Logitech recently introduced its first mixed reality stylus and it's exclusive to the Meta Quest series. Known as MX Ink, it is designed to give people a more precise way to create and draw when using a Meta headset. While you can use the native drivers for content creation, they simply don't offer the same level of precision as a stylus.
One of the first things you'll notice when looking at the MX Ink is that it's quite large and looks more like a marker than a pen. It measures 6.46 x 0.72 inches (64 mm x 18.2 mm) and weighs just over an ounce (28 grams).
For comparison, the Apple Pencil Pro measures 6.53 x 0.35 inches (166 mm x 8.9 mm) and weighs 0.68 ounces (19.15 grams). Logitech's MX Ink has four buttons in total: three near the front and one on the back.
Say hello to MX Ink, the first mixed reality stylus for the @MetaQuestVR platform. By bringing familiarity and precision to MRI, MX Ink helps you unleash creativity and boost productivity. Find out more at pic.twitter.com/vh3buiuYFWJune 17, 2024
The front button allows you to grab objects in the mixed reality space to drag them, while the middle option allows users to alter the pen's pressure sensitivity. Behind that is an Options button to configure the pen. Finally, the button at the end gives access to the headset's Meta menu.
Logitech claims they developed the MX Ink to be “optimized for precision,” as it reportedly has “low latency on par with Meta Quest controllers.” Thanks to haptic feedback, the pen offers an immersive experience meant to mimic what it's like to use a real pen on paper.
Operation mode
MX Ink works in two operating modes. The first is 2D Tableau, which allows Meta Quest owners to use the stylus on a flat surface when drawing. It is unknown if the mode works on any flat surface or if it requires the MX Mat accessory.
Logitech's demo shows someone illustrating on a wooden table, but the sheet of paper is on the mat, not the natural surface. The mat seems crucial, but the same video shows a woman drawing on a canvas.
Or maybe you are using the other mode of operation: 3D Sculpture. This allows you to create freely by simply drawing in the air. The same demo shows multiple use cases, from building a house in a 3D environment to tracing the outline of what appears to be a snowboard boot.
Other notable features include interchangeable tips and a seven-hour battery life. You can recharge it by connecting it with a USB-C cable or purchasing the MX Inkwell combo to get a charging dock for the pen.
Support applications
The company claims that you can use the MX Ink and the paired Quest controllers simultaneously, and you won't be forced to unplug them. It's important to note that the stylus is only compatible with the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets. Logitech told RoadtoVR that it won't work on the Quest Pro and we've reached out to the company for comment as they didn't explain why it's missing. that support.
Also, the stylus doesn't work across the entire Quest library; just a handful of art apps. This includes Gravity Sketch, ShapesXR, and Arkio for now, but we may see more added to the list. Logitech offers third-party developers the opportunity to integrate MX Ink into their applications by ordering a developer kit.
MX Ink launches in late September 2024 for $129.99 or $169.99 for the Inkwell combo. You can sign up to receive notifications that will inform you when it is available for purchase.
In the meantime, check out TechRadar's list of the best VR headsets for 2024.
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