Rock Paper Pencil vs Paperlike

The iPad has become an essential tool for note takers, digital artists, and on-the-go professionals — but writing and drawing on a smooth, glass screen just doesn’t feel natural.

That’s where “paper-feel” screen protectors like Rock Paper Pencil and Paperlike come in.

These accessories add texture to your screen, so that using your Apple Pencil feels more like using a pencil on real paper.  But, while both products aim to improve your iPad experience, each does so in a different way.

So, which one is the better fit? 

Let’s find out!

Compared: Rock Paper Pencil vs Paperlike

Feature	Paperlike	Rock Paper Pencil
Surface feel	Tracing paper (fine and smooth)	Bristol vellum (textured and toothy)
Writing feel	Low friction, slick	High friction, gritty
Sound	Like tapping on glass	Like writing on real paper
Scratch resistance	Lower; visible scratches appear quickly	Higher; holds up well to repeated use
Apple Pencil tip wear	Moderate; wear accumulates over time	None; metal ballpoint tips included
Foil longevity	Limited; thin material may need replacement with heavy use	Durable; long-lasting due to better scratch resistance
Haze level	Lower due to thinness and limited anti-glare reduction	Higher due to anti-glare finish
Image clarity	Similar performance	Similar performance
Anti-glare performance	Moderate; limited light diffusion	Excellent; anti-glare finish diffuses light effectively
Anti-reflective performance	Excellent; absorbs light well and limits ambient reflections	Moderate; more prone to ambient reflections
Adhesion type	Glue / adhesive	Static electricity
Removability	None; cannot be reattached if removed	Unlimited; can be peeled off and reattached
Includes custom Apple Pencil tips?	No	Yes; two metal ballpoint-style tips included

While we’ll dive into greater detail below, the chart above gives a high-level overview of what to expect from both Paperlike and Rock Paper Pencil.

Broadly speaking, Paperlike provides a thinner surface, excellent anti-reflective performance, and great image clarity.  However, the thin surface provides limited friction and leaves it more prone to scratching.  Plus, what resistance it does provide will wear down your Apple Pencil tips over time.

On the other hand, Rock Paper Pencil is a thicker foil and offers a more “paper-like” feel.  The anti-glare finish is great when working outdoors or under direct, indoor light, and the included Apple Pencil tips provide added durability, precision, and control while writing and drawing. It’s also removable, so you can take it off and re-attach it an unlimited number of times.

While comparing both products, we put each protector through rigorous testing.  Read on to learn more about what we found.

Rock Paper Pencil

Current model	Rock Paper Pencil (Version 2)
Price	$44.99 USD
Reviews	4.48 of 5 stars based on 903 product reviews
Compatibility	Most iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models from 2017 to current (Full list here)
Return policy	30 days

Rock Paper Pencil is a unique screen protector system designed to deliver a true paper-like writing and drawing experience on the iPad.

Rather than just making another “paper-feel” screen protector, we wanted to create something that helps users control every part of their creative and artistic processes.

That’s why Rock Paper Pencil is a two-part solution that includes a removable screen protector and a pair of precision-engineered ballpoint pencil tips!

While other screen protectors are single-application, single-use items, Rock Paper Pencil uses NanoCling technology to adhere automatically to the bezel of your iPad.  It can be removed and reattached at any time in a matter of seconds.

The ballpoint tips are made for Apple Pencil and designed to offer pinpoint accuracy and better control when writing and drawing on the iPad.  They’re built to last, even with daily use.

That’s important, since Rock Paper Pencil was built specifically to fit the needs of digital artists, students, and productivity enthusiasts who want to be more productive with their iPads.

Key features

• Two-part system provides a screen protector and custom Apple Pencil tips to create the most realistic “paper-feel” experience available.
• 100% removable, static-cling screen protector can be removed and reapplied as needed and with minimal effort.
• Improved scratch resistance and anti-glare capabilities make Rock Paper Pencil a favorite among professionals and power users.

