A different way to write and draw: Astropad Rock Paper Pencil

For quite a long time, I was digitizing the notes I took in life. I’d snap a photo, upload it into my favorite note app, and then I’d have a searchable copy of what I had been doing. When I got an iPad Pro a couple of years back, I quickly switched over to taking notes digitally, albeit hand-written. I’ve gotten used to the feel of the Apple Pencil on the glass, but you could also opt for something like the Astropad Rock Paper Pencil.

What is it?

The Astropad Rock Paper Pencil is actually two pieces – a matte screen cover that attaches magnetically to the iPad, and then a replacement tip for your Apple Pencil. The tip looks like a ballpoint pen, and maintains the capabilities of the Pencil. When it interacts with the matte screen cover, it’s supposed to mimic the feeling of a pen on paper. In other words, you won’t have your writing or drawing sliding more than you anticipated. If you’re doing a lot of writing, or drawing, it could be worth checking out.

What it isn’t

While the Astropad Rock Paper Pencil is called a screen protector, we’ll call it that only in the loosest sense. iPad screens are expensive, so if you’re interested in just protection, you’ll be better off with a tempered glass protector. And while the kit comes with replacement Apple Pencil tips, you’re really only going to want to use those with the magnetic film. On the bare screen, well, it might work, but you’re using a metal tip on the glass. That’s your repair bill you’re risking.

What we like about it

Aside from the writing feel that it should provide, we like that the Astropad Rock Paper Pencil screen protector gives a matte finish to the screen. Often glare – or hand smudges – can be more than distracting on the iPad screen. We’re also fans of the fact that it attaches magnetically, so you can easily remove it when it’s time to play a game or watch a movie.