Comparing the Microsoft Surface Pen against Dell’s Premium Active Pen

Though it lacks a working eraser, the fact that Dell’s Premium Active Pen works across both Wacom AES and MPP protocols makes it an excellent choice if you own two or more devices that use them.

$100 at Dell

Pros

  • 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
  • Three programmable buttons
  • Tilt support
  • Works with both Wacom AES and MPP protocols

Cons

  • No eraser functionality

If you have a Surface and you’re looking to get the best of the best in terms of performance, Microsoft’s Surface Pen is the best option available. However, it’s worth pointing out that it only works with devices that use Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP).

$100 at Microsoft

Pros

  • 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
  • One programmable button (three inputs)
  • Tilt support
  • Eraser functionality

Cons

  • No support for other pen protocols

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pen is the better choice in terms of sheer performance — provided you’re using a Surface. If you have a device that uses Wacom AES, or if you want a pen that can be used across both a Wacom AES device and a Surface device, the Dell Premium Active Pen will be perfect for you.

Surface Pen vs. Premium Active Pen: Performance or versatility?

The Surface Pen with a Surface Go.

The Surface Pen with a Surface Go.

Source: Windows Central

When it comes to raw performance, these two digital pens are nearly identical. Both of them have 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and support for tilting, which is very useful for artists, and both of them also have three programmable functions that you can configure (the Surface Pen has a single button that can be activated in three different ways; the Premium Active Pen has three buttons). On top of this, both of them can be magnetically attached to the side of devices, making taking them with you a breeze.

However, one key difference that gives the Surface Pen the edge is that you can use the bottom end of the pen as an eraser, which is something that both artists and note takers will love. While you could bind an undo function to one of the Premium Active Pen’s buttons, this just won’t as precise or controlled as a functional eraser will be.

Microsoft Surface Pen Dell Premium Active Pen
Pressure levels 4,096 4,096
Programmable buttons 1 (with 3 different inputs) 3
Tilt support Yes Yes
Eraser Yes No
Magnetic Yes Yes
Protocol MPP Wacom AES, MPP

However, don’t count out the Dell Premium Active Pen if you’re either not using a Surface or using both a Surface and a Wacom AES device, as it works with both Wacom AES protocol and MPP. Since the Surface Pen only works with MPP, you are limited to using Surface devices with it. If versatility and device compatibility is more important to you, then Dell’s option will be a better pick.

Surface Pen vs. Premium Active Pen: Which should you buy?

The Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 with a Dell Premium Active Pen

The Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 with a Dell Premium Active Pen

Source: Windows Central

At the end of the day, there isn’t really a definitive winner in this match-up. Rather, it depends on what you’re looking for in a digital pen, and what will be the most useful for you.

If you’re someone who only uses a Surface device and would prefer to have an eraser for higher performance, than the Surface Pen is the pen you should choose. It doesn’t work with devices that have other protocols, but if you only plan to use Surface, that won’t matter to you anyway.

However, if you do want to have the ability to use your pen with Wacom AES devices, such as most of Dell’s, than your best bet will be the Dell Premium Active Pen. Aside from the lack of an eraser, Dell’s pen performs identically to the Surface Pen, and the compatibility with both Wacom AES and MPP gives it excellent versatility.

Best versatility

Dell Premium Active Pen

Cross-device compatibility

Though it lacks a working eraser, Dell’s Premium Active Pen works across both Wacom AES and MPP protocols, making it an excellent choice if you own several compatible devices.

Best performance

Microsoft Surface Pen

Surface speciality

If you have a Surface and you’re looking to get the best of the best in terms of performance, Microsoft’s Surface Pen is the best option available.

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