Paperlike

Current model	Paperlike 2.1 (Swiss Paperlike)
Price	$44.99 USD
Reviews	4.45 of 5 stars based on 9,726 reviews
Compatibility	Most iPad Pro and iPad Air models from 2018 to current. Limited compatibility for iPad mini.
Return policy	30 days

Paperlike is a premium, matte-textured screen protector for iPad, designed to mimic the feel of real paper when writing and drawing with an Apple Pencil.

While almost any matte screen protector can offer similar functionality, Paperlike was one of the first brands to really refine the idea behind “paper-feel” screen protectors specifically for writing and drawing.

Since launching as a Kickstarter campaign in 2017, Paperlike has become a huge success and widely recognizable iPad accessory.

However, the company hasn’t been idle.  As the market has grown more competitive and alternatives have appeared, Paperlike has worked to improve its flagship product to provide the best productivity experience possible.

Over the years, the screen protector has undergone multiple iterations to improve its papery surface texture, reduce screen glare, and further refine its design.  The latest versions use Nanodots® surface technology, a proprietary micro-texture that adds resistance for precise control while minimizing graininess and distortion.

While the Paperlike isn’t without problems and complaints, it’s a favorite among artists and note takers who want better control when working on an iPad.

Key features

• Nanodots surface technology is unique and created using a proprietary manufacturing process.
• Two screen protectors are included in every purchase, for users who have trouble with the application process.
• Scratches and scuffing are common due to the overall thinness of the screen protector.
  

01. Installation and maintenance

Most “paper-feel” screen protectors use a sticky, adhesive backing to attach to your iPad screen.  The glue bonds with the glass to hold the protector in place.

That makes the installation a one-time process.  If things go wrong, you’ll end up with air bubbles, a misaligned protector, or dust and residue trapped under the screen.

It’s a tedious, high-risk operation, and it’s one of the worst parts about using screen protectors in the first place.

Paperlike tries to offset the usual application woes with a highly engineered installation process.  Every package is equipped with a small army of tools, including stickers, dust removers, and wet wipes.

The screen protector comes sandwiched between two outer layers of protective foil, so that you can align the product without worry.  Once you’ve placed it correctly, you’ll need to use a set of alignment stickers to attach the Paperlike to your device while it’s still enclosed in a protective foil.

When that’s done, you’ll clean your screen, peel away the outer layer of the plastic, and attach the Paperlike to your device.  Afterward, you’ll use a credit card to push out any air bubbles before removing the final, outermost layer.

Whew!  We’re already tired from writing all of that out!

During our testing, we followed all of the provided instructions and watched the video, but we still got a fair number of air bubbles.  When we tried to remove them, we ended up scratching the foil and had to try again.

(Sidebar:  We know that we’re comparing Paperlike to our own product, but we genuinely tried!)

Fortunately, every Paperlike includes a second screen protector, just in case the installation process goes wrong.  If the initial application is successful, you can always save the second protector as a backup, in case air bubbles develop or your Paperlike gets scratched.  If you fail a second time, you’ll have to contact support to either request a refund or ask for a replacement.

In our case, having the second protector was great for our team, because the Paperlike screen protector is a single-use product.  When you peel it off, it can’t be re-applied.

In some ways, the effort that Paperlike has put into this workflow is encouraging.  They know the application process is problematic and have taken steps to give customers every advantage.

At the same time, the number of steps required (along with the risk of failure) somehow makes the process even more intimidating.

Rock Paper Pencil uses static electricity to fasten to your iPad screen, which is an entirely different approach from installation methods used by Paperlike and other “paper-feel” screen protectors.

The NanoCling applicator is visible as a black band around the edge of the screen protector.  The band adheres to the bezel of your iPad — not the screen itself — so you’ll have an unobstructed view of your entire display.

