Choosing Between Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon: Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to using an iPad for creative purposes, you have a choice between two stylus options: the Apple Pencil and the Logitech Crayon. In most cases, users tend to compare the first-generation Apple Pencil with the Logitech Crayon, especially since these devices are compatible with more budget-friendly iPad models. Keep in mind that the second-generation Apple Pencil is designed exclusively for post-2018 iPad Pros.

With the availability of smart stylus options for every iPad model, it’s only natural that users consider adding one to their toolkit, whether it’s for artistic endeavors, note-taking, or precise photo editing.

For those using the 10.2-inch iPad, the current iPad mini, or the current iPad Air, the two stylus options that offer official universal support are the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Logitech Crayon. Notably, the Logitech Crayon was developed in collaboration with Apple as a more budget-friendly alternative. For the best deals on these devices, be sure to check out the cost-effective Apple Pencil options. To complete your setup, explore the range of top-notch iPad accessories and consider all of the finest Apple Pencil alternatives to guide you in making the right choice for your needs.

The Apple Pencil boasts an exquisite design, reminiscent of a classic artist’s pencil. Its circular form and delicately tapered tip set it apart from the conventional styluses, which often feature a stepped lip where the tip meets the pen body.

While this design exudes elegance, it occasionally poses minor practical challenges. To prevent it from rolling off surfaces, Apple has added a subtle weighting mechanism, a clever touch that’s not entirely foolproof—momentum can still lead to occasional rolls. Additionally, there’s a magnetic end cap that secures the charging plug, a feature both enjoyable to fiddle with and easy to inadvertently detach and misplace. Consider investing in one of the excellent Apple Pencil grips to enhance your grip and reduce the risk of losing it.

That being said, the Logitech Crayon is crafted with versatility in mind, catering not only to work but also to the demands of the classroom environment. Its design deviates from the sleekness of the Apple Pencil, embracing a chunkier form with squared edges, eliminating any worries about it rolling away. Unlike the circular profile of its counterpart, the Crayon sports a rectangular cross-section, enhancing its grip.

One standout feature is its practical flappy plastic cover, ingeniously designed to remain attached, so you won’t have to worry about losing it. You have the option of a playful orange on a grey body or a more understated grey-on-grey version.

Durability is another area where the Crayon excels, making it a robust choice that can withstand being sat on or accidentally dropped—a level of sturdiness we’ve come to appreciate, even though we’ve never personally encountered such mishaps with the Apple Pencil.

When considering performance, a crucial distinction emerges: the Apple Pencil offers impressive pressure sensitivity, whereas the Logitech Crayon does not share this feature.

Both styluses exhibit equal precision in their technical capabilities and incorporate tilt detection, granting some control over artistic tools in this regard. However, the Crayon lacks any form of pressure sensitivity, unlike the Apple Pencil, which excels in providing fine-grained pressure control.

The significance of pressure sensitivity largely depends on your specific needs. If your goal is note-taking, pressure sensitivity may not be essential (although some note-taking apps utilize it for a more natural feel), and the Crayon functions perfectly well. However, for precise application of effects in photo editing apps, pressure sensitivity becomes valuable.

In the realm of professional artistry, it becomes a necessity. Despite drawing with a similar level of precision as the Apple Pencil, the Crayon falls short when it comes to fine line control, limiting the intricacy of your creations.

Illustrators seeking to go beyond basic outlines should opt for the Apple Pencil. For others, the choice may revolve around the potential use of pressure sensitivity in the future.

The charging systems for the Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon differ significantly. The Apple Pencil utilizes a somewhat unconventional approach (see our detailed guide elsewhere), featuring a Lightning connector under its cap that plugs directly into the iPad’s Lightning port for charging. This results in an elongated, somewhat unwieldy device during charging. Fortunately, it compensates for this inconvenience by requiring relatively short charging times: just 10 seconds grants you around 30 minutes of use, while two minutes can provide a couple of hours. A complete charge takes approximately 15 minutes and provides around 10 hours of usage.

Included with the Apple Pencil is an adapter, allowing you to charge it using a Lightning cable. However, this adapter is small and prone to being misplaced. Additionally, the Apple Pencil lacks an off button, which means it slowly loses charge during idle periods, compounding the frustrations associated with its unconventional charging setup. Apple resolved these issues with its second-gen Pencil, though it is only compatible with post-2018 iPad Pros.

On the other hand, the Logitech Crayon employs a more conventional Lightning port for charging, enabling you to use the same cable as your iPad without requiring an adapter. However, if you find yourself without a charger and it runs out of power, you’re left with no immediate solution. It’s important to note that the Crayon does have an off button, ensuring it doesn’t drain the battery while resting in your bag between uses. It also automatically powers off after 30 minutes of inactivity.

In terms of total charge time, the Logitech Crayon provides approximately 7 hours from a full battery, notably less than the Pencil. However, it compensates with a useful LED indicator that flashes different colors to indicate the charge level, offering a helpful feature not present in the Pencil. (Though you can check the Pencil’s battery levels using Apple’s ‘Battery’ widget on the iPad.)

While the Crayon boasts a larger size than the Pencil, their ergonomic differences are relatively subtle. The Pencil’s design, mimicking real pencils, appeals to some users, yet others may prefer a chunkier grip reminiscent of Wacom styluses (although the Crayon’s thickness is primarily in one dimension, distinguishing it from a more substantial rubbery Wacom grip).

Notably, the Apple Pencil features a glossy exterior, which can become slightly slippery due to skin oils. Apple addressed this with a matte finish in its second-gen Pencil. In contrast, the Crayon offers a more matte-textured surface, providing an enhanced grip, aided by its larger size.

For tasks requiring fine and precise control, the Apple Pencil excels in subtle manipulations and minimizes interference with your view. When coupled with its pressure sensitivity, it becomes the preferred choice for artists.

However, for those seeking a stylus for on-the-go note-taking or annotations, the Crayon’s additional grip might be more comfortable, especially for kids who may not have the same level of fine motor control as adults—making it a valuable choice for this particular audience.

The Apple Pencil is priced at $99, while the Logitech Crayon comes in at $70. The additional cost of the Apple Pencil not only extends your battery life (though it’s challenging to determine the practical impact due to the Crayon’s efficient battery use) but, most importantly, it grants you access to pressure sensitivity.

For artists, there’s no doubt that this feature justifies the higher price. For others, it’s a matter of personal judgment. We believe that the enhanced capabilities of the Pencil are certainly worth the price increase, should you opt for it.

If your iPad artistry endeavors require a serious touch, the Apple Pencil is the undisputed choice; pressure sensitivity is an absolute essential.

Beyond this crucial factor, the distinctions between them narrow considerably. They perform admirably in note-taking and precision tasks, with some apps leveraging pressure sensitivity to varying degrees, though it may not be a make-or-break feature.

Each stylus boasts unique advantages, from design to charging and battery life. While the Logitech Crayon is budget-friendlier, the allure of the mature and familiar pen-like design of the Apple Pencil often sways users.