Astropad Launches Revamped Rock Paper Pencil Kit for iPad

[MacRumors]

Astropad today introduced the third-generation version of its Rock Paper Pencil kit, which is designed to provide iPad users with an experience that's like writing on paper instead of a slick glass display.

The Rock Paper Pencil kit includes a microtexture screen protector that goes on the iPad, and an accompanying Apple Pencil tip to use along with it. The latest version of the Rock Paper Pencil has a reengineered NanoCling screen protector that's thinner and more papery, so it feels more like writing on a stack of paper rather than just a single sheet. Compared to the prior version, it has a softer and smoother feel when writing.

Astropad also improved the durability of the screen protector with a new coating, and it is able to hold up to wear and tear 3x better than before. The company says that it is up to 6x more durable than a similar product from Paperlike, and it is able to withstand heavy duty writing and drawing.

For the Apple Pencil, Astropad designed an upgraded solid stainless steel tip that won't wear down or chip over time, unlike the prior version with a copper alloy core. The tip size has also been increased from 0.75mm to 1mm for more balanced friction and improved durability.

In lab testing, Rock Paper Pencil had no scratches after 50 daily writing sessions, and no wear with the stainless steel tips. Comparatively, Paperlike had permanent scratches after 40 daily writing sessions, and 0.05mm wear after 50 writing sessions. In a pressure test, the Rock Paper Pencil screen protector had a partial scratch after six pressure tests, while it only took a single test to scratch up the Paperlike screen protector.

Astropad is running a promotion to celebrate the new version of Rock Paper Pencil, and customers can get a $20 credit for replacing their existing screen protector. iPad users who buy Rock Paper Pencil and share a video of themselves replacing an existing screen protector with the new screen protector will receive $20 back. The promotion is valid for Rock Paper Pencil kits purchased directly from Astropad, and it applies to any purchases made by May 30, 2025.

Rock Paper Pencil will typically be priced at $44.99, but Astropad is running a 2-day launch sale that knocks 15 percent off, bringing the price down to $37.99.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Astropad. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Astropad Launches Revamped Rock Paper Pencil Kit for iPad

 

[iamgalt]

Has anyone used the first or second generation of this before? Any idea how it compares to Paperlike? I wasn't overly impressed with Paperlike, was wondering if this is any better.

 

[Dr McKay]

In lab testing, Rock Paper Pencil had no scratches after 50 daily writing sessions,

That sounds impressive, I tried a paperlike screen protector, and it had scratches after the first session with it. Was drawing for about an hour.

 

[gadgetfreak98]

Has anyone used the first or second generation of this before? Any idea how it compares to Paperlike? I wasn't overly impressed with Paperlike, was wondering if this is any better.

I used both the first and second gen. I also tried the Paperlike. I MUCH preferred Astropad's solution for feel and durability of the screen itself. In fact, I never really noticed any degradation to the surface to either v1 or v2 after pretty significant pencil use (with the corresponding stylus tips).

The issue I had with Astropad's product was a pretty noticeable moire pattern. I'm not sure how Paperlike mounts today, but the Astropad solution doesn't adhere to the visible area of the screen itself, but rather just to the bezel (with magnets maybe?). I think that little air gap is maybe the cause of the issue.

I also really liked Moshi's anti-glare product that also improved the writing feel (https://us.moshi.com/collections/ip...-protector-for-tablets?variant=41292356386954) but they stopped iterating on it it seems for the latest model iPad Pros. And I was intrigued by Astropad's stylus tip.

Ultimately, I ended up (luckily) with my company providing me with a nano-texture M4 Pro. The screen is to die for visually and far superior to any of Moshi, Astropad or Paperlike. But of course you (or your company) are paying for that. The writing experience is not as good as with the Astropad though, so if that feel is important to you, that's the way to go.

 

[CNebs]

Used both and I prefer the Astropad over Paperlike. Have them on my iPad mini, iPad, and iPad Air. The tips are nice, feel even more pencil like. I am curious of the newer tips, but have no desire to make a video to get 20% off. I'll wait til these are in need of replacement.

 

[hipnetic]

They charge the same amount for the iPad Pro 13” size and the iPad mini size. That feels so wrong.

 

[GermanSuplex]

Not a bad price compared to the gouging many companies are known for, and the marketing is clever.

 

[grammatica]

How's the latency? In my experience, thick plastic screen protectors leads to swiggly or jittery lines when writing or drawing with Apple Pencil? This, however, doesn't happen with Paperlike.

 

[Bartlomiej]

Previous versions were not compatible with the nano texture version of the iPad m4. Any word on if this updated version is compatible ?

 

[CNebs]

How's the latency? In my experience, thick plastic screen protectors leads to swiggly or jittery lines when writing or drawing with Apple Pencil? This, however, doesn't happen with Paperlike.

I haven't noticed any issue.

 

[Motion_Perpetual]

I’ve owned the previous iterations and was hesitant to buy another one, but I’m pretty happy with it so far. The first version worked pretty well except it always felt like there was a gap between the protector and the screen. The second version got better when they changed the way it clings to the screen, but they made the tip too small, so it seemed less precise not more. This third version feels pretty thin (reducing the perceived distance between the tip and the screen) and they increased tip size, so to me it feels like the Goldilocks version. We’ll see if it’s as durable as they say. I’ve only had it for a few daysw.

 

[hipnetic]

I sent a message about a week ago to the company through their web site but they never responded, so hopefully someone here can help answer it...

I have the iPad Pro 13 M4 w/nano-texture display and I love it for its anti-glare properties. For those who are familiar with that and also with this latest generation product, does it offer similar anti-glare benefits? I'm thinking about moving back down to an iPad Pro 11 to use as a supplemental device along with my just-purchased MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro, and I'd love to save a lot of money by not having to pay so much extra for the nano-texture display (and the 1TB storage that you're required to get in order to get the nano-texture display) if I can get a "good enough" anti-glare experience by slapping this product on a "regular" glossy-screened iPad Pro 11 (in addition to getting the benefits of a paper-like experience when using my Pencil Pro).

 

[Motion_Perpetual]

I only have about 5 minutes experience with the nano texture in an Apple store, so maybe others can respond, but they don't seem equivalent to me. The nano texture display looks like the image sits right on the surface of the glass whereas with the Astropad it looks like the image is sitting under a sheet of plastic (which obviously it is).

As far as anti-glare, today I had the Astropad on with a strong backlight behind me and in some ways I think it's actually worse than the glossy finish because the whole sheet of plastic kind of glows with the reflection vs. the sharper reflections of the smooth glass.

 

[RickTaylor]

I've used previous versions of the Astropad Rock Paper Pencil and just got the third. I personally find it easier to write on than other solutions (which is the only reason I use it). My handwriting looks better when I'm using it. I use an iPad 13" Pro (just a regular screen, not a nano-texture screen).