The Apple Pencil vs a Generic Amazon Pencil

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I did a side-by-side comparison of the Apple Pencil 2 with a cheaper, knock off pencil from Amazon to see which was better for illustration and day to day use.

Over the summer, I had the misfortune of accidentally throwing my Apple Pencil across my bedroom. I swear, I could not replicate this stunt again if I tried! I have no idea how I managed it!

The end result of this fluke accident was a broken pencil with the tip snapped off. 

I had no choice but to order a new one from Apple but it was going to take at least a week to arrive. So while I waited, I decided to check out Amazon to see if there was something I could use in the meantime.

When I mentioned all of this on Instagram, several people asked me if I could do a side-by-side comparison of the two pencils - especially given the hefty price tag of the Apple Pencil compared to what was available on Amazon. So, here we are!

Apple Pencil 2 vs the Metapen Pencil A8

I did a detailed review of the Apple Pencil 2 vs the Metapen Pencil A8 for my YouTube channel that you can watch if that's more your thing. Or you can read below for my thoughts!

I chose the Metapen because it seemed fairly representative of what was available on Amazon. There were several other similar pencils with similar price points but I can't speak to their functionality.

The Price

I purchased the Metapen Pencil A8 for iPad from Amazon,  which cost me $29.11CAD including tax. I have Amazon Prime so shipping was free.

I purchased Apple Pencil 2 directly from Apple Canada and it cost $189CAD, including taxes, and it also had free shipping. There are several different Apple pencils - if you purchase one, make sure it's compatible with your iPad!

The Initial Pencil Comparison

The two pencils look almost identical. Both have a flat magnetic side so the pencil can snap to your iPad for easy storage

The initial differences are:

Weight

The Apple Pencil was 3 grams heavier than the Metapen. Not a big deal but I actually preferred the slightly heavier, weighted feel in my hand for drawing. This was purely a preference on my end - and keep in mind I am much more used to using the Apple Pencil.

Charging

• the Metapen has a small USB connector - that's because it needs to be plugged in to charge! Unlike the Apple Pencil, it does not automatically charge while magnetically snapped to the iPad.
• the Metapen took about 20-30 minutes to fully charge
• a full Metapen charge rarely lasted more than 24hours with only light use
• the Metapen does have small light on it that turns red when the charge is low

The nice thing about the Apple Pencil is that as long as you snap your pencil into place when not using it, it's always charged and ready to go when you pick it up. With the Metapen you need to remember to charge it regularly. But for the difference in the price, this is not a big deal. Plug it in every evening before bed and it will be ready for you in the morning.

Nibs

• the Metapen comes with two additional nibs. The Apple Pencil does not - you will need to purchase them separately when they wear out
• the Metapen nibs had a ridge that ran right over the tip of the nib. This was from the mold seam used to make them.

While it was great to get extra nibs, the ridge on the tip of the nibs was very frustrating while drawing. It felt scratchy and it actually made me worry that it could damage my iPad. There was no issue with scrolling or tapping but I didn't like it for drawing or writing. The Apple nib is super smooth and ideal for drawing.

Bluetooth

Both pencils connect via Bluetooth. No issues here!

Functionality for Illustrators and Artists

On & Off

• The Metapen actually needs to be turned on and off - this is achieved by double tapping the top of the pencil
• The Apple Pencil is always on

Because the Metapen doesn't charge when snapped to your iPad, it's not a bad thing that that it powers off after a period of no use. However, after being used to picking up my Apple pencil and just being able to draw, it took some getting used to!

Dual Modes

• the Apple Pencil has dual mode functionality - there are several options you can choose. You can change the function of your pencil by simply tapping the side of it as you draw
• the Metapen does not have dual modes

This is a big difference - especially if you're an illustrator or artist. It's so easy to switch from pencil to eraser on the fly with the dual mode especially in Procreate. As an illustrator, this is an important function for me.

Pressure Sensitivity

• the Apple Pencil 2 has pressure sensitivity - the Metapen does not

As an illustrator, this was a deal breaker for me. Not having pressure sensitivity is like drawing with a pencil that doesn't allow you to shade or draw darker or softer lines. It's crucial to drawing. I think it would also bother me while writing as well.

Which is Better? Apple Pencil or Metapen?

For the price, the Metapen is great! If I was looking for a pencil to help me scroll, jot down short notes, make it easier to use the keypad or to play games, it's a great buy.

However, as an artist and illustrator, the two big issues for me were the scratchy nib from the mold seam and the lack of pressure sensitivity. For the difference in price, I could have learned to live without the dual mode functionality but  the other two issues were deal breakers for me!

Is a Knock Off Apple Pencil Ok for Kids or Beginner Artists?

This was one of the biggest questions I was asked. There is no doubt the Apple Pencil is expensive and the idea of a cheaper option for a fraction of the price is tempting. Here's my thoughts...

The Emerging Artist

If you or your child have always shown an interest in drawing and it's something you, or they, do regularly with any pen or paper you can get your hands on, I would go with the Apple Pencil. You'll be frustrated very quickly with something like the Metapen.

But like all tools, it's up to us to learn how to look after them and take care of them. And sometimes, (like when you accidentally throw your Apple Pencil across the room and break it...) you learn the hard way that when you don't look after them, there are consequences. If you're worried your child will break or lose their pencil, that's a conversation you'll have to have with them. You'll need to set up rules and boundaries around what happens if a pencil is lost or broken. And if it's for you, you'll need to have the same conversation with yourself! 😆

Also keep in mind that good quality professional, and even student level, art supplies (paper, markers, coloured pencils, paints etc,) are expensive and have to be constantly replenished. Working digitally, does cut down on those costs over time.

Everyone Else

If you and/or your kid have never really shown any kind of sustained interest in drawing or art but think it would be cool to try, start with a knock off pencil. It's an inexpensive way to start playing around and doodling and trying out a program like Procreate.

If it turns out it's not for you, that's ok. You can still use your knock off pencil for other things on your tablet. And if it does unleash the artist within, you can easily upgrade!

PIN IT FOR LATER

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