A quick look at Sensu Solo, the true brush head stylus

Sensu Solo splash

Styli are not the coolest pieces of hardware on the market. In fact, when I think  “stylus,” nothing cool comes to mind. I never wanted a stylus for my iOS devices, but I used one in the past, circa 2004 on a Windows based device. Those were clearly the bad days of my gadget obsession.

Arguably making things much cooler and more useful, Sensu developed a brush-type stylus for artists and amateurs alike. Popularly known for brush head styli, the company attempts to deliver an authentic experience to the digital marketplace. The goal of their endeavor is to create a “spring and restiveness that feels like real painting” and I would argue, there is certain success with this product…

The brush factor

Sunsu began their quest toward perfection with the Sensu Artist Brush and Stylus. This device combines both the Sensu brush tip and a stylus tip. With a removable cap, the device travels well and offers both options for experienced users. I was able to take a closer look at the Artist Brush and Stylus in March of this year.

The Sensu Solo is the company’s next step. The patent pending design was created to help express artistic flair, digitally. The brush handle is formed of aircraft grade aluminum, giving an elegant look and solid feel with a well-balanced weight. The shape is slightly thicker, right where my hand fell when using the device, as seen below.

Sensu Solo

The Sensu product shines with its hair brush technology. Sensu tested different metals and fibers to find the exact conductive hair that produced their specific quality. Eventually, the company settled on a hair technology currently being used in the cosmetic industry. Cosmetic brushes are being infused with conductive properties to help powder release from the brush instead of caking to the hairs. Using this exact hair type, Sensu cut and tapered it to fit in their form factor, for use as a drawing and painting utensil.

Conclusion

Sensu Solo is a great stylus. I am no painter, but the brush head feels amazing. The bounce and feeling a brush gives the user is not comparable to a stylus tip. With the brush, there is no dragging or rubber gripping the screen when trying to stroke or push something. Accuracy is on point as well, despite the many haired brush head.

As the Solo is not electronic, specific apps are not required to use it. It is simply a stylus, usable with any capacitative touch screen. Even if you are not a painter or digital artist, if you have ever considered a stylus, this is quite a smooth option and even browses the internet in liquid fashion. Happen to hate screen finger prints? Look no further than the Solo. Granted, the $24.95 hardware is quite pricier than other styli, but this isn’t other styli. You get what you pay for, after all.