Hands-On with PenTips 3: My Early Impressions

A few weeks back, the team at PenTips launched a Kickstarter campaign for the latest version of their flagship product, PenTips 3.

If you’re into digital design or illustration, chances are you’ve come across them before. They’re known for their Apple Pencil replacement tips, which are a hit with creatives, and we’ve covered a bunch of their other products in the past too. Now, their newest upgrade promises to deliver some key improvements users have been asking for.

I managed to get my hands on an early sample of PenTips 3—big thanks to the PenTips team! And with only a few days left on their Kickstarter campaign, I wanted to share some quick thoughts for those of you considering grabbing one at the discounted early bird rate. While I haven’t had enough time to fully test it, I’m definitely impressed with it so far.

What’s new?

A better feel

The first thing I noticed was how smooth PenTips 3 feels compared to the previous version. It’s less grippy but still offers amazing precision, which makes drawing much more enjoyable. The tip glides beautifully on bare glass or with a textured screen protector, while giving you more control than a standard Apple Pencil tip.

No skid marks on your screen

PenTips claims the new material won’t leave any marks on your screen, and so far, I’m suprised to say I really haven’t noticed a single one. That’s a huge win if you like keeping your screen looking fresh.

Improved durability

According to PenTips, these new tips can handle millions of strokes. They even built a robot to stress-test them by drawing thousands of kilometers. Of course, I haven’t been able to put this claim to the test in just a few days, but if they’re right, it’s a game-changer for anyone who draws daily.

What’s still the same?

Universal compatibility

PenTips 3 works with all iPad and Apple Pencil models, which is great news for everyone regardless of which version you have.

Reduced noise while drawing

The softer silicone material dampens that clicking sound you get with original Apple Pencil tips. It’s not totally silent like the PenTips Fuzzy, but it’s noticeably quieter than the hard plastic tips, which makes a difference when you’re sketching or writing in a coworking space or at a café.

Case included

Just like the previous versions, PenTips 3 comes with a handy case that doubles as an Apple Pencil holder.

Price & availability

If you’re keen to get PenTips 3, the early bird Kickstarter pricing starts at €49 / $52 USD for a set of three tips along with the protective case (though the Super Early Bird offers are already sold out). Shipping is set to start in March 2025.

Final thoughts (for now)

Even with just a few days of testing, PenTips 3 has left a strong first impression. It still delivers the same control and precision that made the previous versions popular, but the smoother feel is a welcome upgrade in my opinion. Plus, the versatility to use it on both plain glass and textured screens makes it super convenient. If the increased durability claims hold up, this might just become a must-have accessory for Apple Pencil users.

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