Logitech Crayon, we analyze the cheap alternative to Apple Pencil

We have this Logitech accessory in our hands and we want to analyze if we are really facing a "cheap" alternative to the Apple Pencil or is it another of the many digital pencils on the market.

In March, Apple presented something more interesting than the iPad of 2018, an accessory with which the iPad "Cheap" could be a lot more useful, or at least one of the important incentives present in the current iPad Pro. This is how we met crayon, Logitech digital pen compatible with XNUMXth generation iPad. So, do not miss this exhaustive analysis of Pencil.

At the Chicago event they took advantage of the stage and the thousands of spotlights to give a little prominence to Logitech, a firm that has always worked closely with Apple in terms of accessories, this is how we have found some of the best keyboard covers for the iPad and many others, it is clear that for Logitech the iPad is a fetish product. East 2018 iPad it is fully compatible with the Apple Pencil, but now a competitor to the apple product has come out, Logitech Crayon, we're going to take a much closer look at it so you can consider your purchase.

Fits well in hand, Logitech warranty

If Logitech knows something about ergonomics, we quickly realize that it is practically nothing like the Apple Pencil, starting because the former is completely round, while the Logitech Crayon is rather oval, while it has two sides completely. flat, we find two rounded and finer faces. However, we could say that it is not "small", but at least it is light, from my point of view a totally indispensable feature to offer good results in long hours of drawing or writing.

• Sizes: 163 x 12 x 8 millimeters
• Weight: 20 grams

It is made in silver anodized aluminum for the body, while the first part of the tip is made of orange polycarbonate and the tip is made of a material that quickly reminds us of Apple Pencil. The back has the small rubber button with which we will turn it on made of rubber, as well as a rubber plug covering the connection lightning that will allow us to load it. It is clear that we are facing a product that is less versatile and durable. Thus, Logitech "guarantees" that it is able to withstand a 1,2 meter drop safely. It should be noted that this flattened design has a reason: it will not fall off the table when we leave it perched at any angle.

No lag and absolute compatibility

The pencil does not offer any delay in writing, in Actualidad iPhone We've tested it in several different apps (like Notes and Notability) and it delivers exactly the same results in all of them. An important detail is that it detects the palm of the hand or the rest of the components other than the pencil so as not to cause problems, the only pencil next to the Apple Pencil capable of doing this in an iOS product. As you can see in our video analysis, It does not matter that you support your hand fully, it will only write or draw the area of ​​the screen where the tip of the Crayon has slipped, and this is really necessary in a product with these characteristics.

You quickly realize that here Apple has worked hand in hand with Logitech when you realize how easy it is to make it work. We simply have to press the button for two seconds and start interacting on the iPad with the stylus, without prior configuration, without the need to link anything Through Bluetooth or any wireless technology, this will quickly remind you of the AirPods if you are a user of them, it is to take it out and start working, this is very important to allow you to work in the shortest possible time.

Autonomy and charging mechanism

The device has a Lightning connection covered with rubber, this is a very favorable point, because we will be able to use the same cable that we use to charge the iPad with the intention of giving our Crayon autonomy, but it also has some other negative point, such as Logitech has decided not to include the Lightning cable needed to charge it, much less a power adapter, in the package. Being a female and not a male Ligthning system (as in the Apple Pencil) this means that we will need the charger and the cable without any other remedyUnlike the Apple Pencil, it can be charged by connecting it directly to the iPad without any problem.

For its part, the battery according to the firm ensures up to 7 hours of uninterrupted operation, capable of up to 30 minutes of use on a charge of just two minutes. The reality is that it is not surprising that such a product is capable of offering such autonomy. The LED indicator will warn us of the amount of battery, totally green if we have more than 10%, red if we have less than 10% and blinking if we are below 5%. In addition, to save battery life it will automatically turn off thirty minutes after you stop using it.

How is the Apple Pencil different from the Logitech Crayon?

We have no choice but to rival one product with another, so we are going to put them face to face and take a look to see what are the big differences between the Logitech device and of course the one acclaimed by Apple Pencil specialists.

The design, shape and weight

While the Apple Pencil offers a size of 175,7mm long by 8,9 millimeters in diameter offering almost 21 grams, at the Logitech Crayon we find 163 x 12 x 8 millimeters for 20 grams, and that is that one is completely round (the Apple Pencil) while the Logitech Crayon is flattened on two of its faces. What Logitech intends with this is to ensure that the pencil does not fall when we place it on the table if the desk is for example slightly raised as it happens in many schools. From my point of view, Logitech's design is more successful in terms of durability, but Apple's is more comfortable in the hand.

The same happens with the manufacturing materials, and is that while the Apple Pencil is made entirely of the same plastic material as, for example, the AirPods box, the Crayon is made of aluminum and accompanied by rubber, without a doubt. The challenge of durability is going to be taken by Logitech in this case.

Ease of use and connection

While Apple Pencil must be paired with and unpaired from a single iPadEither the supported Pro models or the 2018 iPad, the Logitech Crayon is capable of syncing with any XNUMXth generation iPad just by pressing the power button for two seconds and proceeding to use it. Again, while the Apple Pencil is more precise in connection, the Logitech Crayon is more versatile.

For its part, The Logitech Crayon does not have a writing pressure sensor, a feature that makes the Apple Pencil so special, totally necessary for professional use. For its part, the Logitech Crayon emulates this functionality through its inclination system.

Autonomy and charging system

Here we have a clear winner, while the Apple Pencil can be charged with any Lighning port, because it has a male Lightning, the Logitech Crayon only has a female hole for the same connection, this means that we will require the cable and the iPad charger, and… does anyone have a spare Lightning cable? Because never to me. Also, the Logitech Crayon doesn't include it in the box.

Another beneficial section thanks to this is that you can charge it directly on the iPad, whether or not you are near a socket. For his part the Logitech Crayon offers 7 hours of autonomy giving thirty minutes of use with two minutes of charge. On the other hand The Apple Pencil guarantees 12 hours of autonomy on one charge, and up to 30 minutes with just 15 seconds connected, here's a clear winner.

Editor's opinion

Worst

What I liked least about the Logitech Crayon It is precisely that it has not included at least one Lightning charging cable in the device, if you have the iPad and the Crayon without battery you will have to wait a while to be able to use them, among other things. That it is only offered with excessively striking orange colors does not convince me either, it is clear that the pencil will not go unnoticed.

Best

What I liked the most about this Logitech Crayon is that in a simple glance you make sure of the quality of the components, it is designed to last, you will not shed tears with an accidental fall. In the same way, it offers spectacularly good results at the operational level and the synchronization and start-up system is no more complicated than that of any standard pencil without technological components.

You can get him Logitech Crayon on its own website from 71,99 euros: 69,95 euros on the Apple website, although Apple provides discounts for students in the future that leave it at approximately 49 euros. For now it is not available on Amazon either.