A large number of users of modern high-tech devices decide to abandon the keyboard and mouse. Such trends gave rise to the emergence of touch screens that can respond to finger touches, or a special convenient accessory called a stylus. A stylus for a tablet is a kind of thin pen that allows you to control a device equipped with a touch interface. This includes tablets and tablet computers. The stylus can be seen in the hand of a PDA or smartphone user.

Why “stylus”?

In general, where did this word “stylus” come from? It has Greek roots and originally meant a small stick that had a pointed end. It is these small “sticks” that today help users of high-tech devices in control. In addition, with their help it is very convenient to make drawings on a graphics tablet.

It’s curious, but some time ago experts predicted the end of the era of styluses. However, one can observe a picture where in the work the latest devices You still need a stylus. This is especially true for Samsung's high-tech creations: styluses for Samsung tablets are in demand.

We've sorted out the history. Let's continue. It was noticed that a large number of users complain about the fragility: they say that the stylus for the tablet quickly becomes unusable. It is also noted that they are simply easy to lose. They came to the rescue special programs: Some of them notify the owner when the stylus is at a remote distance from the device, such as a tablet.

How to choose a stylus for a tablet?

Are you a happy owner of a tablet and want to choose a convenient stylus? This is a laudable desire, because a properly selected device can greatly facilitate working with the device. So how do you make a choice?

There are some facts you should know about how this little accessory works. For example, styluses can vary in pressure pressure. Or rather, by sensitivity to this very force. In addition, styluses vary in weight, which can also play a significant role in its handling. You should choose one that is comfortable for you to hold in your hand! It is worth paying attention to the tip: size and shape can affect the work. If the owner of the device does not want to use virtual keyboard, then you should choose a stylus for your tablet that can work as quickly as possible and whose accuracy is very high.

For graphics

To make graphic drawings good choice could become a Bamboo stylus. This stylus is for graphics tablet allows you to make light sketches and has proven itself well in handling. Yes, it is not without its drawbacks: for example, its tip is made of rubber. This means you have to press harder on the screen, and the tip itself tends to slip across the surface at times.

If there are no budget restrictions, then you can choose the Pogo Connect model, which has as many as 4 tips in its arsenal. It was noticed, however, that with the new Apple devices doesn't work very correctly.

DIY stylus for tablet

Among the users of high-tech devices, there are probably those who like to make things with their own hands. The next part of the article is dedicated to these people - how to make a stylus for a tablet with your own hands.

Some users have noticed that the blunt-tipped styluses that can be seen in some stores are not accurate enough. i.e. the work of such a device was not much better job finger. The user concluded that for a good response of the stylus, its shape should be pointed, for example, like a drawing pencil. This shape allows for very precise movements.

However, this shape is not best suited for a capacitive screen. Users concluded that such a screen is oriented toward contact with an object that has a larger contact area than a pencil lead. How could this problem be solved?

A solution was found: the ring-shaped shape is well perceived by the sensor. In addition, you can easily view the center and see where you point the stylus.

Summarizing all the findings, you can make such a stylus: take an aluminum rod (conductor), a steel washer and a skein of thread.

The handle needs to be soldered to the washer at an angle convenient for the future stylus to work. You ask: “Why did you need a skein of thread?” To avoid scratching the screen. As noted, the ring-shaped edge allows for aiming through the center. And winding threads around it is not a problem.

Someone may object that threads worsen the level of sensitivity. In practice, everything works out quite well, because the sensor does not need absolute contact with the object to detect a touch. It was noticed that even when pressing with a finger, it was possible not to touch the screen closely.

2 years ago

Resistive technology in most mobile touch-screen devices is already quite outdated. So outdated that capacitive touch screens partially replaced them. And for a long time. And this is not surprising!

After all, the advantages of capacitive screens over resistive screens do not need to be proven to users. They are obvious. For example, a capacitive sensor is stronger and more durable. This is because it uses a grid of electrodes that can be applied to almost any surface. And the flexible resistive membrane can be damaged very easily.

Let us also recall that a capacitive screen can withstand much more pressure at one point. In addition, it is more transparent. Well, don’t forget that for capacitive sensors this can be implemented for many required function, like multi-touch.

