Astropad has updated its excellent Rock Paper Pencil accessory comprising a custom ballpoint Apple Pencil tip and a textured screen protector for your iPad.
The new version has three key improvements, with the biggest change being removing the magnetic edge. It’s replaced with NanoCling, non-adhesive technology that takes advantage of static cling to stick firmly to your iPad. NanoCling is actually stronger than magnets while still being easily removable and completely reusable.
In addition, the Rock Paper Pencil’s screen protector is now one flush surface, and the Apple Pencil tips are more durable and stronger. Rock Paper Pencil v2 is available starting today for the same $40 as before from the Astropad website.
Astropad launches Rock Paper Pencil v2
Released in August 2023, Rock Paper Pencil creates the sensation of using an actual ballpoint pen on physical paper when drawing with your Pencil. It provides a set of fine ballpoint tips for precise control of your Apple Pencil along with a textured screen protector that attaches magnetically to your iPad’s display.
So instead of the smooth, slippery glass surface you actually feel a consistent drag, with subtle friction between the screen and the Pencil tip when drawing and sketching—just like using a smooth ballpoint pen on a piece of paper.
“Over the past 6 months we’ve found that users love the realistic pen-on-paper feel along with the easy application and reusability,” the company said. “We’ve been listening to user feedback to quickly iterate and engineer an even better v2 product.”
Astropad says Rock Paper Pencil has become a customer favorite and one of its best-selling products. Here’s what you’ll like about the new Rock Paper Pencil v2.
Stronger Pencil tip
The custom Pencil tip is now the same size as a standard ballpoint pen (0.7mm). In addition, it now uses premium metal coating for increased durability.
The re-engineered ballpoint tip, in combination with premium metal coating and a wider internal anchor, results in a ballpoint tip that withstands heavy pressure.
NanoCling screen protector
Instead of attaching magnetically to your iPad, the new screen protector uses NanoCling, Astropad’s bubble-free technology that uses static cling.
It’s stronger than magnets and completely reusable. And because it uses nano-suction technology instead of adhesive, it leaves no residue on the iPad’s display.
Flat profile
The new NanoCling border is forty percent thinner than the magnets on the previous version. This results in a flatter, flush surface with no gaps or ridges.
The magnets on the old screen protector caused a raised ridge on the edge, creating a slight but noticeable gap between the screen protector and the iPad’s display.
Pricing and availability
The new Rock Paper Pencil v2 is available in five sizes: 8.3 inches (iPad mini), 10.9 inches (tenth-generation iPad), 10.2 inches (seventh, eighth and ninth-generation iPads, including the 10.5-inch iPad Pro from 2017), 11 inches (iPad Pro and iPad Air) and 12.9 inches (third-generation iPad Pro and newer).
Rock Paper Pencil v2 replaces the previous version. Despite the improvements, the price hasn’t changed. You can get the new Rock Paper Pencil in exchange for $40 through the Astropad web store, with free shipping for US customers. You’ll get one screen protector and two Pencil tips in a protective storage sleeve.
Astropad is renowned for its Luna Display attachment, as well as software packages such as Astropad Slate and Astropad Studio that turn your iPad + Apple Pencil combo into a graphic tablet for drawing in creative Mac apps.