[Updated 2024/05/22 with revised info for new devices]
Introduction
In the past, Microsoft did not made it easy to to understand the differences in pen/stylus support between Surface device generations. The table below summarizes compatibility between the different pens and Surface devices. Pressure sensitivity, latency, initial activation force, tilt, and haptic feedback functionality are detailed using best available information. Following the chart is a list of frequently asked questions.
3d-printed pen clip for Ver.4 pen
Disclaimer: The following info is subject to change if/when Microsoft releases additional technical details
Pen comparison chart
Chart Notes
Ver.1: 256 pressure levels on SP1 with launch firmware Ver.2 pen: not recommended on SP5 and later Studio 1: partial tilt support added in June 2018 via firmware update Classroom pens: Tilt not supported Hub,Duo, and all Surface Laptop models: Tilt not supported SLS, SP8, SP9, SLS, SLS2 and later : minimum latency reduced to ~13ms with 120Hz screen refresh mode Slim pen 2: supports “zero force inking” on SLS, SP8, SP9, SPX Slim pen 2: supports haptic feedback on SLS, SP8, SP9 Surface Laptop Go: no pen support
How to read the table
256 , 1024 , or 4096 indicates the number of pressure sensitivity levels available when using the pen and device model together [256=8-bit, 1024=10-bit, 4096=12-bit]. Available pressure levels depends primarily on the digitizer built into the Surface, but can be affected by the pen and software. Not everyone notices differences in pressure sensitivity due to limited hand dexterity and dynamic range compression/clamping effects of some software applications.
... continue reading