Griffin specialises in all kinds of accessories for mobiles, smartphones and tablets. The aptly named Stylus is the brand's take on the capacitive stylus "for iPad, iPhone and other capacitive touchscreens".
Let's try and ignore the incredible similarity with the Wacom Bamboo Stylus and see what this little instrument has in store for us. Made primarily of basic metal, the Stylus has a Steve Urkel clip too, but unlike Wacom's Bamboo it can't be removed. The clip takes up a good part of the length of the stylus (4.2 out of 11 cm), despite how ugly it is. The total length of the stylus is 1 cm shorter than the Bamboo. The rubber tip is broad and thick.
We have mixed feelings about how this stylus handles. It's simple, compact and quick to use, but it will have difficulty being perceived as a serious tool, due in large part to the fact that it only weighs 11.3 grammes. It doesn't really give you the impression that you're holding a well-finished object, and the clip, which must account for a good portion of the weight, throws the whole thing off-balance.
The Stylus has no dedicated software for creating content, but we were able to use it on various tablets (both Android and iOS) and on Wacom's free app, Bamboo Paper. The capacitive response lacks precision on the whole, whether it's when navigating through the OS or, especially, when using it to write or draw.
This is mainly due to the broad tip, which is so thick that it ends up sacrificing response time. However, amateurs may appreciate the Stylus' ability to make thin upstrokes and ends of lines—which it does (most of the time, just enough to give you the impression that it delivers). But it's also just enough to get on the nerves of anyone looking for a more consistent instrument.
Let's try and ignore the incredible similarity with the Wacom Bamboo Stylus and see what this little instrument has in store for us. Made primarily of basic metal, the Stylus has a Steve Urkel clip too, but unlike Wacom's Bamboo it can't be removed. The clip takes up a good part of the length of the stylus (4.2 out of 11 cm), despite how ugly it is. The total length of the stylus is 1 cm shorter than the Bamboo. The rubber tip is broad and thick.
We have mixed feelings about how this stylus handles. It's simple, compact and quick to use, but it will have difficulty being perceived as a serious tool, due in large part to the fact that it only weighs 11.3 grammes. It doesn't really give you the impression that you're holding a well-finished object, and the clip, which must account for a good portion of the weight, throws the whole thing off-balance.
The Stylus has no dedicated software for creating content, but we were able to use it on various tablets (both Android and iOS) and on Wacom's free app, Bamboo Paper. The capacitive response lacks precision on the whole, whether it's when navigating through the OS or, especially, when using it to write or draw.
This is mainly due to the broad tip, which is so thick that it ends up sacrificing response time. However, amateurs may appreciate the Stylus' ability to make thin upstrokes and ends of lines—which it does (most of the time, just enough to give you the impression that it delivers). But it's also just enough to get on the nerves of anyone looking for a more consistent instrument.
Pros
- Good size for small hands
- Easy to use
- Ideal for beginners, but only beginners
Cons
- Too light, feels more like a toy
- Lacks precision and finesse
- Rubber tip too flat and wide, causes mistakes
- Too small and simple for long-term use
- Clip gets in the way
- Smoothed lines not compatible with professional work
Conclusion
Unpretentious replica of the Wacom Bamboo Stylus. The advantages are a low price and ease of use due to its weight and size. But it's kind of like that Bic you keep on a magnet on your fridge. You know, the one that still works after 8 years because you never use it. It's practical, but when it's time to get down to real work, you go grab something else.
OUR SCORE
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