PaperLike vs PaperFeel: Are they Comparable? (Drawing & Note-Taking)

For digital art and note-taking, the debate of PaperLike vs PaperFeel that enhance drawing and writing on the iPad is a heated one.

This post is about two specific types of screen protectors (PaperLike & PaperFeel), and is geared towards artists, writers, and anyone interested in finding the best screen protector for their iPad to enhance their creative experience.

See: PaperLike Screen Protector for iPad: Is it worth $45? (The Truth)

We will provide a comprehensive comparison between PaperLike and PaperFeel screen protectors, covering aspects such as texture, durability, and price, so you can make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.

Key Takeaways

PaperFeel by Mobdic and PaperFeel by Bersem are popular, affordable options that deliver a satisfying paper-like feel. There are multiple brands that make PaperFeel options, but only one creates PaperLike (as it’s a brand).

Higher-priced alternatives, such as Paperlike iPad Screen Protector, may have distinct features (texture) but might not always be worth the extra cost (this depends on whether you’re a graphic designer/artist, a student taking notes, or just a casual ipad + apple pencil user.

Also see: 5 Best iPads for Note-Taking (Hint: Screen size matters)

Note: Using a matte paper-like screen protector could cause Apple Pencil tips to wear down faster than other screen protector types, which is the only real drawback besides the price point of these display accessories for iPad.

See: 7 Best iPads for Procreate

Paper-like vs PaperFeel: A Guide to iPad Screen Protectors

The terms “Paper-like” and “PaperFeel” are often used interchangeably when describing matte, textured screen protectors designed to replicate the feel of writing on real paper.

However, PaperLike is the original brand, while PaperFeel is comparable and is also a screen protector that allows enhanced drawing/handwriting (but it’s made by multiple other brands)

It’s essential to understand that using a high-quality screen protector significantly impacts the overall user experience, reducing glare, minimizing fingerprints, and making it easier to write, draw, or take notes.

The increased friction provided by paper-like and paperfeel screen protectors also aids in precise control and reduces the chance of accidental or unintended marks.

Why are these type of screen protectors important?

iPad screen protectors play a crucial role in safeguarding the device’s display and enhancing the digital writing and drawing experience – these two types, Paperfeel and Paperlike, are designed particularly for the apple pencil or a alternative stylus pen to feel like traditional pen on paper while also protecting the device, they differ mostly in terms of quality.

In a study by Knight and Dooly, iPads are shown to provide a new medium for children’s artistic expression, prompting educators to adjust teaching methods and raising questions about potential differences in skill development compared to traditional tools.

This might mean that drawing and writing on the iPad are more important than we think for the future generations. So, it makes sense that getting the right screen protector that helps drawing or writing will become more important as devices like the iPad become more useful.

In the following sections, we will provide insights on the importance of these screen protectors and analyze different screen protector brands available in the market, including ESRgear, KCT, Mobdic, and Bersem.

What is Paper-Feel? Insight on Various Versions: ESR, KCT, Mobdic, and Bersem

Paper-Feel refers to the texture and material of screen protectors designed to enhance the experience of writing or drawing on an iPad by emulating the sensation of paper.

There are multiple brands offering screen protectors under the “Paperfeel” label, such as:

• ESRgear
• KCT
• Mobdic
• Bersem.

Each brand strives to deliver top-notch performance by crafting protectors that offer a perfect balance between friction and smoothness – ensuring a true-to-life paper-like experience for users.

Here, we will dive deep into the features and characteristics of each Paper-Feel screen protector brand.

What is PaperLike?

Paperlike is a screen protector that simulates the feel of paper for iPad users, aiding in writing and drawing with improved control. It is particularly valuable for artists, students, and note-takers.

The Paperlike screen protector costs $44.99, but cheaper alternatives are available. It is worth the investment for those who regularly use iPads for drawing or note-taking.

Advantages include a paper-like texture, better Apple Pencil control, and smudge resistance. Disadvantages include higher cost, potential reduced sharpness, and texture wearing with heavy use.

