In general, types of stylus pens are divided into two categories: passive styluses and active styluses. Both have different characteristics in performing their tasks as finger replacements.

These two types of stylus pens offer different levels of comfort to their users. So, which type of stylus is right for you?

This article will explore the two types of stylus pens based on their respective characteristics, so you can determine which one is suitable for your needs.

The Types of Stylus Pen

Passive stylus

A passive stylus is a type of stylus pen that does not require any power or connection. This type of stylus does not come bundled with a device, meaning it can be used with any type of touchscreen smart device.

This pen simply replaces the function of your finger without any additional features. It is suitable for simple activities such as typing or scrolling through a screen. Passive styluses do not require batteries. They are also relatively inexpensive and offer basic touch accuracy.

With this tool, your phone or tablet will remain free of smudges due to reduced direct contact between the screen and your fingers.

Active stylus

Active styluses are a type of stylus pen that have better capabilities than passive styluses. This type of stylus is equipped with internal technology such as pressure sensors, batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity.

This pen also comes with several advanced features, such as pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, shortcut buttons (such as undo/redo), and an eraser function.

This finger replacement tool cannot be used on just any touchscreen device. Typically, each active stylus is specifically designed for certain types of smartphones.

Some popular examples of active styluses include the Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, Logitech Crayon, and Microsoft Surface Pen.

Those are the two types of stylus pens you need to know about. In addition to the two commonly used passive and active styluses, there are other types, namely 2-in-1 styluses and styluses for drawing tablets.

The 2-in-1 stylus is a type that features two different pen tips, offering flexibility for various tasks. Meanwhile, the drawing tablet stylus is specifically designed with features tailored for drawing and digital graphic design activities.

By understanding the different types of stylus pens, you can choose the best option based on your needs. Passive styluses are affordable and compatible with various touchscreen devices, while active styluses offer higher accuracy and come with additional features.

However, for more specialized needs, you can opt for a 2-in-1 stylus with its versatile functionality or a drawing tablet stylus to support professional drawing activities.