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Earlier this summer, we let you know about the new ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 (seen here), which itself was an update to an earlier version (which we reviewed here). Well, wouldn’t you know, we got one in, and I’ve been using it as my daily note-taking companion for a few weeks now.
How does it the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 compare to the original?
In terms of sizing, weight, and overall feel, the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 is much the same as the original. That said, there are some differences. Rather than a button to click to turn on the stylus, you use the capacitive rubber nub at the end of the stylus to click things on (putting it onto a wireless charger will wake it up, as does pulling it off the magnetic charging on the side of the iPad).
Also, since it can charge wirelessly (either via a USB-C dongle, your Qi pad, or the side of your iPad Pro), you’ve no longer got the end of the pen sliding out to expose a USB-C port. You lose a little bit of fidgetability, but you end up with a more solid design.
What’s it like writing with the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2?
If you’ve used any sort of stylus like this on the glass of a device, it’s going to feel very familiar. It’s not the same as writing on paper with a pen, as things are a bit slicker. Once you get used to it, however, it just becomes second nature. As we mentioned in our original article, the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 does not offer pressure sensitivity (the first version didn’t either).
Instead, what it offers is a tilt sensitivity, which – if your app supports it – can adjust the thickness of the line you’re making. In the apps I use most commonly, that didn’t seem to actually do anything for me. Still, in a note taking app, changing line thicknesses is not all that difficult of a thing to do.
How does it compare to the Apple Pencil?
In terms of size, weight, and feel, they’re actually quite comparable. The big difference you’d note is the lack of pressure sensitivity for changing line widths. Which, if you’re just taking notes, that’s not that big of a deal (for those doing art, that could be more of as problem). The other thing you’d note is that you can’t tap on the barrel of the stylus to switch between tools as you can with the Apple Pencil.
On the flip side, you do get the additional capacitive stylus at the far end, handy for scrolling through things. And the wireless charging, that works just like the Apple Pencil does (albeit without the on-screen notification of the charge level).
Would we recommend it?
If you’ve got a current iPad or an iPad Pro, and you want to go to the world of digital note-taking, then yes, the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 is a great step into that. You get 90% of the functionality that Apple offers at a much lower price point, as well as a variety of colors to choose from. For those doing things in, say, Procreate, then that pressure sensitivity might be a sticking point.
Then again, if you’re wanting to do the art, any stylus is better than your fingertip, so it might be able to get the job done (in fact, once of my kids is doing just that, using the 1st-gen stylus to draw with). If you want to get a ZAGG Pro Stylus 2, they’re running $79.99 over at zagg.com
Features
- Wireless Charging: The Pro Stylus 2 attaches magnetically to the included wireless charging cradle. It also charges with iPad Pro or any wireless Qi-charger.
- Dual Tip Stylus: The active tip lets you draw smooth, precise lines for notes or sketches, and the universal capacitive backend tip lets you scroll through pages easily.
- Attaches Magnetically: The Pro Stylus 2 attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9.
- Pen-click Power On: It’s easy to turn on the Pro Stylus 2. Just push on the round, capacitive end. The stylus will turn itself off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
- Tilt Recognition: The Pro Stylus 2 has tilt recognition so you can vary the width of your stroke.
- Palm Rejection Technology: While you’re using the Pro Stylus 2, if your palm touches the screen, only the Pro Stylus 2 will register so it won’t interfere with the path of the stylus.
- Replaceable Tip: The Pro Stylus 2 comes with a spare tip.
- Long-lasting Battery: The Pro Stylus 2 lasts up to six and half hours before it needs to be recharged.*
- Compatible with Apps that Support Apple Pencil: Use the Pro Stylus 2 with your favorite apps that support Apple Pencil, and with all iPad models from 2018 and later.
- LED Charging Indicator: A light will appear on the charging cradle when the Pro Stylus 2 is charging.
About the Author / Author Expertise
Patrick Kansa is a big data developer and leader with a penchant for gadgets, books, watches and beverages. You can find my work on WristWatchReview, Knapsack.News, and Slushpile. If you’re on Twitter and/or Instagram, you’ll find me there as @PatrickWatches.
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