However, as is known, the main method of manipulation in capacitive technology is working with the fingers. But it is not always suitable for work and is not suitable for everyone. Many people find it inconvenient. Very often, those who use handwriting text input or drawing on a graphics tablet complain about this.

It is noteworthy that this is associated with some inconvenience in winter. The point is that with sub-zero temperatures in the yard, not everyone likes to take off their gloves when someone calls and you need to answer the call.

Those who previously used older smartphones and PDAs with resistive screens, of course, have not forgotten how they had to manipulate their interface using a stylus. Instead of a stylus, there could be any other thin object that came to hand. The smartest ones, for example, used a toothpick. If you didn’t have one with you, you could use a plastic card.

It must be admitted that resistive technology was imperfect. Still, this method was quite convenient. After all, it was possible to achieve great accuracy of manipulation. If we take a capacitive screen, then it is unlikely to respond if you touch it with a regular stylus.

To work with it, you need some capacity. It must receive and conduct low voltage electricity. As it turns out, the human body is simply perfect for this purpose. However, you don’t need to think that the capacitive sensor interface is controlled only with your fingers.

Currently, companies that specialize in producing mobile accessories, offer to purchase special styluses for capacitive screens of the most different models. They can be made from the most different materials. These could be, for example, fibers capable of conducting current. There may also be sponges, special rubber or plastic.

As a rule, such accessories are designed very simply. We say this for those who may want to make a stylus for a capacitive screen with their own hands. Let us remind you that some users do not hesitate to use even an empty coffee bag to control the capacitive sensor. Although, of course, such homemade styluses should not be taken seriously. In this case, there is a high probability that such a homemade stylus for capacitive screens can scratch the display.

Therefore, anyone who thinks about the safety of their loved one mobile device and whoever intends to use it for many years should refuse such experiments. In addition, the stylus is not that expensive. We emphasize that the lion's share of stylus models for capacitive screens have a very reasonable price.

However, it must be admitted that best models Styluses are not cheap to purchase. And despite this, this stylus can be recommended to those who have already bought themselves a good communicator or tablet. That is, the price of the stylus should match the device you have.

The mobile accessories market mainly offers four types of styluses for capacitive screens. This is a stylus made in the form of a brush from a bundle of conductive fibers; stylus on sponge; soft rubber stylus; plastic stylus.

If we take a common stylus for capacitive Samsung screens, iPhone, iPad, HTC - “SPMP 1019”, then it is made on a sponge. This is a relatively inexpensive model because it has a metal body that is responsive. This model allows for high precision in interface control.

Like most Mobile Planet capacitive touchscreen styluses, this model has a hook. Therefore, like a ballpoint pen with a cap, you can only lose it if you really want to.

This stylus, however, has a drawback that is common to many other thin sponge-based styluses for capacitive screens. Unfortunately, they don't last long. They are short-lived because the sponge quickly deforms and wears out.

However, for those who do not use a stylus very often, this model is quite suitable and will fully pay for itself. Of course, the clear advantage of the SPMP 1019 model is that it does not lose its tactile properties even at sub-zero temperatures.

There is another stylus for capacitive HTC screen, iPhone, iPad, Samsung - “SPMP 1001”, which is also made on a sponge. True, it is more massive. Due to this, it is very comfortable to hold in your hand. Let us also note its special design. It is precisely this that allows it to be used as a stylus not only for a capacitive screen, but also for a resistive one.

Styluses for capacitive touch screens made of conductive plastic in the Mobile Planet assortment can be represented by such models as SPMP 1002 and SPMP 1039. Both the first and second models are more economical analogues of the capacitive stylus produced by Dagi Corporation Ltd. This is known to be the world's first and still one of the best capacitive styluses.

Note that it is no worse than its prototype. And if it is inferior to it in anything, it is only at a lower cost. There is a flat round pad at the end of the stylus. It is this that allows you to achieve fast and precise manipulations. It provides greater accuracy and ease of interface management.

Users have long determined that a convenient type of capacitive stylus is one in which the working end is made of conductive rubber, soft and hollow. Not only the material, but the design feature of such a stylus creates a complete imitation of a human finger touching the touch screen.

