This is how Logitech’s Crayon works with the 2018 iPad

Logitech worked with Apple to create a kid-friendly version of the Apple Pencil, but how exactly does it work?

You've probably heard by now about Logitech's $49 Crayon stylus, which uses similar technology as the Apple Pencil on the 2018 iPad.

There's a bit of confusion about Logitech's Crayon, what it supports, and when it will be available. So, I've done some digging to give you all the details right here.

Can I use the Crayon with my iPad Pro?

Sorry, but this little guy is specifically designed for the 2018 9.7-inch iPad. It uses a special type of connection technology that is not available on other Apple Pencil supported devices. It's not a difference in the iPad's screen or software. It's specific to Logitech's unique connection technology.

Did you say special connection? So not Bluetooth?

That's correct. The Crayon will not use Bluetooth to pair with an iPad. This will make it significantly easier for students trying to use it at varying times and for teachers trying to help 30 kids get their Crayons connected to their iPads.

There is a button at the end of the Crayon that you press for two-seconds, which connects it directly to your iPad. Nothing else. No going into settings to make sure Bluetooth is on or having disconnect issues or anything. Just press a button and you're connected.

Does it work across the entire iOS system?

It sure does. As far as the internals are concerned, Logitech Crayon works the same as Apple Pencil. You can swipe on the Home screen, use it in a variety of supported drawing apps, tap the keyboard with it, highlight text in iBooks, and pretty much anything else. It works very much like a standard stylus but has a few super cool extra features that are exclusive to the 2018 9.7-inch iPad.

Does it write like Apple Pencil?

Almost entirely, yes.

It features palm rejection with tilt support so you can make wider and thinner lines and add shading.

The one area in which Crayon strays from Apple Pencil is with pressure sensitivity. iMore Managing Editor Serenity Caldwell went hands-on with Logitech Crayon and confirmed that, though it's got great tilt support, it does not allow for lighter or darker lines based on the amount of pressure you place on the tip.

Again, this is not something to do with the screen of the iPad. It's likely that creating a pressure sensitive Crayon would have been cost prohibitive to keep the price point as low as it is.

My kid breaks everything. Will Crayon be kid-proof?

Logitech is way ahead of you here. The designers knew what they were doing when they came up with the structure of the Crayon.

It's made of aluminum and rubber, so it's tough. The tip, which lasts for approximately 1.25 miles of writing, is protected with a special cover that can't be removed without a special tool, so little fingers can't pry the tip out of the base.

The removable nib on the back side, which houses the Lightning port (opposite of Apple Pencil, it is charged using a standard Lighting cord) is tethered to the Crayon so it won't get lost every time your kid needs a charge.

It's also shaped with a flat design similar to those kids pencils we used in kindergarten and first grade. It's flat so it won't easily roll off the table, down the hallway, and into the principal's office. It won't find its way down the bottom of a locker quite as easily, either.

Of course, kids will be kids and I'm sure many of them will find a way to do damage to the Crayon over time, but the basic structure of the stylus will probably last a long time. Educators will also be able to buy replacement tips and caps if they get lost or broken.

How long does the battery last?

Logitech notes that the Crayon will last for up to 8 hours of writing. There's also an automatic shut off, so if you're not using, after 30 minutes, it will power down and no longer drain any battery (not even low-level trickle drain).

If the Crayon does run out of juice in the middle of a report or note taking, you can supercharge it. A 90-second charge will juice up the Crayon for another half hour of use.

OK, I want one. How do I get it?

Oh, sorry. That's a problem. At launch, the Crayon is only available to educators. Starting this summer, along with Logitech's Rugged Combo 2 iPad case, schools and school districts will be able to order the Crayon for $49.99 with a package price of 10 units. If you're working in education, you can sign in to your schools account or sign up for a new one through Apple's Education Channel, where you'll be able to order the Crayon and Rugged Combo 2 iPad case this summer.

Any more questions?

Do you have any more questions about what Logitech Crayon is and how it works with the 2018 iPad? Put them in the comments and I'll dig up the answers for you!