For college students, Paperlike enhances note-taking and promotes environmental responsibility by reducing paper consumption. Casual users benefit from improved touch experience, fingerprint resistance, and reduced glare.

ESRgear Paper-Feel – Closest comparable to the Paper-Like

ESRgear is a well-known brand in the realm of iPad accessories, and its Paper-Feel screen protector is no exception. This screen protector offers users an optimal balance between affordability and quality.

It provides an anti-glare surface that reduces eye strain and fingerprints, ensuring your iPad remains sleek and presentable. The slightly textured surface delivers a more natural writing and drawing experience, which is beneficial for users who spend a significant amount of time using styluses for digital artwork or note-taking.

Related: Sketchbook vs Photoshop: Which Software is Better?

KCT Paperfeel – Well known budget option

The KCT Paperfeel screen protector is an excellent professional-grade option for users who prioritize a genuine paper-like feel when using their iPads. Its material offers an unparalleled level of texture that closely resembles the sensation of writing or sketching on paper.

In addition, this screen protector is known for its high-quality scratch resistance and durability, safeguarding your iPad’s display during everyday use. One advantage of KCT Paperfeel is its compatibility with various iPad models and sizes, catering to a wide range of Apple users.

MOBDIK Paperfeel

The MOBDIK Paperfeel screen protector is another excellent option for users who seek higher-quality products without breaking the bank. Its matte surface provides a satisfying, paper-like experience during digital art sessions or note-taking endeavors.

The MOBDIK Paperfeel is also known for its durability, capable of enduring heavy use without showing signs of immediate wear and tear. Keep in mind that this screen protector is available for numerous iPad models, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Comparison: Paperlike vs KCT Paperfeel vs MOBDIK Paperfeel

Among the three top contenders in the paper-like screen protector market, Paperlike, KCT Paperfeel, and MOBDIK Paperfeel, each has its advantages and setbacks.

While Paperlike is known to provide a comprehensive installation kit and video tutorial, KCT Paperfeel and MOBDIK Paperfeel may offer less helpful installation instructions. Let’s dive into detailed comparisons of their characteristics under different categories.

Texture and Tactile Feedback

One of the main factors to consider when purchasing a paper-like screen protector is the texture and tactile feedback. Paperlike boasts a slightly rough texture that emulates the feel of writing or drawing on paper, enhancing artists’ and note-takers’ experience.

However, the texture in generic KCT and MOBDIK Paperfeel protectors may differ across products, making it difficult to find the ideal match without experimentation.

Paperlike tends to win in this category due to its consistent and realistic paper-like feel.

Durability and Protection

Durability and protection are crucial components to evaluate when investing in a screen protector. Paperlike is widely recognized for its longevity and high-quality construction.

However, the durability of KCT and MOBDIK Paperfeel protectors varies significantly, causing some products to wear out prematurely. Paperlike appears to be the more reliable choice in terms of screen protection and long-term use, although at a higher price point.

Compatibility with Different Devices & Price and Value for Money

When comparing Paperlike, KCT Paperfeel, and MOBDIK Paperfeel, device compatibility and price factors should be acknowledged. Paperlike screen protectors work seamlessly with numerous iPad models and Apple Pencils, while some KCT and MOBDIK Paperfeel products might not function optimally with specific devices or styluses.

Paperlike’s pricing is notably higher, catering to premium users who prioritize higher quality and performance over cost. KCT and MOBDIK Paperfeel products are ideal for budget-conscious consumers who are willing to make some compromises for more affordability.

Screen Clarity, Reflection, and Glare Reduction

Screen clarity, reflection, and glare reduction play an essential role in evaluating the performance of a screen protector. Paperlike maintains exceptionally low reflections and high screen clarity while reducing glare, ensuring an enjoyable and versatile iPad experience. KCT Paperfeel and MOBDIK Paperfeel protectors might adversely affect screen clarity and visibility due to their matte finish.

