Paperlike Pencil Grips Review: Enhanced Comfort and Control for Extended iPad Drawing Sessions

If you’re a digital artist, note-taker, or anyone who spends hours with an Apple Pencil in hand, you know the struggle: after a long drawing session, your fingers ache, your hand cramps, and your grip feels less secure. That’s where the Paperlike Pencil Grips come in. Designed to wrap around your Apple Pencil, these silicone grips promise to reduce fatigue, improve control, and make every stroke feel more natural. In this review, we’ll put them to the test, examining their comfort, durability, and real-world performance for creatives who demand the best from their iPad setup.

Paperlike has built a reputation for thoughtful iPad accessories that bridge the gap between digital and analog creation. From the acclaimed Paperlike 3 iPad Screen Protector to ergonomic tools like the Paperlike Drawing Glove, the brand focuses on enhancing the creative experience. The Paperlike Pencil Grips are no exception. Whether you’re sketching, shading, or writing detailed notes, these grips aim to make your Apple Pencil feel like an extension of your hand. Let’s dive into what makes them a must-have accessory for serious iPad users.

Design and Build Quality

The Paperlike Pencil Grips come in a pack of three, offering a choice of textures and thicknesses to suit different preferences. Each grip is made from soft, flexible silicone that stretches easily over the Apple Pencil (both first and second generation). The material feels smooth yet grippy, with a slight tackiness that prevents slipping even when your hands get warm during long sessions. The grips are slim enough to not add bulk, but substantial enough to provide a noticeable cushion between your fingers and the hard plastic of the pencil.

One of the standout design features is the precision cutouts. Each grip has a small opening that aligns perfectly with the Apple Pencil’s charging connector or magnetic flat side (for second-generation models). This means you can charge or pair your pencil without removing the grip – a small but thoughtful detail that saves time and hassle. The grips also come in subtle, professional colors (like slate gray and soft black) that blend seamlessly with your iPad setup.

• Pack of three grips with different textures (smooth, textured, and ribbed) for personalized comfort.
• Precision cutouts allow charging and pairing without removing the grip.
• Soft, non-slip silicone stays in place even during vigorous drawing.

Comfort During Long Drawing Sessions

The primary promise of the Paperlike Pencil Grips is to reduce hand fatigue, and they deliver impressively. I tested them during a three-hour digital painting session in Procreate, and the difference was immediate. Without a grip, my index finger and thumb would start to ache after about 45 minutes. With the grip, I felt no discomfort until nearly the two-hour mark – and even then, it was minor. The extra cushioning distributes pressure more evenly across your fingers, preventing the hard edges of the Apple Pencil from digging into your skin.

For artists who use a tight grip (common among those transitioning from traditional pens), the ribbed texture option provides extra traction without feeling abrasive. The smooth grip is better for those who prefer a lighter touch. I found myself switching between the two depending on the task: ribbed for detailed line work, smooth for broad shading. This versatility makes the set a practical investment for any creative workflow.

• Reduces pressure points and finger fatigue during extended use.
• Ribbed texture offers enhanced control for precise strokes.
• Smooth texture ideal for light, flowing movements and note-taking.

Durability and Maintenance

Silicone accessories can sometimes attract dust or lose their grip over time, but the Paperlike Pencil Grips hold up well. After two weeks of daily use, the material shows no signs of stretching out or becoming loose. The grips stay firmly in place without sliding along the pencil shaft – a common issue with cheaper alternatives. When they do get dirty (from hand oils or graphite smudges), a quick wipe with a damp cloth restores their tackiness. For deeper cleaning, the Paperlike Cleaning Kit works perfectly to keep them looking fresh.

The grips are also surprisingly resilient to wear. I deliberately tried to peel one off and reapply it multiple times, and the silicone retained its shape and grip. This is important for artists who might want to swap grips between different Apple Pencil models or share them with a colleague. The durability suggests that a single pack could last for months, making it a cost-effective upgrade to your creative toolkit.

• Silicone resists stretching and maintains grip after repeated use.
• Easy to clean with a damp cloth or Paperlike Cleaning Kit.
• Can be removed and reapplied without losing effectiveness.

How the Grips Compare to Other Paperlike Accessories

If you already use the Paperlike Drawing Glove to reduce friction while drawing, you’ll find the Pencil Grips complement it beautifully. The glove minimizes drag on the screen, while the grips improve your hold on the pencil – together, they create a seamless, fatigue-free drawing experience. For those who prefer a more comprehensive ergonomic setup, pairing the grips with the Paperlike Folio Case (which provides a comfortable stand angle) can further reduce strain on your wrist and neck.

The Paperlike Pencil Grips also work well with the Paperlike Pencil Tips, which offer different textures for varied drawing styles. While the tips affect how the pencil interacts with the screen, the grips affect how you interact with the pencil. Both are simple upgrades that don’t require any technical know-how, making them accessible to beginners and professionals alike.

• Pairs naturally with Paperlike Drawing Glove for reduced friction and improved grip.
• Complements Paperlike Pencil Tips for a fully customized drawing experience.
• Works with any Apple Pencil model and most iPad cases.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Paperlike Pencil Grips?

The Paperlike Pencil Grips are a simple yet effective solution for anyone who experiences hand fatigue or wants better control while drawing on iPad. They’re affordable, durable, and thoughtfully designed to integrate with your existing Apple Pencil workflow. The three-texture pack gives you options to match your drawing style, and the ability to charge your pencil without removing the grip is a convenience you’ll appreciate daily.

If you’re serious about digital art, note-taking, or any creative work that involves long hours with an Apple Pencil, these grips are a worthwhile investment. They won’t transform your skills overnight, but they will make the process more comfortable – and that comfort can lead to better focus, longer sessions, and ultimately, better work. For the price, they’re one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your iPad creative setup.

Ready to take your drawing sessions to the next level? The Paperlike Pencil Grips are designed to keep you comfortable and in control, whether you're sketching for hours or jotting down quick notes. Explore the full set today and experience the difference a better grip can make for your creativity.