This means that rubber styluses provide maximum clear tactile feedback, as well as much greater accuracy compared to a finger. The stylus is good so that you can easily adjust the pressure on the screen. And the best thing about it is its ability to be virtually indestructible.

The range of soft rubber styluses is usually presented as follows: good models, like SPMP 1009, SPMP 1014, SPMP 1015, SPMP 1043 and others. It must be remembered that they differ from each other in design and dimensions, but are suitable for all types of capacitive screens. For example, for Apple, Samsung, or HTC.

Models SPMP 1009 and 1010 are also equipped with a special lock. With its help, the stylus can be securely attached to the audio jack of a mobile device. This type of fastening is as reliable as possible. The likelihood that the stylus will not be lost is very high. And you can carry it with you all the time.

And now a few words should be said about gift models of styluses. They are usually supplied in special cases. They are more functional when compared to regular soft rubber styluses, and are well suited for those who are used to writing with a regular ballpoint pen. Please note that some of these models have a built-in laser pointer and flashlight.

Probably, many smartphone owners are interested in how to make a stylus with their own hands. This is explained by the fact that such parts are again beginning to be increasingly introduced into many devices. Typically, these unique products come bundled with tablets or phones, but if they are lost, you will have to buy new mini-pens, and they cost a lot of money.

The easiest way to create a stylus

How to make a stylus for a tablet with your own hands? This process is very simple and economical, since everyone has the necessary materials in their household. Thanks to the creation of such a detail, it will become much more convenient to work with a smartphone. For the device to function effectively, it must be designed so that it can serve as a conductor of static charge between the fingers and the equipment display. Before you make a stylus for your smartphone, you need to prepare:

• thick aluminum foil;
• cotton swab;
• pen (ballpoint);
• scotch;
• scissors.

How to make a stylus yourself? To do this, you need to open the ballpoint pen and remove the rod from there. Then you need to take a cotton swab and cut it at an acute angle. After this process, you need to use the resulting element to replace the rod. You need to secure the stick using tape. At the end of this stage, you should take foil and wrap it around the handle a little higher than the cotton swab. It is recommended to wrap it tightly, after which you need to secure the upper part of the handle with tape. Next you need to moisten a cotton swab. After this you can start working. It is very important that your fingers touch the foil. This will allow static electricity to pass through, allowing you to interact with the screen. But such a homemade stylus has a small drawback: it requires periodic wetting of the cotton tip. Therefore, before creating it, you need to think about your convenience.

Stylus for capacitive touch screen with your own hands

You can make a stylus for a capacitive screen with your own hands. To make it thin and easy to use, you must use:

• steel washer;
• aluminum rod;
• skein of thread.

If you have the inventory list at hand and are completely satisfied with it, then you can proceed directly to creating a stylus. To do this, it is necessary to solder the handle/rod to the washer at an angle so that it becomes as compatible as possible with the natural position of the human limb. But such a design can scratch the display, and the thinner it is, the worse. This defect can be eliminated using threads. To do this, you need to wrap them around the ring-shaped edge of the device. To increase contact, you need to bring your finger close to the smartphone. This device does not leave scratches on the capacitive surface, and the thin screen responds very quickly, so there is no need to press on the device. Also, if you make a stylus for a smartphone or tablet with your own hands according to this scheme, then you don’t have to worry about the appearance of marks and scratches on the screen. It's easy to use and can even wipe the display, keeping it clean all the time.

When from push-button phones They were just starting to fade away, and touchscreen smartphones were appearing; to use them, styluses were sold - special sticks, upon contact with which the screen reacted. Then monitors began to accept finger touches, and tools were abandoned - after all, they were often lost, and it turned out to be more convenient to type in a gadget simply by hand. Although this method is still the most common for mobile phones, with tablets the situation is different due to the large screen size and purposes of use. Some things are really more convenient to do with a stylus.