If this doesn’t seem very secure, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The static bond created by the NanoCling band is stronger than magnets, is entirely non-adhesive, and leaves no residue when removed.  And, because Rock Paper Pencil doesn’t use glue, it can be removed and re-applied an unlimited number of times.

You read that right:  No glue, no adhesives, no mess, and no pressure!

Rock Paper Pencil is completely removable, which makes the application process a breeze.

Trapped a piece of dust while attaching the screen protector?  Lift up one side, clear the obstruction, and lay the protector back down again.

Want to watch a movie without the screen protector attached?  Take it off and snap it back on later.

Honestly, as much as we’d like to compare and contrast the different approaches between Paperlike and Rock Paper Pencil, there really isn’t a comparison worth having.

Rock Paper Pencil offers a straightforward, zero-pressure application process that’s fast, simple, and easy.  The screen protector is 100% reusable, unlike Paperlike and other single-use protectors.  You’ll never have to worry about air bubbles or trapped dust because you can fix those mistakes if something goes wrong.

Our suggestion

Due to the stakes involved, the application process is often the most daunting part of owning a screen protector.  It’s something most users don’t enjoy, so it makes sense to minimize these problems as much as possible.

• Paperlike has done a great job creating a solution to address installation issues, but their approach doesn’t really solve the problem.  Applying the screen protector is still difficult and comes with some risk.  Even if you follow all the steps, like we did, it’s possible to ruin the product before you even have a chance to use it.
• Rock Paper Pencil uses non-adhesive, NanoCling technology to make installation fast, easy, and risk-free.  The entire process only takes a few seconds.  Plus, this approach makes the screen protector 100% reusable, so you can peel it off and put it back on whenever you need it.  It’s a game-changer, and glue-based installation methods like the one Paperlike uses simply can’t compare.

02. Surface texture

One of the biggest differences between any two “paper-feel” screen protectors is the surface of the foil.

The texture of a screen protector directly affects how it feels to write and draw, as well as how much friction the Apple Pencil tip encounters during use.  Too much texture leaves the surface feeling rough and grainy while too little can leave it feeling slick, failing to replicate the control of real paper.

Typically, the textured surface is created either by imprinting a microscopic texture onto a thin sheet of plastic film or by coating the film with particulate additives.  There are other methods, too, and both the method and level of control that a brand has over this process can make all the difference in the texture itself.

Paperlike uses a proprietary technology called Nanodots to create their unique texture.  It’s the “secret sauce” that gives the product its distinct feel.  The company describes Nanodots as a collection of microscopic beads that are sprinkled across the surface of the screen protector in order to emulate the friction and resistance of paper. 

Unlike traditional matte screen protectors, which use uniform roughness across the entire surface, Nanodots create a more controlled friction pattern.  This was visible in our testing, where the Nanodots present as tightly clumped, uniform grains across the surface of the foil.

Combined with the overall thinness of the plastic used to create it, Nanodots gives the Paperlike a surface texture that feels very similar to tracing paper or onion skin paper.  Although noticeably different from the iPad’s glass display, the foil is very smooth to the touch.

While this approach creates a unique feel, Paperlike’s design is a balancing act that comes with a number of trade-offs.

For example, the company aims to make the screen protector as thin as possible to preserve screen clarity.  At the same time, the surface needs to be hard enough to withstand scratches from the Apple Pencil (more on this below) while minimizing tip wear over time.

Unfortunately, this design also means that Paperlike provides less texture overall when compared to other protectors.  Many users find that Paperlike feels much smoother than expected, as it lacks the deep, toothy grain of traditional paper.

So, how does that compare with Rock Paper Pencil?

Overall, the Rock Paper Pencil foil uses larger grains than those imparted by Paperlike’s Nanodots process.  The added roughness in the design makes Rock Paper Pencil feel similar to Bristol paper, allowing for finer control and precision while writing and drawing.

That’s not to say it’s “better” than Paperlike’s approach.  Bristol paper is a heavier-weight stock often used for illustration, and Rock Paper Pencil reflects that.  By design, the grain is more pronounced when compared to standard notebook paper.  

