Apple Pencil vs EMR pens
Slippery drawing feeling
iPads without the Nano texture provide a "slippery" feeling for a drawing Pencil. The can feel like the the tip is "moving away" from where you want it to be. This can create some erratic strokes.
To solve this iPad users can: (1) but an iPad with the Nano texture (2) add a 3rd party film to add more texture.
Nib retraction
The Apple Pencil has no nib - so there is no slight nib retraction as you press down initially like an EMR pen would have. So, this contributes to a slightly different physical sensation as your draw.
Pen buttons
Apple Pencil does not have buttons like a normal drawing tablet pen
The vast majority of EMR have two buttons.
A few consumer grade EMR pens have only 1 button. Example: Samsung S pen.
A few professional EMR pens have 3 buttons.
Lots of EMR drawing tablet users have workflows that depend on those buttons and users may have customized what they do
Weight
The Apple Pencil's is heavier than many EMR pens and the weight distribution is different. This can bother some people.
Initial Activation Force
To learn more about IAF: Initial Activation Force .
A lower IAF is better
The best pens have an IAF of <1gf. This is considered EXCELLENT.
Wacom professional pens have an IAF of <1gf
Many people believe the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro have a IAF of <1gf.
Pressure range and maximum pressure
It is useful for a pen to have a wide pressure range .. in other words a high maximum pressure.
A max of 350gf is GOOD
A max of 500gf+ is EXCELLENT.
Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro in my measurements have a max pressure of 500gf. In my testing, I'm found them to be consistently near 500gf.
For drawing tablet pens, it varies substantially by the specific pen model. For example the Wacom Pro Pen 2 has a max pressure in the range of 800gf - which honestly is probably more than is needed.
Number of Pressure levels
The number of pressure levels for a pen is a heavily marketing and discussed topic. However, in my opinion all modern drawing tablet pens and the Apple pencil have more than enough pressure levels for any use. I suggest that you do NOT make the number of pressure levels a factor in any decision making.
Replaceable Nibs / Tips
EMR pens use nibs. The typical cost is $1 per nib.
The nibs retract a little into the pen as you apply pressure.
The Apple Pencil uses a replaceable tip. Typical cost is $5 per nib.
The tip does not retract at all.
Pen squeeze
The Apple Pencil Pro has a squeeze feature. As of mid 2024, it isn't widely adopted by applications, but that is likely to change.
No EMR pens support a feature similar to pen squeeze.
Pen "find my"
The Apple Pencil Pro supports a “find my” feature. You can use your phone or iPad to detect its location.
EMR pens have no equivalent to this feature.
Watch how this feature works: Jimmy Lam Studio - Find My on Apple Pencil Pro Jun 26, 2024
Pen eraser
The Apple Pencil does not have an eraser unlike some EMR pens.
Erasers are common on "pro" EMR pens such as the Wacom Pro Pen 2 to have an eraser. Note that the eraser itself is also pressure-sensitive.
Pen replacement cost
Don't lose your pen! They aren't cheap to replace. The Apple Pencil is among the most expensive pens in the market.
Apple Pencil Pro: $130
Apple Pencil 2: $130
Wacom Pro Pen 3: $130
Wacom Pro Pen 2: $90
Huion PW517: $50
Huion PW600: $70
XP Pen X3 Elite pen: $30
XP Pen X3 Pro pen: $40
Samsung S Pen for Galaxy Tab: $50
Blobs at the beginning of strokes
Some people notice that the Apple Pencil is prone to have blobs at the beginning of strokes:
See Example 1
Last updated