What is a stylus for a tablet

Stylus is a Greek word meaning a stick with a pointed end. The term speaks for itself, because the device looks just like a small pen for a tablet. Using this little thing, it is convenient to control the device (take photos, type text) and draw on the display. Although some experts predicted the end of the era of styluses when touch screens began to appear that could be operated without them, this has not yet happened. Many well-known brands are releasing new models of gadgets that can be used without additional tool difficult.

The tablet stylus has a slight resemblance to a pencil, and some people call it that. Other possible names are a pen or even just a stick. The main advantage of the tool is convenience. There are two disadvantages at once: the sticks break quickly and are also easily lost. The first disadvantage depends on the model and the accuracy of the owner, and manufacturers are trying to solve the second one programmatically: for example, the device starts beeping if the handle is far away.

What is it made of?

The principle of operation and what the stylus is made of depends on the type of gadget screen (resistive or capacitive). In the first case, the main thing for the tool is to have a pointed tip, since the monitor reacts to the pressure itself. In everyday life, a stylus for a resistive screen can be replaced with a pencil, plastic card or even a fingernail. The advantage of using a special device is that it is made of soft sliding materials, silicone or Teflon, so that it does not scratch the device.

In the second case (if the screen is capacitive), the main component of the stylus for the tablet is the tip, which has an electrical capacitance. The product is made of soft rubber or silicone, and inside the pencil contains a magnetically conductive ring, coil or metal filings. A capacitive screen will not respond to an ordinary metal stick, regardless of its thickness. Styluses for it are made at least 6 mm and blunter than for resistive displays.

Pen for tablet

This is a stylus that is used for typing on a tablet or surfing the Internet. Such gizmos are universal and can be both expensive and cheap (depending on functionality). The styluses look like regular pens, so they are convenient to use. Products can be purchased at any electronics store in Moscow, St. Petersburg or another city in the Russian Federation, or ordered online with home delivery. Especially in demand simple models, the cost of which is small:

• Model name: Ginzzu GH-990B;
• price: 290 rubles;
• characteristics: made of aluminum, for a capacitive screen, the kit includes two styluses: they differ in size and tip thickness;
• pros: compact, low cost, good responsiveness, suitable for any OS (Android, Apple);
• cons: users complain that the small stylus is less responsive.

Cheap, simple pens are convenient, but unreliable: due to the low cost, quality suffers. Not all users prefer to take risks, even if it’s a small amount, and pay attention to brands with a reputation. Samsung has a large selection of styluses, and they often have promotions, sales and discounts:

• Model name: S Pen for Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (EJ-PN910BBEGRU);
• price: RUB 1,430;
• characteristics: pen for tablet with capacitive screen, tip 0.7 mm;
• pros: you can take notes when the screen is off, you can enter characters manually;
• cons: compatibility with other models is unknown, except Galaxy Note 4.

Stylus for drawing on a tablet

This device comes in two types, depending on the tablet: a gadget that functions independently, or a stylus that is connected to a computer and, in conjunction with it, forms an input device. To draw on a tablet, you can try using a regular pen, but most likely it will not have enough functionality. It is better to consider specialized models:

• model name: TheJoyFactory Pinpoint Precision Stylus E1;
• price: 2,930 rubles;
• characteristics: drawing device, battery operated, does not require Bluetooth connection;
• pros: manufacturer's warranty, works with products of any brand;
• cons: high cost; does not support accidental touch recognition (you need to additionally install the application).

The stylus for the graphics tablet is sold with the device, but may need to be replaced. When choosing, it is important that the pencil and tablet are from the same manufacturer. Sometimes the specifications indicate that the device is suitable for use with a device of the same brand or specific model:

• Model name: Wacom UP-610-74A-1;
• price: RUB 1,710;
• characteristics: pen for Wacom STU-500 graphics tablet;
• pros: thin, easily hits the desired pixel, responds to the degree of pressure;
• cons: no compatibility with other models.