In this category, Paperlike stands out as the more refined and superior choice, providing an unrivaled balance between the paper-like feel and maintaining display quality.

Writing & Drawing Experience: Paperlike vs KCT Paperfeel vs MOBDIK Paperfeel

When comparing writing and drawing experiences on the iPad, a defining factor for many users is the paper-like feel. The Paperlike, KCT Paperfeel, and MOBDIK Paperfeel screen protectors each aim to provide this tactile sensation. Although Paperlike maybe a popular choice due to its name and reputation, KCT Paperfeel and MOBDIK Paperfeel offer alternatives with their respective merits.

One advantage of Paperlike is that it provides an optimal balance of friction and smoothness, allowing for greater precision when writing or drawing. However, some users may find that KCT Paperfeel and MOBDIK Paperfeel offer a closer approximation to traditional paper, with more texture and roughness, which may be preferred by certain users or artists.

It’s important to remember that user experience varies, and each person may prefer a different level of texture and friction.

Ultimately, each of these screen protectors delivers a unique writing and drawing experience, but all serve the same purpose: to mimic the feel of writing on paper. Users may need to experiment with these options to discover which best fits their artistic demands and preferences.

Note-taking Applications: Goodnotes & Notability

When it comes to digital note-taking, good apps are crucial. Popular choices include Goodnotes and Notability. Both applications strive to provide a natural writing experience and support the use of various styluses, making them great candidates for testing the screen protectors.

The performance of the Paperlike, KCT Paperfeel, and MOBDIK Paperfeel within note-taking apps like Goodnotes and Notability can be subjective. Some may prefer the classic Paperlike experience that provides a balance of friction and smoothness.

…others might favor the rougher KCT Paperfeel or MOBDIK Paperfeel for a more authentic pen-to-paper feeling. These apps can effectively demonstrate how well the screen protectors reproduce a true writing experience.

Digital Art Applications: Procreate, Krita

Digital art applications such as Procreate and Krita are popular choices for artists who use iPads as their primary medium.

These apps are ideal platforms to compare and analyze the performance of Paperlike, KCT Paperfeel, and MOBDIK Paperfeel.

For many artists, precise control and grip during fine detail work is essential, and the chosen screen protector can play a significant role in this regard.

In art applications, Paperlike may offer a more seamless and smooth drawing experience, while KCT Paperfeel and MOBDIK Paperfeel could provide a more tactile and textured sensation. Participants trying each screen protector should explore the range of tools and brush types available within these apps to determine which protector best matches their creative workflow and preferences.

Comparing Performance with Different Styluses

Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil is undeniably one of the most popular and frequently used styluses for iPads. It offers superb responsiveness, pressure sensitivity, and virtually no latency. It is essential to evaluate how Paperlike, KCT Paperfeel, and MOBDIK Paperfeel perform with the Apple Pencil and other similar alternatives.

In terms of pressure sensitivity, all three screen protectors deliver good results with the Apple Pencil. However, users might notice varying degrees of friction depending on their preference. The Paperlike could provide a smoother experience, KCT Paperfeel may offer a grittier feeling, and MOBDIK Paperfeel could deliver a pleasant middle ground.

In short, each screen protector has a unique influence on the Apple Pencil’s performance. Choosing the best one will depend on personal preference and individual requirements for professional or recreational use. Through experimentation and evaluation, users can identify the ideal screen protector that suits their creative and technical needs when using the Apple Pencil.

Also see the Top stylus pens for the iPad air

Zagg Pro

The Zagg Pro is a noteworthy stylus that offers many advantages for iPad users. Its features include a sleek design, reliable connectivity with the iPad, and impressive battery life. In the context of the Paperlike versus Paperfeel debate, it’s essential to examine how well the Zagg Pro performs with each of these screen protectors.

One advantage of using the Zagg Pro with either Paperlike or Paperfeel screen protectors is its fine tip, which closely mimics the precision of a pen on actual paper. Its pressure sensitivity capabilities offer a responsive and accurate drawing or writing experience on both screen protector types.

