If you’re an iPad Pro user, especially one who loves to draw, you know the struggle: the desire for a paper-like drawing experience versus the pristine feel of a naked screen. Many of us, myself included, have opted for the premium (and expensive!) iPad Pro with the nano-texture display, precisely to avoid screen protectors and their associated hassles like wear and tear, and installation woes.

However, the innovative folks at Astropad recently challenged my long-held preference by sending over their new Rock Paper Pencil V3 screen protector. This got me thinking: have I been “gaslighting” myself all this time? Could a $40 screen protector truly replicate the feel of a $500 iPad upgrade? And more importantly, for the vast majority of you who don’t own a nano-texture iPad (because, let’s be real, who wants to spend a fortune?), is this a viable alternative?

Join me as we put this intriguing screen protector to the test, comparing its performance, feel, and overall impact on the iPad experience against the much pricier nano-texture display.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Design

The Rock Paper Pencil V3 arrives in packaging that seems identical to its earlier version, which I remember being quite good. This magnetic screen protector promises easy application and removal, though in the past, I’ve preferred to leave magnetic protectors on to avoid dust accumulation.

The kit includes some cute Astropad stickers and, notably, new ballpoint-style metal pen tips. These are designed to be durable and resist the wear that traditional Apple Pencil tips often experience with textured screen protectors. My initial hope for a cleaning wipe was unmet, so a quick isopropyl alcohol swab (Apple-approved for nano-texture screens, by the way!) was necessary to prep the screen.

Installation and Visual Impact

Installing the magnetic screen protector is straightforward. The textured side is easily identifiable. Upon application, it’s clear that while the texture is present, it’s not overly rough like some “paper-feel” protectors. It adheres well, and I didn’t notice any immediate issues with gestures or separation that sometimes plague magnetic protectors.

Visually, the protector does slightly dull the blacks on the iPad’s display. This is a common characteristic of matte or textured screen protectors. However, for illustration work, where deep blacks are often secondary to drawing feel, this wasn’t a significant bother. In fact, the reduction in reflection, a common issue with glossy screens, was a welcome trade-off.

The Drawing Experience: Feel, Sound, and Control

This is where the rubber (or rather, the metal tip on texture) meets the road. My initial impressions of drawing with the Rock Paper Pencil V3 were promising:

• Sound: The metal tip on the textured surface produces a distinct, satisfying sound, reminiscent of a pen on paper. It’s definitely louder than drawing on a bare screen.
• Durability: The metal tip’s key advantage is its longevity. Unlike standard Apple Pencil tips that can wear down quickly on textured protectors, this metal tip is designed to last.
• Drag and Control: The protector offers good drag and control, mimicking the resistance of actual paper. Pressure sensitivity felt accurate, with no noticeable issues. There’s a definite “tooth” to the surface, especially when drawing lightly, which contributes to that realistic paper feel.
• Gesture Responsiveness: Crucially, gestures (swiping, pinching) remained responsive and unaffected, a problem I’ve encountered with some thicker magnetic protectors in the past.

After over two weeks of heavy, daily illustration work using the Rock Paper Pencil V3 (mostly with the metal tip, then briefly with a regular tip), I formed some solid conclusions. While the metal tip is durable, I personally preferred the feel of a regular Apple Pencil tip on the protector due to slightly more resistance and a less harsh sound, though the metal tip’s durability is undeniable. The protector itself showed minimal wear, a significant improvement over past experiences where protectors would quickly scratch and look messy.

The Nano-Texture Comparison: A Return to Glory?

After two weeks with the screen protector, removing it to return to the naked nano-texture screen was an interesting experiment. The clarity and richness of the iPad’s display, unobscured, were immediately striking. The nano-texture screen itself offers a subtle, pleasing resistance that I still prefer for its balance of feel and visual clarity.

However, a key observation emerged: the nano-texture screen, while fantastic, can sometimes make small fingerprints or smudges noticeable to the drawing hand, creating a slight drag. This is something the consistent texture of the Rock Paper Pencil V3 avoids.

Final Verdict: A Solid Contender for the Glass iPad

My ultimate preference remains the nano-texture iPad Pro, primarily because it eliminates the need for any screen protector, offering a pristine visual experience without compromising drawing feel.

That said, the Astropad Rock Paper Pencil V3 is a genuinely solid option, especially for those with a standard glass iPad. It successfully delivers a paper-like drawing experience without the common pitfalls of other screen protectors. It doesn’t seem to chew through Apple Pencil tips, offers good drag and control, and maintains gesture responsiveness. If you’re looking to enhance your drawing experience on a non-nano-texture iPad without spending hundreds on an upgrade, this $40 screen protector is a highly commendable choice.

It’s a testament to how far accessory technology has come, offering a compelling alternative to a much more expensive hardware upgrade.

About the Author: Chris Piascik I accidentally became an illustrator as a result of a daily drawing project that spanned 14 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with clients like Cartoon Network, Microsoft, Facebook, Adidas, Nickelodeon, and countless others.

source: $40 Screen Protector vs $500 iPad Upgrade