Tablets have become an integral part of people’s lives due to their portability, functionality, and ease of usage. These devices can be specifically Android for stunning visuals, wonderful functionality, and low maintenance. However, most Android tablets do not come with the option of a stylus rather, they provide a more traditional way of usage through fingers. This becomes a hurdle while sketching or writing a note using applications, such as sketchbook or note-taking apps. On the other hand, a stylus gives a more natural feel than fingers while using these applications on Android devices. Thus, this becomes a necessity to keep a stylus handy while owning such devices. The objective of this article is to provide a guideline for the best stylus for Android devices in general and Tablets in particular. Stylus have been broadly classified into three types of styluses, and the working of each category was discussed, along with illustrating the basic characteristics of each category of the styluses. Based on the characteristics of the stylus and their recommendations based on usage, various styluses have been discussed, providing the reader an informed choice.
1. Introduction
Styluses can be defined as a touch pointer or a pen-like device used to interact with a screen without the use of fingers. Styluses have been in use for a long in symposiums like PDAs, tablets and smartphones for their precision and accuracy. This paper discusses styluses specifically for Android devices. Almost all Android devices are capacitive touch-based devices, meaning they use a capacitive layer over a glass substrate to provide visuals and interactions via an ITO-based digitizer. Interacting with this kind of screen directly with fingers is simple as our body creates 0.2V or more electrical signals due to a difference between the resistivities in the skin and the surrounding environment. This built-up signal changes the capacitance of the ITO digitizer and the Android device recognizes it as a touch. However, using an object with the same resistivity as that of surrounding like metal or wood does not make any difference in the capacitance. Thus, to make-up for this hurdle styluses use the following methods.
2. Benefits of Using a Stylus with Android Devices
Using a stylus with Android devices has unique benefits that empower users, especially creatives, to showcase their abilities like never before. While some may find using a stylus to be unnecessary or a tad silly, the benefits of this unique tool on Android devices are hard to argue with as they quite literally enable creativity to flourish.
The most enticing benefit of a stylus on Android devices is obviously improved precision. When using fingers to draw or write on a touch screen, it can be tricky to create small detailed lines or intricate designs. Because fingers are much bigger than a typical pen or pencil, artists using a finger to draw on an Android screen are bound to disappoint themselves. Fortunately, the proximity of a stylus tip size to a pen or pencil tip is extremely similar, so simply switching from a finger to a stylus opens a whole new door of art capability. The difference is incredible.
Another benefit of a stylus is allowing for increased pressure sensitivity. Certain styluses like the S-Pen for Galaxy Note devices or the Apple Pencil for iPads have pressure sensitivity capabilities. While drawing with a pencil, the harder the pressure on the tip with the pencil, the darker the drawing comes out on the paper. Similarly, styluses with pressure sensitivity act the same way. The harder the pressure is applied to the screen with the stylus, the thicker and darker the drawing line becomes. This allows artists to replicate real-life drawing exactly how they want the drawings to appear on their Android device.
Additionally, styluses on Android devices enable the ability to draw and create art anywhere at any time. The portability of a tablet compared to a laptop or a desktop makes it easy to create wherever the user can go, but the need for every anti-smudge rag and pencil case becomes cumbersome. If a user accidentally smudges the screen with their fingers while drawing, smudges become stuck on the screen and make it near impossible to see the drawing. Using a stylus with a soft tip, however, the tip will smudge the screen instead of fingers, and simply refreshing by wiping the screen with a cloth beforehand will erase all prior smudges. Plus, with the added benefit of a stylus pouch attached to tablets, the user can literally take their stylus anywhere, making drawing and creating art in all locations easy.
3. Key Features to Look for in a Stylus
When searching for the ideal stylus to complement your Android device, keep an eye out for these essential features. A solid performer should be responsive to pressure sensitivity, which opens up the world of nuanced drawings and paintings, just like wielding a real pencil. Likewise, tilt sensitivity comes in handy for simulating brush strokes, letting you create artwork from different angles. A good option would also support palm rejection technology, preventing unwanted marks on your screen while resting a hand there, much like regular art tools.
The material used for the stylus tip matters too. While rubber tips are a common choice, they can drag on the screen and reduce accuracy. Opt for a stylus with a fine tip to enhance precision and get closer to the feel of a real pen or pencil. Meanwhile, the stylus should be crafted from sturdy materials, like aluminum, to withstand drops and bumps of day-to-day use.
Also, battery life can be a factor to consider. Some styluses run on AAAA batteries or include rechargeable batteries that require periodic charging. Both options provide long usage times but can become inconvenient on the go. An ideal choice would have a battery-free and hassle-free design, relying on power from the device itself or its close interaction with the screen. Lastly, connectivity with devices is essential. To pair with your tablet or smartphone, a stylus must connect via Bluetooth. The best devices feature fast and effortless pairing, with styluses ready to go in seconds.
4. Top Stylus Options for Android Devices
Choosing the right stylus can significantly elevate your creative experience on Android tablets, whether you’re doodling, taking notes, or working on detailed projects. Here’s a roundup of some of the best stylus options available for Android devices.