Side note: although many users find the Zagg Pro ideal for detailed work such as note-taking or digital art, it may take some acclimation due to the unique feel and texture of the stylus on these screen protectors.

In terms of compatibility, it is essential to clarify that Zagg Pro works seamlessly with most iPad models and pairs well with both the Paperlike and Paperfeel screen protectors. Users should have no difficulty enjoying a natural writing or drawing experience with this stylus, regardless of their choice of Paperlike or Paperfeel.

Adonit Note+

The Adonit Note+ is another popular stylus option, known for its efficient performance and reasonable price point. Its compatibility with a wide array of iPad models, along with its palm rejection and pressure sensitivity features, make it an attractive choice for users seeking an alternative to the Apple Pencil.

When working with either the Paperlike or Paperfeel screen protectors, the Adonit Note+ delivers a comfortable, paper-like drawing or writing experience. Users can expect consistent performance on both types of screen protectors, as well as improved tactile control compared to the native iPad screen.

Keep in mind that the Adonit Note+ may necessitate some adjustment time with either screen protector, as the unique surface texture can be different from what users are accustomed to with traditional styli.

Considering its affordability and impressive feature set, the Adonit Note+ remains a solid option for people who want an enjoyable and productive experience with their iPad. It works well with both the Paperlike and Paperfeel screen protectors

Adonit Pixel

Another competitor in the stylus market is the Adonit Pixel, boasting extensive iPad compatibility, pressure sensitivity, and palm rejection capabilities. This Bluetooth-enabled stylus allows for seamless interaction with popular drawing and note-taking apps.

The Adonit Pixel provides a satisfying writing and drawing experience on both Paperlike and Paperfeel screen protectors. Its precision disc feature combined with pressure sensitivity creates a nuanced, natural response on both screen protector types, offering excellent control while sketching or writing.

As with other styli, it is essential to remember that the Adonit Pixel may require an adjustment period when using it with Paperlike or Paperfeel protectors. Once acclimated, users can expect a realistic, paper-like sensation on either screen protector with the Adonit Pixel.

Exploring Alternatives: Other Generic Paperfeel Screen Protectors

While Paperlike and Paperfeel are the most widely recognized screen protectors, other options exist in the market that are worth investigating for their potential advantages. We cover all of these in our post on the 13 Best iPad Paper Screen Protectors (Paper Like Feel)

• The Bersem Paperfeel screen protector is a cost-effective choice that provides a satisfactory paper-like texture, good display clarity, and is compatible with many iPad models and styli. Meanwhile, the ESR screen protector is known for its easy installation, durability, and scratch-resistant properties, though its unique texture might accelerate Apple Pencil tip wear.
• The iCarez matte screen protector is a lightweight, budget-friendly option offering protection and compatibility across various iPad models, though it doesn’t quite reproduce the paper-like feel.
• The Bellemond screen protector, designed specifically for artists and writers, offers a finely tuned paper-textured surface and is compatible with various iPad models and styluses.
• Elecom screen protectors provide a mix of usability, performance, and protection with two unique texture options. Despite being pricier, they are a reliable choice for those seeking a paper-like experience.
• Lastly, the Tech Armor Tempered Glass Screen Protector emphasizes protection and transparency, offering a clear viewing experience and durable performance. Although it does not mimic the paper-like feel, it’s still a valuable option for users prioritizing screen safety.

Pros and Cons: Paperlike

The Paperlike screen protector certainly has its benefits, but it also comes with a few drawbacks. One advantage of the Paperlike is the creation of a paper-like feel when writing or drawing on an iPad.

This enhanced experience is highly appealing to those who prefer the tactile sensation of pen on paper. Moreover, the matte finish on the Paperlike reduces glare and fingerprints, allowing for better visibility in various environments.

