The BEST Apple pencil 2 alternative, by far!!

Joel Create
1 Dec 202208:56

TLDRThe video script offers a detailed comparison between the Apple Pencil 2 and an alternative, the Banks magnetically chargeable pencil. It highlights the Banks pencil's Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, lack of double tap feature, tilt sensitivity, and absence of pressure sensitivity. Despite its limitations, the Banks pencil is praised for its responsiveness, build quality, and value for money, especially for note takers and casual artists. The video suggests that while the Apple Pencil 2 is superior for professional artists, the Banks pencil is a worthy, budget-friendly alternative for those new to digital art or note-taking.

Takeaways

  • 📱 The Banks magnetically chargeable pencil is a more affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil 2, priced at £40 or approximately $50.
  • 🔌 It connects via Bluetooth like the Apple Pencil 2, but requires pressing a button on top to turn it on and off.
  • 🔋 The pencil charges wirelessly using the same magnets along the iPad's side, eliminating the need for cables.
  • 🚫 Unlike the Apple Pencil 2, the Banks pencil does not have a double tap feature, which allows for customizable actions depending on the software used.
  • 🎨 The Banks pencil includes tilt sensitivity, enabling users to create thicker lines when the pen is tilted, similar to drawing with a real pencil or crayon.
  • ✍️ However, it lacks pressure sensitivity, meaning lines will be uniform in weight regardless of how hard the pen is pressed.
  • 🌟 The build quality and responsiveness of the Banks pencil are excellent, with no delays or stutters on the screen.
  • 🔋 It features a light on top that indicates battery status and functions as a button for returning to the home screen or switching apps.
  • 🖊️ The pen tips are replaceable and two extras are included in the box, but they are not compatible with standard Apple Pencil tips.
  • 🎨 For artists, the lack of pressure sensitivity may require adjustments in the workflow when using certain tools in apps like Procreate.
  • 📝 The Banks pencil is recommended for note takers and casual drawers, while serious artists should consider investing in the Apple Pencil 2 for its full feature set.

Q & A

  • What is the price difference between the Apple Pencil 2 and the Banks magnetically chargeable pencil?

    -The Banks magnetically chargeable pencil costs 40 pounds or about 50 dollars, which is significantly less than the price tag of the Apple Pencil 2.

  • How does the Banks pencil connect to the iPad?

    -The Banks pencil connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, similar to the Apple Pencil 2. However, you need to press a button on top of the pencil to turn it on and off each time.

  • What are the charging features of the Banks pencil?

    -The Banks pencil uses magnets to charge wirelessly on the side of the iPad, just like the Apple Pencil. This eliminates the need for cables and ensures the pencil is always ready for use.

  • Does the Banks pencil have a double-tap feature like the Apple Pencil 2?

    -No, the Banks pencil does not have a double-tap feature. The double-tap feature on the Apple Pencil 2 allows users to change settings depending on the software being used, which is not available on the Banks pencil.

  • How does the tilt sensitivity feature work on the Banks pencil?

    -The tilt sensitivity feature on the Banks pencil allows users to achieve different line widths depending on how the pencil is held. A straight line will be thin, while tilting the pencil on its side during shading will produce a wider edge, similar to a real-world pencil or crayon.

  • What is the main drawback of the Banks pencil in terms of features compared to the Apple Pencil 2?

    -The main drawback of the Banks pencil is the lack of pressure sensitivity. Unlike the Apple Pencil 2, the Banks pencil cannot adjust line weight based on the pressure applied during drawing or calligraphy.

  • How does the build quality and responsiveness of the Banks pencil compare to the Apple Pencil 2?

    -The build quality of the Banks pencil is excellent and it feels very similar to the Apple Pencil 2. It is also very responsive with no delays or stutters on the screen.

  • Are the tips of the Banks pencil replaceable and compatible with Apple Pencil tips?

    -Yes, the tips of the Banks pencil are replaceable and it comes with two extra tips in the box. However, they are not compatible with standard Apple Pencil tips or vice versa.

  • Which user category would benefit most from using the Banks pencil for note-taking?

    -Users who primarily use their pencils for note-taking would find the Banks pencil to be a great alternative to the Apple Pencil 2, especially because of its lack of pressure sensitivity which can lead to neater handwriting.

  • How can artists adapt their workflow with the Banks pencil considering its limitations?

    -Artists can adapt their workflow by adjusting their techniques in software like Procreate. They can use lower opacity and layer their work to achieve shading effects and change line weights by redrawing and adjusting the weight in post.

  • What is the overall recommendation for purchasing the Banks pencil based on the script?

    -The Banks pencil is recommended for those who do not already own an Apple Pencil 2 and are primarily note-takers or casual artists. For serious artists, investing in the Apple Pencil 2 with its full set of features is advised.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Introduction to an Apple Pencil Alternative

The paragraph introduces a more affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil 2, highlighting its price and wondering if there's a catch. It mentions the Bank's magnetically chargeable pencil, comparing it to the Apple Pencil throughout the video. The alternative pencil connects via Bluetooth, requires a button press to turn on and off, and charges wirelessly on the side of the iPad, similar to the Apple Pencil. The paragraph also discusses the lack of a double tap feature in the Bank's pencil, which is available in the Apple Pencil 2, and how it affects the user experience depending on the software used.