While Rock Paper Pencil has been a big hit with artists and note takers alike for its true-to-life, papery feel, users who prefer a lower-resistance surface might find this texture too rough for their personal preference.

However, there are a few other things to consider that go beyond the screen texture itself.

Here’s what we mean:  Paperlike, like most other screen protectors, can’t be removed once it has been applied.  Due to that limitation, the company needs to preserve screen clarity by keeping the foil thin while also minimizing roughness to reduce wear and tear.

But Rock Paper Pencil is 100% removable and includes two metal, ballpoint Apple Pencil tips.

This flexibility allows us to create a grittier texture and achieve a more authentic feel.  The tips we provide can withstand the heavier texture, eliminating concerns about tip wear.

When you need maximum screen clarity, you can remove the foil.  When it’s time to write or draw, just snap it back on.

Our suggestion

At some level, the screen texture that you prefer is largely down to personal style and preference.

• Before you buy, take a minute to consider the type of paper surface you really enjoy working with.
  
• Paperlike feels like tracing paper or onion skin paper and will be a good fit for users who prefer lighter textures, smoother surfaces, and minimal resistance — but it can’t be removed once it has been applied.
  
• Rock Paper Pencil feels like Bristol paper, and is the better fit for users who want grittier textures and a more authentic pen-to-paper experience.  The larger grain size provides added friction, which translates to better overall control while writing and drawing.

03. Performance and durability

Both Rock Paper Pencil and Paperlike are meant to do more than an average screen protector.  They’re designed to improve the writing and drawing experience on your iPad.

The surface texture (covered in the last section) needs to introduce friction and resistance that mimics the feel of paper.

But the foil itself needs to do more than that.  It also needs to be durable, resistant to wear and tear, and comfortable to use over long periods.  Rougher textures can also wear down the Apple Pencil tip, so long-term damage is also a factor.

To evaluate both screen protectors, we used a CNC machine to run the following tests:

• Scribble test.  Create one continuous stroke by drawing the Apple Pencil back and forth on the screen 10 times.
  
• Handwriting test.  Use the CNC to mimic daily handwriting while applying steady and consistent pressure.

Each test was conducted in a controlled, supervised environment, and we ran the same test on new copies of both foils.

While testing, we evaluated the foil’s similarity to real paper, overall scratch resistance, and Apple Pencil tip wear.  Curiosity got the better of us, so we also tested (with our ears) to understand how accurately each foil mimics the sound of writing and drawing on paper.

Both screen protectors offer a “paper-like” experience, but their materials and textures result in very different writing sensations and durability levels.

For ASMR fans, here’s how Rock Paper Pencil and Paperlike sound while in use. We found that Paperlike sounds more like tapping on glass than writing on paper, while Rock Paper Pencil sounds like scratching on paper.

Our testing found that writing on Paperlike felt most comparable to using a very dull traditional pencil or a soft-gel pen on tracing paper.   

The lightly textured surface and low resistance makes the surface still remarkably slick — even smoother than real tracing paper.  While that reduced resistance allows for quick, fluid strokes, it’s likely that users who prefer a grippier surface will find that Paperlike falls short in this area.

The company’s drive to create the thinnest protector possible also makes the foil more prone to scratching.

Our testing produced the following results:

• Scratch test.  After one test, a visible, continuous scratch was visible on the surface of the foil.
  
• Handwriting test.  Visible, but non-permanent scratches were identified after two writes (two machine-written paragraphs), with a permanent scratch after 40 writes.  The Apple Pencil tip also saw a ~0.05mm reduction after 50 writes.

Although somewhat alarming, there are other factors to consider.

Our CNC machine is nothing if not consistent. But humans aren’t. Where our machine wrote the same paragraph in the same way each and every time, a real user would apply varying levels of pressure and touch different parts of the Apple Pencil tip to the screen while writing and drawing.

