PenMat vs ESR: What is the Best Paper-Feel Magnetic Screen Protector?

If you enjoy drawing or note-taking on your iPad but miss the tactile feel of using a pencil on paper, a screen protector with a textured, paper-like surface can significantly enhance your tablet’s drawing and writing experience while protecting its screen.

However, the majority of matte screen protectors can be very tricky to install, and they usually offer a more “permanent” solution which comes with compromises. This is where magnetic screen protectors come into play.

In this review, we will be comparing two popular magnetic screen protectors – PenMat, a textured feeling screen protector by PenTips, and the ESR paper-feel magnetic screen protector. These products are quite similar, but each has its own unique feel and aspects to consider, so we will delve into these in detail, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs.

So, whether you’re a professional artist, a budding designer, or simply someone who loves to doodle on their iPad, read on to discover which of these screen protectors could be your next essential tool.

Why should you use a magnetic “paper-feel” screen protector?

A paper-feel screen protector is a type of product that gives you a little bit of texture when you’re using your Apple Pencil to draw or write on your iPad. There are two variations currently available on the market: permanent matte screen protectors such as the highly popular Paperlike, and removable textured screen protectors, like the ones we’re reviewing here. These magnetic screen protectors offer several advantages over permanent options, giving you a lot more flexibility when using your iPad.

One disadvantage you will quickly notice with any type of matte screen protector is the fact that they do make the colors on the iPad screen a bit duller, which might not matter too much if you use your iPad primarily for drawing and want to retain that paper feel with the Apple Pencil. However, this type of screen protector is not ideal when you want to watch your favorite movies or TV shows on the vibrant iPad screen.

That’s one of the reasons why magnetic screen protectors are a game-changer, giving you the best of both worlds. You can place them on your tablet for a paper feel when drawing and taking notes, or take them off when you just want to enjoy the iPad’s stunning display for watching videos or browsing the web. The integrated magnets on these screen protectors make them super easy to remove and reapply, always with a bubble free application.

In contrast, if you ever tried installing a regular screen protector to your iPad, you know they can be very challenging to apply, often resulting in a misaligned application or leaving behind those pesky bubbles. You may even find some adhesive marks on your display when you decide to remove the screen protector from your device. All these issues are non-existent with a magnetic screen protector.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a textured drawing experience but want to ensure you still have lots of flexibility when it comes to using your tablet for different purposes, a magnetic paper-feel screen protector is a great choice.

Note: It is important to note that the magnetic screen protectors we tested in this review can also be used on top of existing glass screen protectors on your iPad, which is fantastic.

What’s in the package?

Both PenMat and the ESR screen protector come with a protective sleeve, allowing you to store them when not in use, as well as a microfiber cloth that can be used to clean your iPad screen.

The ESR package also includes a wet wipe and dust removal stickers, which are more commonly included with standard non-removable screen protectors. This will help you clean the screen thoroughly and make it dust-free when you attach the magnetic screen protector to your tablet for the very first time. Bear in mind, however, that even though they are a nice addition, these items (wet wipe and stickers) are single-use only, so they won’t provide any long term benefits.

Reusable & easy to install

The magnetic strips on these screen protectors make them really use to apply to your iPad, and the process for both is exactly the same. To get started, you’ll need to make sure the iPad screen is clean and dust-free. Although not 100% required, you can use the ESR’s included wet wipe and dust removal stickers for a more thorough cleaning process the first time you install the screen protector on your tablet. Otherwise, just wipe the screen using a microfiber cloth to remove any smudges or dirt.

Once the screen is sparkling clean, all you need to do is hold the screen protector by its sides and slowly lower it onto your iPad’s screen, making sure the camera cutout is on the correct side. Align the magnetized borders (shiny side down, textured size up) with your iPad’s edges and as you bring it closer to the screen, you will feel the gentle pull of the magnets as they begin to align themselves. Once the protector is perfectly positioned, simply let go. The magnetic force will securely attach the protector, ensuring a perfect fit. Both products have fairly strong magnets, so you won’t have to worry about these screen protectors sliding out of position.

How do they actually feel?

In terms of the tactile experience, both the PenMat textured screen protector and the ESR paper-feel magnetic screen protector live up to their claims, providing a significantly enhanced feel compared to using the Apple Pencil directly on glass. However, this is where we begin to notice distinctions between the two products.

In our testing, the PenMat screen protector felt softer to the touch, offering a more nuanced experience, while the ESR was slightly grittier, more closely mimicking the feel of paper. To put it simply, using the PenMat feels like using a high-quality fine art paper with a delicate texture, while the ESR is reminiscent of the type of paper commonly found in notebooks. Another way to think about it is that drawing with the PenMat feels like using a 2B pencil, whereas using the ESR feels more like using an HB pencil. This subtle difference in texture can make the PenMat a touch more gentle on your Apple Pencil tip, potentially leading to less wear over time. Having said all that, both products do feel great and provide excellent control over pencil strokes, enhancing precision and comfort during use.

A few of us here in the studio have been experimenting with these two options and we couldn’t reach a unanimous decision on which one is the best overall. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. While my preferred choice between the two was the PenMat, others in the team found the stronger resistance and feel of the ESR more to their liking.

Pricing

At the time of writing this article, the PenMat is priced between $21 and $30, depending on the size of your iPad. The ESR screen protector is slightly more affordable, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $22.99.

It’s important to mention that ESR only provides two size options (iPad Pro 11″ and iPad Pro 12.9″), while PenMat offers a wider range of sizes including one for the iPad Mini 5.

Conclusion

Both PenMat and the ESR screen protector are great choices for designers and note-takers who crave that traditional pen-on-paper experience, but your choice between them may ultimately come down to whether you prefer a grittier or smoother writing surface.

For even more options to improve your iPad experience, check out our comparison between Paperlike, PenTips and PenMat here, or take a look at these must-have tools for digital artists.

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