Here at the Artifex Forge we love our iPads (other tablets are available…). They make drawing in Procreate, Affinity Designer or Adobe Illustrator quick, portable and responsive but it’s still not quite like drawing on paper. Pen Tips, a Dutch based company established in 2020, aim to address that, saying that their products give ‘a better feeling on your digital canvas’, with a focus on durability, reliability and compatibility to create a more natural performance. So, when they offered to send us four out of their current range of 12 products to try, we were therefore excited to see for ourselves.
PenTips Ink
What’s the Blurb?
According to PenTips, this product “offers the satisfying resistance and gentle sound of pencil-on-paper, transforming your tablet into an artist’s canvas”. We felt this combination of contemporary precision with the authenticity of a more traditional experience sounded promising.
So, how did we find it?
With the standard Apple Pencil tip, we’ve always found it to slide over the surface of the iPad just a little too fast. Using the PenTip Ink added just the right amount of lovely friction to give more control and accuracy. It definitely feels a lot closer to ‘real’ drawing on paper, and takes seconds to switch between different tips.
Magnetic Matte Screenprotector
What’s the Blurb?
Also known as PenMat, this reusable, magnetic screen protector allows you to switch easily between the smooth glide of the iPad and a more textured experience, which offers more control and, PenTips say, makes it ‘similar to drawing on a real canvas’. Given our background in illustration and traditional media, we were particularly keen to see whether this worked.
how did we find it?
OK, we already loved the PenTip Ink but, when used with the PenMat, it really took the sensation of drawing on genuine media to another level. With even better friction came a noticeable improvement in drawing accuracy too. Being reusable is fantastic and we were able to attach it easily, quickly and – very importantly – with no bubbles. We found an added bonus with the PenMat was the matte surface; we always found seeing ourselves in the iPad off putting. A more blurred reflection made for a much less distracting experience!
Ergonomic Grip
What’s the Blurb?
PenTips’ aim for this product was to create something that would promote a lighter, confident grip, addressing the achy hands and discomfort that can come from extended and intensive periods of creativity. With RSI an ever-present danger in our sector, this seemed like a ‘must-have’.
how did we find it?
With constant use of graphics tablets, mice, keyboards and electronic pencils we are often struggling with achy hands. It was a pleasant surprise to be able to draw without any twinges or stiffness although we haven’t been using it long so can’t verify it over the long-term. We were also a little dubious at the size but, even though it looks chunky, we rapidly forgot we were even using it! The one downside we found was the need to remove the grip in order to charge the Apple Pencil off the iPad. However, as the grip is easy to put on and remove, its not a big issue.
Smudge-Free Drawing Glove
What’s the Blurb?
Another product from PenTips that is designed to promote a more comfortable creative experience, through supporting your hand while reducing accidental screen touches and smudging. Their comment that ‘you don’t have to clean sweat patches off your iPad’ says it all. We’ve all been there.
how did we find it?
Historically, we have not had positive experiences with drawing gloves as cutting off the circulation to your hand does not make for easy working. However, we were pleasantly surprised, finding the PenTips glove more comfortable, better fitting and made of thicker material (Lycra) without being heavy. Again, we haven’t had it long so can’t confirm how we fare over extended usage and would also appreciate some washing instructions… but minor issues.
So, what’s our overall verdict?
We will definitely be using these long term and would spend money on buying their replacements when they eventually wear out. They do seem relatively inexpensive so – to our mind – provide great value for what they bring to digital illustration on the iPad.
If we had to only pick one as a ‘must buy’, we’d recommend the PenTips Ink. Although this proved even better when used together with the other products, we felt it really enhanced the user experience just on its own.
Jeremy Child
The Creative Director and owner of The Artifex Forge. He loves exploring a huge range of art forms and turning them into brushes and other handy tool kits for Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate and Affinity Designer.