While damage will still occur, it’s likely that the wear on the Apple Pencil tip would be less drastic than the machine implies.  It still happens, but you’re likely to get more mileage out of your tip than 50 or 100 paragraphs.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t mitigate the potential to damage the foil itself.  The Paperlike is thin, and a moderate amount of pressure is enough to scratch it.

Most scratches will be small or negligible — only visible when your display is powered off.  Some might even buff out when you clean your screen.  However, it’s possible that an unintended scratch will be deep enough to permanently scar the product and interfere with your ability to write or draw on portions of the foil.

Overall, Rock Paper Pencil feels most similar to using a technical pencil on Bristol vellum paper.  Compared to Paperlike, the surface has a grippy, tactile feel that enhances control and precision.

As you might expect, the added texture introduces noticeable friction.  While this allows for clean lines and better control, it also means that the textured surface is more likely to wear out the Apple Pencil tip.

That’s true, which is why we include precision-engineered ballpoint tips with our screen protector.  The tips are designed to go hand-in-hand with the foil.  Because they’re sold together as a single product, we tested them together.

Our testing produced the following results:

• Scratch test.  After six writes, a partial scratch was slightly visible on the surface of the foil.
• Handwriting test.  After 50 writes, a small collection of minor and non-permanent scratches were visible.  We found no detectable change in durability or ballpoint Pencil tip wear.

While the same caveats apply to Rock Paper Pencil as they do to Paperlike where machine-based testing is concerned, the difference in durability is easily noticeable.

The improved thickness and the ballpoint tip included with Rock Paper Pencil are built to withstand heavy usage, especially when compared to Paperlike and similar protectors.  Because the custom Pencil tip is metal, it’s unlikely to break down without extreme usage.  However, it also doesn’t destroy the screen protector while in use.

As with Paperlike, most of the scratches and damage incurred over time won’t be noticeable while the display is powered on.  Overall, we found that the scratches accumulating on the surface of Rock Paper Pencil were more shallow and less numerous than other marketplace alternatives.

04. Image clarity and display quality

Matte screen protectors do more than just add texture — they also change how light interacts with the display.

On the surface (get it?), this makes sense.  By covering your screen with a plastic foil, you’re forcing the light from your display to pass through a layer of dense material before it reaches your eyes.

The added layer scatters both incoming and outgoing light, which means that matte screen protectors are great for reducing glare and improving visibility in bright environments.  However, anti-glare coatings often introduce a slight haziness (a white glaze) that can interfere with text and reduce overall screen sharpness.

The level of anti-glare treatment and the texture of the protector itself also play a major role in how much light is scattered across the surface.  A coarser texture can break up reflections more effectively but might also cause more visual distortions while a finer texture preserves more of the original detail.

Our engineers did a ton of side-by-side testing when comparing Rock Paper Pencil to Paperlike.  Here’s a closer look at how both foils stack up to one another when it comes to clarity, reflectivity, and the viewing experience.

Haziness

Both Paperlike and Rock Paper Pencil display a minor haze when attached to an iPad, but Rock Paper Pencil is hazier than Paperlike.  This boils down to the size and distribution of the textured grains on the surface of the foil.

Our testing confirmed these differences:

• Paperlike has smaller, denser grains, helping to reduce haze and preserve screen clarity.
  
• Rock Paper Pencil has larger grains, which enhance texture and control at the cost of more noticeable haze.
  
• Both foils produced some haze but visual distortions are well-managed and minimally noticeable when the screen is lit.

With Rock Paper Pencil, the larger grains create a glazed / matte coating that’s more visually prominent, especially when the display is powered off.  The anti-glare matte finish we used during product design (more on this below) also played a role in this aesthetic.

By contrast, the Nanodots process that Paperlike uses creates a (mostly) even application across the surface of the display to minimize diffraction as light passes through the foil.  The foil is also slightly thinner, which minimizes the amount of material that light needs to traverse in order to reach your eyes.