How to choose a stylus for a tablet

The selection criteria depend on the purposes for which you decide to buy a stylus for your tablet. First of all, the pencil should be comfortable to use. It is important that the product fits well in the hand and is suitable in size and weight. For this reason, if you have not previously held or seen the device in person, it is not advisable to order it from an online store in order to receive the product by mail. Factors to consider when purchasing a product:

• Appearance. The most convenient way is a stylus in the form of a pen. It’s good if there is a special mount for the tablet case - this makes it more difficult to lose the tool, and a cap for the tip so that the product lasts longer.
• Quality of materials. The product should slide across the screen easily and freely, accurately hitting the right keys and display locations. Read the composition on the packaging: the tip should be made of soft materials so as not to scratch the monitor.
• Purpose. If regular models are suitable for active surfing the Internet and typing, then you need to choose special ones for drawing. They will be much more convenient to use thanks to the thickness of the tip and built-in functions.
• Additional functionality. On some models there are buttons, on others you can adjust the degree of pressing, and still others are programmatically linked to Android device or Windows on which they work. All this must be taken into account when choosing.
• Price. There is no definite answer to how much a stylus costs. Price varies. The cheapest models are simple ones made in China, but even on them you shouldn’t skimp – a high-quality pen from a brand with a good reputation will last you longer.

Video

Inventing the legendary iPhone, released back in 2007, Steve Job made a real revolution - controlling the phone became possible with your fingers! But why not use the usual stylus? The answer is simple: you take it out, then put it away, then take it out again, and ultimately lose it. However, for some programs, primarily for drawing this accessory necessary. In this regard, we will consider the question of how to make a stylus for iPad with your own hands and from handy materials.

What is a stylus for?

A stylus is a small writing stick in the form of a tuft or pen that can be controlled by a graphic computer tablet or touch devices. Today, a huge variety of these accessories are manufactured, but you can make a stylus for the iPad with your own hands.

It is needed due to the following:

1. The accessory is very convenient when writing on the screen, because writing characters with your fingers is not very convenient
2. To work with graphic editors, tables or diagrams, a stylus is simply necessary, since small elements require high precision. This is why the stylus will be the best tool for designers and artists.
3. Using a stylus, your screen will get dirty much less often
4. If you think about hygiene, the stylus will be a much smaller carrier of bacteria than dozens of hands touching the screen
5. Game lovers will find it much more convenient to use a stylus rather than their fingers
6. And, of course, for girls who wear long nails that prevent their fingertips from touching the screen, a stylus is the best solution.

Making a stylus - method No. 1

The first method is the fastest and simplest, but this invention will be one-time use. The fact is that the salt water used in its construction will dry out quickly. This accessory will be enough for several hours, but after that it will need to be moistened in water.

To create such a device you will need:

• Empty pen
• Insulating tape
• Scissors/thread
• Sanitary stick/cotton wool
• Foil

Clearly this method shown in this video:

Here is a text description of the technology:

To begin, roll the foil into a tube and place it in the empty cavity of the handle so that the foil takes up all the space in it, sticking out a little. Then wrap the protruding piece of foil with a veil, securing it with thread, or insert half of a hygiene stick into the handle so that the soft tip sticks out.

Then, wrap the entire handle with foil and secure the material with electrical tape. All parts of the accessory must be in close contact with each other.

In order for the device to work, you need to place the tip of a homemade stylus in salt water for a few seconds. We need salt water to conduct energy. Your stylus is now ready!

Making a stylus - method No. 2

The second method will help you create a more durable stylus.

To invent it you will need:

• Pen
• Pliers
• Protected wire
• A piece of polyethylene foam

To begin, remove the rod and all other parts from the pen, leaving only the tube. Cut a piece of polyethylene foam so that it can fit into the handle, but at the same time hold tightly in it. Cut a piece of protected wire so long that it is 2-2.5 times longer than the handle. Free the part of the wire that extends beyond the length of the handle from the protective rubber ( in simple words“expose” the wire).

Wrap the exposed wire around half a piece of polyethylene foam. Insert the structure into the handle so that the free part of the polyethylene foam sticks out from the handle by a centimeter.

Now in your stylus, one side of the pen is covered with polyethylene foam, and the other end of the wire sticks out of the other. Separate the protective rubber from the protruding end and wind the wire around the handle in a spiral. Secure it with electrical tape. Now give the end of your stylus a little trim and it's ready!

If desired, you can make the stylus tip any size. This gives you the perfect tool for controlling your iPad, and especially for drawing.