, sizes, and designs but they don’t always fit all.
- Pressure and sensitivity – This is important when putting in finer details in design. We want our styluses to react like we are drawing on paper.
- Palm rejection – I mean, how can we properly do our artwork if we have to change the way we handle a pen? Although it is more a feature of the drawing device (tablet or pad), we still have to consider how styluses are designed for palm rejection.
- Protection and Durability – Impossible that the stylus wouldn’t be accidentally dropped, how are the styluses (especially nibs) protected from this?
Best Stylus for web designers
Apple Pencil
Compatibility:
Only works for iOS supported devices
Best features:
- Promises quality for the price point.
- Tip of the Apple Pencil is smoother compared to other brands
- Supports palm rejection
- Highly raved for precision, tilt sensitivity, and pressure sensitivity
Price:
A bit expensive at $89 (1st gen) and at $119 (2nd gen) but worth the price if you own Apple drawing devices.
Logitech Crayon
Compatibility:
Only works for iOS supported devices
Best features:
- Markets highly for students (note-taking etc)
- Compared closely to Apple Pencil and is claimed to be its more affordable alternative
- Comes in aluminum tubing and silicon rubber nib
Price:
Sold at an affordable price point of only $59 on Amazon
Adonit Pixel
Compatibility:
Supported only by iOS operating systems
***NOTE: Other Adonit Stylus products have Android compatibility
Best features:
- One of the thinnest nib tips at 1.9mm
- Highly responsive and pressure-sensitive
- Has programmable shortcut buttons (easy to change and access)
- Always ready and does not have a waiting time when turned on.
Price:
Sleek design for only $74.99
Zagg Pro
Compatibility:
Supported only by iOS
Best features:
- Reviews claim that it is a worthy alternative to the Apple Pencil
- Impressive design, comes in a luxurious black exterior
- Highly raved about its quick pairing
- Unlike other affordable styluses with silicon nibs, Zagg Pro has a capacitive tip
Price:
Slightly less expensive than the Apple Pencil at $69.59.
Meko Universal Stylus
Compatibility:
Supported only by iOS
Best features:
- Capacitive tipped but ultra-smooth
- Comes with two tips for its 2-in-1 design
- Multiple replacement tips are available
Price:
Cheapest price is $13.95 on Amazon
Adobe Ink and Slide
Compatibility:
Supports both Android and iOS devices and has widespread compatibility
Best features:
- Pen style has an unusual but ergonomic shape and design
- Easy to control, pressure sensitive, and pixel precise
- Allows for personalizing ink
Price:
Cheapest price is $29.99 on Amazon
The Friendly Swede
Compatibility:
Compatible with both Android and iOS
Best features:
- Boasts of four different tips, but might be the only one in the market with a brush tip
- Does not require charging but can still be used on digital devices
- Comes with two tips for its 2-in-1 design
- Multiple replacement tips are available
Price:
Cheapest price is $26.99 on Amazon
Digiroot Stylus
Compatibility:
Compatible with both Android and iOS
Best features:
- Widely compatible with a lot of devices
- Comes with a magnetic cap for the protection of tips
- Has a one-year warranty service
Price:
Cheapest price is $11.99 on Amazon
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