In both cases, colors and images are clearly defined and vibrant while the screen is powered on.  That’s critical for digital artists, especially when working with details.

That said, users who don’t enjoy the glazed look may find Rock Paper Pencil more distracting when engaging in visual pursuits like watching a movie or playing a game, but its removable design makes it easy to switch when needed.

Clarity

When it comes to overall image clarity, both Paperlike and Rock Paper Pencil performed similarly during testing.

Visually, text and images remained sharp and legible on both protectors, with no significant difference and no distortions or warping in the image details.

However, Rock Paper Pencil has a slightly “noisier” feel due to its larger grain texture.  While this doesn’t noticeably affect sharpness, it’s clearly visible when taking in the screen as a whole (shown above).  Paperlike’s smaller grain size makes the noise less noticeable but still visually recognizable.

When examined under a microscope, there was no clear difference in the fine detail reproduction between the two screen protectors.  Details were still and intact, indicating that the noise is more about texture perception rather than an actual loss of clarity.

For everyday use, even while writing and drawing, both screen protectors retain strong image quality.  Users who are sensitive to grain and texture may find that Paperlike appears slightly “cleaner” due to its finer grain structure.

Anti-glare

An anti-glare coating reduces harsh reflections from external light sources, making screens easier to view in bright environments.  This is especially important for users who work under overhead lighting, desk lamps, or outdoors in natural sunlight.

Our testing shows that Rock Paper Pencil provides superior anti-glare performance when compared to Paperlike.

Why?

Rock Paper Pencil’s matte finish effectively diffuses and scatters light, preventing it from reflecting directly back into the user’s eye.  It’s the superior choice for outdoor use and for users working indoors under harsh lighting conditions.

The anti-glare coating makes direct light appear as a softer, more dispersed glow rather than a sharp, mirror-like reflection.  The screen is easier to see in harsh environments, which helps when working for extended periods.

By comparison, Paperlike reflects more light back toward the user, creating a more defined reflection under bright conditions.  While the foil still offers some glare reduction, it doesn’t diffuse light as well.  Direct, hard light will create more concentrated hotspots.

For users frequently working under bright conditions, Rock Paper Pencil is a much better option.

Anti-reflective

While anti-glare coatings scatter and diffuse external light to reduce harsh glare, anti-reflective performance is about minimizing light reflection from the screen itself.  

Rather than scattering light, anti-reflectivity absorbs or redirects it, preserving contrast and depth in your display.  You’re most likely to see this difference when watching videos or working in a dark mode interface.

To test this, we used a light sensor module to measure the amount of light reflected off the screen. By placing the sensor at a fixed angle and distance, we captured relative reflectivity values to compare the anti-reflective performance of each screen protector.

In our testing, we found that Paperlike offers better anti-reflective performance than Rock Paper Pencil.

• Paperlike reflects less light overall, making the screen appear darker and offering higher contrast.
  
• Rock Paper Pencil appears whiter and hazier under bright conditions, which enhances anti-glare performance but reduces contrast depth.

With Paperlike, dark areas of the screen will appear darker and richer.  If you’re working in ideal lighting conditions where anti-reflectivity performs well, you’ll be able to see the difference.

On the other hand, overall contrast is slightly reduced when Rock Paper Pencil is installed.  Dark tones will appear more washed out, and contrast will be slightly reduced by the anti-glare coating.  

It’s worth noting that, while Paperlike outperforms Rock Paper Pencil, it doesn’t outperform a naked iPad screen.  The glass display, with no foil applied, delivers the best experience.

Because Rock Paper Pencil is removable, you can get the best of both worlds by simply removing the foil when you need better visual clarity.

Our suggestion

Image clarity and display quality is something of a balancing act.  Paperlike and Rock Paper Pencil are both strong performers, but each prioritizes a different aspect of the experience.