05:02

🎨 Artistic Workflow and Features Comparison

This paragraph delves into the artistic aspect of using the Bank's pencil as an alternative to the Apple Pencil 2. It discusses the tilt sensitivity feature, which is present in both and allows for realistic shading and drawing. However, it points out the lack of pressure sensitivity in the Bank's pencil, which affects drawing and calligraphy. The speaker shares personal preferences when using the Bank's pencil in GoodNotes and suggests that while it may not be suitable for serious artists, it is a great option for note-takers and casual drawers. The paragraph concludes with a recommendation on whether to buy the Bank's pencil based on the user's needs and budget.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Apple Pencil 2

Apple Pencil 2 is a stylus developed by Apple Inc. for their iPad devices, noted for its precision and pressure sensitivity features. In the video, it's compared to an alternative stylus, highlighting differences in features such as Bluetooth connectivity, charging methods, and tilt sensitivity.

💡Banks Pencil

The Banks Pencil is an alternative stylus to the Apple Pencil 2, which is being reviewed and compared in the video. It is noted for its magnetic charging capabilities and tilt sensitivity, but lacks pressure sensitivity, making it a more affordable option with some limitations.

💡Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth Connectivity refers to the wireless technology that enables devices to communicate over short distances. In the context of the video, both the Apple Pencil 2 and the Banks Pencil use Bluetooth to connect with the iPad, with the need to manually turn on and off the Banks Pencil via a button.

💡Magnetic Charging

Magnetic Charging is a method of charging electronic devices where the charger connects to the device via magnets, allowing for wireless power transfer. The video highlights that both Apple Pencil 2 and the Banks Pencil use this method, enabling them to attach and charge on the side of the iPad.

💡Double Tap Zone

The Double Tap Zone is a feature found on the Apple Pencil 2 that allows users to perform different actions, such as switching tools in drawing apps, by double tapping the stylus. The Banks Pencil does not have this feature, which is a point of comparison in the video.

💡Tilt Sensitivity

Tilt Sensitivity is a feature that allows a stylus to respond to the angle at which it is held, affecting the width or opacity of the strokes in drawing applications. The Banks Pencil includes this feature, which is beneficial for drawing and shading.

💡Pressure Sensitivity

Pressure Sensitivity is a feature that enables a stylus to detect the force with which it is pressed against the screen, adjusting the width or intensity of the strokes accordingly. The Banks Pencil lacks this feature, which is a significant point of comparison with the Apple Pencil 2.

💡Build Quality

Build Quality refers to the materials, design, and overall construction of a product. In the video, the Banks Pencil is said to have excellent build quality, feeling similar to the Apple Pencil 2, despite being a lighter and more affordable alternative.

💡Replaceable Tips

Replaceable Tips refer to the ability to change the tip of a stylus when it wears out or for different drawing effects. The Banks Pencil comes with replaceable tips and includes two extras in the box, though they are not compatible with standard Apple Pencil tips.

💡Workflow Adjustment

Workflow Adjustment refers to changes in the way tasks are performed due to differences in tools or software. In the video, the lack of pressure sensitivity in the Banks Pencil necessitates adjustments in workflow for artists, such as redrawing lines to vary weight or using lower opacity for shading.

💡Budget Considerations

Budget Considerations involve the financial aspect of choosing between products, weighing the costs against the features and benefits offered. The video discusses the Banks Pencil as a more affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil 2, suitable for note-takers and casual artists.

Highlights

The Banks magnetically chargeable pencil is a more affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil 2, priced at 40 pounds or about 50 dollars.

The pencil connects via Bluetooth, similar to the Apple Pencil 2, but requires pressing a button on top to turn it on and off.

Charging is done wirelessly using the iPad's side magnets, eliminating the need for cables and making it as convenient as the Apple Pencil.

The Banks pencil lacks the double tap feature found on the Apple Pencil 2, which allows for quick tool switching within apps.

Tilt sensitivity is present in the Banks pencil, allowing for a more natural drawing experience similar to using a real pencil or crayon.

Pressure sensitivity is not available in the Banks pencil, which may affect the workflow for artists using certain drawing apps.

The build quality of the Banks pencil is excellent, and it feels very similar to the Apple Pencil 2, despite being lighter.

The pencil features a light on top that indicates battery status and can be used to navigate back to the home screen or switch apps.

The pencil tips are replaceable and two extras are included in the box, but they are not compatible with standard Apple Pencil tips.

The Banks pencil fits all the grips in the same way as the Apple Pencil 2, making it a versatile accessory for various users.

For note takers, the Banks pencil is recommended as it provides a neat and tidy handwriting experience without the need for pressure sensitivity.

Artists can use the Banks pencil to create masterpieces, but may need to adjust their workflow to account for the lack of pressure sensitivity.

The tilt sensitivity feature works well in apps like Procreate, making it a suitable tool for artists who are willing to adapt their techniques.

The Banks pencil is an excellent choice for those who do not yet own an Apple Pencil 2 and are looking for a budget-friendly option.

Serious artists or those considering a future upgrade should invest in the Apple Pencil 2 for the full set of features without compromises.

The magnetic charging feature of the Banks pencil is a game changer, ensuring it's always ready for use without the inconvenience of cables.

Overall, the Banks pencil is recommended for note takers and casual artists, but professionals should opt for the Apple Pencil 2 for its comprehensive capabilities.