However, there are downsides to using the Paperlike screen protector. Among the most significant cons is its relatively high price tag. This cost can be prohibitive for some users, who may opt for more affordable alternatives. Additionally, Paperlike protectors can introduce some graininess to the iPad display, which might bother users who prioritize image quality.

Another consideration is that Paperlike protectors can wear down your Apple Pencil tip somewhat more quickly than glass screen protectors. While this may not be a deal-breaker for most, it is essential to keep in mind when deciding if the Paperlike is right for you.

Pros and Cons: KCT Paperfeel

The KCT Paperfeel screen protector brings a whole new level of experience for those using an iPad for drawing or note-taking.

Side note: it offers a high-quality, paper-like texture that enhances the writing experience and markedly improves handwriting, especially for those using a stylus. The KCT Paperfeel also comes in a pack containing two protectors, offering great value for money.

One downside, however, is that the KCT Paperfeel can be challenging to install, requiring a steady hand and patience.

The installation process may deter some potential users. Another con to consider is that the KCT Paperfeel may not be the best option for users who prioritize screen clarity, as its grainier display can be less desirable compared to other offerings, I found it was a working screen protector without too man issues when I tested it though.

It’s also worth mentioning that using the KCT Paperfeel, like other paper-textured screen protectors, may wear down your Apple Pencil tip. While this might not be a significant issue for every user, it’s crucial to keep in mind if Apple Pencil tip longevity is a priority for you.

Pros and Cons: MOBDIK Paperfeel

The MOBDIK Paperfeel screen protector is another popular alternative for users seeking a realistic paper-like writing experience. Its slightly abrasive texture and writing sound provide an engaging creative experience while preserving an attractive price point.

After extensive use, the MOBDIK Paperfeel shows little to no signs of (unexpected) wear and tear.

There are a few cons to consider, however. Similar to other matte screen protectors, the MOBDIK Paperfeel may result in a slightly grainier display compared to the native iPad screen or glass protectors. This can be an issue for those who prioritize display vibrancy.

…like other textured screen protectors, it may contribute to faster Apple Pencil tip wear.

Choosing the Right Screen Protector (And my personal experience)

Given the range of product offerings, choosing the correct screen protector ultimately depends on what matters most to each user. In my personal experience, I found the Paperfeel by ESR, Paperfeel by MOBDIK and Paperfeel by Bersem to be top contenders, offering a quality experience without breaking the bank.

That being said, everyone’s priorities are unique, and other users may find the Paperlike or KCT Paperfeel more suitable.

Make sure to consider each screen protector’s pros and cons, as well as your individual priorities, before making a decision. Key factors to assess can include texture, screen clarity, compatibility, durability, and price.

Related: 9 Best Laptops for Note-Taking

Is a Paperlike screen protector bad for apple pencil?

While it’s true that paperlike screen protectors might wear down the tip of an Apple Pencil faster than glass screen protectors, the difference is not so extreme that it warrants widespread concern.

Rather, it is essential to consider the improved writing experience that paper-like screen protectors afford users. For many, the advantages of a textured screen protector outweigh the costs associated with occasional Apple Pencil tip replacements.

Keep in mind that the rate of tip wear is influenced by the pressure applied during writing and the frequency of use. If these factors are of significant concern, users can always opt for less abrasive screen protectors or glass options. However, for a genuinely satisfying and authentic paper-like writing experience, a textured screen protector is the way to go.

Bottom line

While Paperlike tends to offer an experience closer to writing on real paper and is often favored by digital artists – Paperfeel also holds its own (with its durability and slightly different tactile response).

As we’ve discussed, factors like the installation process, price, and compatibility with different styluses are essential to consider before making your decision. Reviews and personal experiences shared by other users can also provide valuable insight.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your interaction with your device and make it more comfortable and intuitive for you. Therefore, don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. Whether you prefer the Paperlike or the Paperfeel, each provides a unique and enhanced user experience that brings you closer to the traditional feeling of writing or drawing on paper, while embracing the digital age.