• Paperlike offers a clearer screen, minimal haze, and strong contrast.  While not as clear as a naked iPad display, the Nanodots technology helps preserve screen sharpness while also minimizing reflections, making it a great all-arounder.  That’s important, since the screen protector can’t be removed once it has been applied.
• Rock Paper Pencil provides a more comfortable viewing experience in bright environments and harsh lighting conditions.  The matte finish diffuses direct light more effectively, which is useful when working under direct light from the sun, desk lamps, or overhead florescents.  The foil is also removable, so you can enjoy the full color and contrast your iPad can offer when watching movies or videos.

Final verdict

Ultimately, both Paperlike and Rock Paper Pencil aim to enhance the ipad writing and drawing experience, but they take very different approaches and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Paperlike is the better choice if you prefer a smooth writing / drawing experience with low friction.  Keep in mind that the foil is more prone to scratching and that low-level friction will wear down the Apple Pencil tip over time.  Despite those downsides, Paperlike does its job well while preserving image depth and color richness.

Rock Paper Pencil is a superior choice if you want an “as real as it gets” pen-on-paper experience, with the flexibility of a non-adhesive application.  The rougher texture provides better control and improved scratch resistance, while the included ballpoint Apple Pencil tips are made to last.  It’s also removable, and installation is a breeze.  That said, Rock Paper Pencil introduces more haze due to its anti-glare coating and may feel too rough for users who prefer a slicker or smoother surface.

Ultimately, the best solution will depend on your personal writing and drawing preferences.

Our advice?  Pick one and give it a try.  Both brands offer a 30 day money back guarantee, so you’ll have a chance to try it out risk-free.  Paperlike is available through the company’s website, Amazon, and other dealers.  For Rock Paper Pencil, you can start your order right here.

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Frequently asked questions

Where did all this data come from?

Us!  We assigned our engineers to test both products thoroughly so that we could share what we learned.  To do that, we set up CNC machines and use light detection tools to measure anti-reflectivity, anti-glare, and similar metrics.

In this article, we’re largely giving our impressions based on our findings, rather than the data itself.  We made that choice because most of the technical data won’t mean anything to readers.

For example, during our anti-reflectivity test, Paperlike measured at 102 AR while Rock Paper Pencil measured at 126 AR.  The lower value is better, but it doesn’t give readers a clear understanding of what the data means.

Can you explain more about noise vs clarity?  The comparison says the details are intact but that Rock Paper Pencil is “noisier.”

When a screen protector is applied, light generated from the iPad screen needs to pass through the foil before it reaches your eyes.  While that might sound trivial, it’s more complicated than you think!

There are many ways to apply a matte coating to a screen protector, and companies approach this process differently.  Cheaper application methods often bend the light as it travels through plastic, causing refraction and diffraction that creates a halo or rainbow effect to viewers.  

Because the image is distorted by the plastic, the image quality is significantly lowered in the process.  Colors may have shifted, while outlines appear fuzzy.  Overall detail quality is reduced.

Good brands, like Astropad and Paperlike, use application methods that minimize distortions.  However, the grain size applied to each foil is noticeably different.  

With Rock Paper Pencil, the larger grain size provides more friction and a toothier grip while writing and drawing.  As a consequence, images viewed with the screen protector attached won’t be distorted, but they will look grainier / noisier.  Screens covered with Paperlike also carry a slight grain, but the product’s thinness and Nanodots technology make it less noticeable.

Why did you test Rock Paper Pencil with the custom ballpoint tips when Paperlike doesn’t offer the same thing?

We made this choice because Rock Paper Pencil is a two-part solution, with both the screen protector and ballpoint tips working together to achieve the end result.

Both the ballpoint tips and screen protector are included with the purchase of Rock Paper Pencil.  As they were meant to be used together and are sold together as a single unit, it makes the most sense to include the tips during testing.

By contrast, Paperlike offers the screen protector as a complete, standalone solution for writing and drawing on the iPad.  While the company sells pencil tips, these are sold separately for an additional cost.

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