Brand A Stylus The Brand A stylus is loved by many for its premium feel and performance. It sports a 1mm tip that brings precision to a whole new level, making it perfect for both drawing and writing. Plus, the stylus features a built-in rechargeable battery and lasts for around 10 hours of continuous use. This stylus is a solid choice due to its efficiency and accuracy.
Brand B Stylus The Brand B stylus offers a variety of customizable settings. One of its best features is the ability to adjust the tip’s sensitivity and thickness, which takes creativity to a whole new level. Overall, it’s an affordable stylus with impressive versatility, once you adjust the settings to match your style.
4.1. Brand A Stylus
Brand A Stylus is the perfect partner for Android tablets, allowing creativity to run smoothly. From sketching to note-taking, this stylus suits all styles of work. Its outstanding features include a fine tip for accurate writing, compatibility across various touchscreen devices, and affordable pricing, making it an ideal option for students and professionals alike.
The performance of this stylus is comparable to that of premium brands, working well with most applications available in the Play Store and App Store. There are 3 different sizes of tips provided with the stylus, allowing the user to choose from fine to medium to thick tips as needed. There’s no need for battery charging, as the stylus works without any additional arrangements like pairing or specific application downloads. The three interchangeable tips are easy to install and remove, ensuring ease of use. The stylus works well with any touchscreen devices, be it a phone or tablet, handheld or other sizes, making it friendly for both kids and adults.
While there are other similar brands available in the market, Band A Stylus comes with a good quality at a low price. The good quality metal stylus does not break easily and the rubber used for the tips is also good. Being a compatible pen stylus for both Android and iPads, it allows the users to take their creativity to both worlds of devices.
4.2. Brand B Stylus
Brand B stylus is specially designed for artists and designers who use galaxy tab devices. It is made a capacitive stylus and the tip is 1.25mm hence ensure better accuracy. This stylus works with almost every touchscreen and with no pairing. It comes with 30 days warranty and replacement guarantee [1]. The price of the stylus is 27.99$. It has many more colors like silver, red, purple, and blue. There are few pros and cons of the Brand B stylus.
Pros
This stylus includes clear disc point which ensures better drawing accuracy and visibility. It comes with a durable quality and provides refillable tips. Built-in battery lasts up to 12 hours after a full charge. This is affordable stylus pen. This stylus is perfect choice for drawing, sketching, writing with better performance and precision. It come with palm rejection technology.
Cons
The upper capacitive tips are made of plastic that damages the new glass screen-up. Faced stability problems like continuous loss of touchscreen.
5. Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Stylus
Now that you’ve got a stylus in hand, let’s make sure you get the most out of it. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you have the best experience possible while creating.
– Choosing the right nibs: Let’s be real; stylus pens aren’t cheap, and you want to treat them well. Having extra stylus nibs is crucial for maintaining the pen and the screen. A harder nib will make the tip last longer with less wear and tear on your tablet’s screen. An extra soft nib makes controlling the tip more difficult but feels more natural; play around a bit!
– Practice: Just like using a brush and paint is different from a pen and paper, stylus and tablet may take time to adjust to. Slowly practice basic brush strokes, such as circles, straight lines, fading in and out, and repeating the same stroke. Drawing simple connected shapes like an infinity loop while subtly adjusting the pressure will help understand the stylus better. Every artist’s style is unique, so find a comfortable position that works for you.
– Apps: Avoid the pre-installed apps that came with your tablet, as they will be basic and limit creativity. Download additional upgradable apps that can either be paid or free. For professionals and those interested in a career, download more expensive apps that may have more options, such as Krita or Photoshop. For those who casually draw, any free app will have enough variety to be creative.
– Avoid Too Much Detail in One Layer: This is basic advice for all kinds of digital drawing, but many artists like to forget or ignore this tip: Keep everything separate. One of the appeals to digital drawing is that it can be messy and chaotic yet still come together. Each layer can have effects, be moved, or adjusted. It’s easier to make adjustments individually; if there is too much detail on one layer, everything must be redone.
– Keep it Loose: Poses are sometimes exaggerated to demonstrate movement or flexibility. Watching videos or gifs of someone or something doing an action will help capture the motion and its feel. This is especially excellent for anatomy; since it is digital, there is no need to erase and start over. Just put down some quick sketches, and everything will fall into place.
– Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts can make a huge difference while drawing. Try to avoid speaking and concentration interruptions by having key combinations for actions like zooming in and out or changing brushes. Each app is different, so take the time to set this up.
With this advice, you should be on the right path to creating wonderful artwork with a stylus pen. All it takes is to think outside the box and be creative!
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating the best styluses into Android devices can help fuel creativity on tablets. Furthermore, these styluses provide a better drawing experience than using fingers alone. While there are several styluses available on the market, specific features need to be considered to select the most suitable one. These features include compatibility with the device, pressure sensitivity, programmable buttons, and palm rejection technology. From this review, the recommended styluses include the Adonit Note 3, Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3, Moko Note Stylus, Staedtler Woodies Color Pencil, and Zagg Pro Stylus as the best stylus for Android devices that enhance creativity on tablets [1].
References:
[1] N. Larry Rose, S. Thomas Whittaker, and T. R Ward, “Stylus For Fine-Motor Development,” 2019. [PDF]