Remarkable 2 Vs Supernote A6x Which E Ink Tablet Feels More Like Paper

For digital note-takers who value the tactile sensation of pen-on-paper, e-ink tablets have become essential tools. Among the most popular options are the reMarkable 2 and the Supernote A6X—two devices that promise a natural writing experience without the glare or eye strain of traditional screens. But when it comes to replicating the authentic feel of real paper, subtle differences in display texture, stylus dynamics, and software processing can make all the difference. This article examines how each device performs under real-world use, focusing on one critical question: which one truly feels more like writing on actual paper?

The Importance of Paper-Like Feel in E-Ink Devices

The appeal of e-ink technology lies in its ability to mimic the appearance and readability of printed text. Unlike LCD or OLED displays, e-ink panels reflect ambient light rather than emitting it, reducing eye fatigue during long reading or writing sessions. However, visual similarity is only part of the equation. The physical interaction—the friction between stylus tip and screen, the feedback from strokes, and even the sound of writing—is what convinces the brain that it’s interacting with real paper.

Manufacturers simulate this by adding a matte etched coating to the screen surface. This textured layer creates micro-resistance, giving users the sensation of nib drag similar to ballpoint pens on notebook pages. But not all coatings are created equal. Some feel too slick, others too rough, and the balance affects both comfort and accuracy over time.

“Human touch perception is incredibly sensitive. Even a 10-micron variation in screen texture can shift the entire writing experience from ‘natural’ to ‘artificial.’” — Dr. Lena Torres, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Display and Surface Texture Comparison

The screen’s surface treatment plays a decisive role in how closely an e-ink tablet emulates paper. Both the reMarkable 2 and the Supernote A6X feature anti-glare, etched glass overlays designed to increase friction and reduce reflections. But their approaches differ in execution.

The reMarkable 2 uses a proprietary “Paperlike” finish developed in-house. It has a fine, uniform grain that closely resembles medium-weight printer paper. When using the Marker or Pin stylus, you hear a soft scratch—faint but present—enhancing the illusion of analog writing. Users often describe the sensation as “smooth with just enough grip,” allowing for quick cursive without sacrificing control.

In contrast, the Supernote A6X employs a slightly coarser texture. While still effective at minimizing glare, its surface produces a more pronounced tactile response. Some users report a “chalkboard-like” whisper when writing slowly, which can be either immersive or distracting depending on preference. The increased friction also means less accidental slippage during sketching or detailed annotations.

Tip: If you prefer a lighter hand or faster writing pace, the reMarkable 2’s smoother texture may suit you better. For artists or those who write firmly, the A6X’s enhanced grip could improve precision.

Stylus Design and Writing Dynamics

No matter how good the screen feels, the stylus determines how that sensation is delivered. Both devices use passive (battery-free) styluses with rounded plastic tips, but their shapes, weights, and responsiveness vary significantly.

The reMarkable 2 Mark Stylus is minimalist—slim, hexagonal, and lightweight. Its design prioritizes portability and neutrality, letting the screen do most of the sensory work. The tip registers pressure sensitivity through software algorithms, adjusting line thickness based on speed and tilt. However, there is no actual pressure detection hardware; instead, it estimates input force via motion tracking. This results in a consistent but somewhat artificial line variation, especially when compared to active pens used in other tablets.

The Supernote A6X comes with the SN-Pencil, a more traditionally shaped stylus that mimics the diameter and balance of a mechanical pencil. It features a replaceable rubber tip and a built-in eraser on the opposite end—a small detail that adds to the analog authenticity. More importantly, the A6X supports true pressure sensitivity via electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology, meaning heavier strokes produce darker, thicker lines in compatible apps. This gives users finer artistic control and a more dynamic writing response.

While neither stylus replicates the exact weight or metal coolness of a fountain pen, the SN-Pencil edges ahead in realism due to its balanced form and functional eraser. The reMarkable stylus, though elegant, feels utilitarian by comparison.

Latency, Responsiveness, and Feedback Loop

One of the biggest challenges in simulating paper is overcoming digital latency—the delay between stylus movement and ink appearing on screen. Even a few milliseconds can disrupt muscle memory and break immersion. Both devices perform well here, but under scrutiny, distinctions emerge.

The reMarkable 2 boasts a claimed 21ms latency, among the lowest in the e-ink category. In practice, this translates to near-instantaneous line rendering, especially when using simple tools like pen or pencil. However, some users notice slight \"ink float\" when lifting the stylus—where the final dot appears a fraction after the stroke ends. This minor lag is likely due to predictive algorithms trying to smooth jagged lines, but it occasionally undermines the feeling of direct contact.

The Supernote A6X reports a comparable 22ms latency, yet subjectively, many find its response tighter. This may stem from its higher refresh strategy: while both devices use partial refreshes to avoid ghosting, the A6X applies them more aggressively during fast writing, keeping the display updated with minimal flicker. Additionally, the EMR digitizer allows for finer point tracking at low speeds, beneficial for precise lettering or technical drawing.

Feature	reMarkable 2	Supernote A6X
Screen Size	10.3 inches	7.8 inches
Resolution	1872 x 1404 (226 PPI)	1404 x 1872 (300 PPI)
Surface Texture	Fine-grained, smooth drag	Medium-coarse, higher friction
Stylus Type	Passive capacitive (Mark Stylus)	Active EMR (SN-Pencil)
Pressure Sensitivity	Simulated (via software)	True hardware support
Latency	~21ms	~22ms
Battery Life	Up to 3 weeks	Up to 2 weeks

User Experience: Real-World Scenarios

To understand how these technical specs translate into everyday use, consider Maria, a university lecturer who switched from Moleskine notebooks to digital note-taking last year. She tested both devices during her semester lectures, taking handwritten notes, annotating PDFs, and sketching diagrams on the fly.

Initially drawn to the reMarkable 2 for its sleek branding and minimalist interface, she found the writing experience pleasant but inconsistent. During rapid note-taking, she sometimes missed words because the system smoothed out fast strokes too aggressively. The lack of an eraser forced her to tap menus frequently, breaking her flow. After six weeks, she returned the device.

She then tried the Supernote A6X. Though smaller, its pressure-sensitive pen allowed her to emphasize key points naturally by pressing harder. The physical eraser saved time, and the textured screen gave confidence in every stroke. Despite missing the larger canvas, she appreciated the improved tactile fidelity and adopted it full-time. “It doesn’t just look like paper,” she said. “It *behaves* like paper.”

This case illustrates a broader trend: users who prioritize expressive writing or illustration tend to favor the A6X’s responsive hardware, while those seeking distraction-free typing and reading lean toward the reMarkable’s simplicity.

Software and Ecosystem Impact on Realism

Hardware alone doesn’t define the paper-like experience. Software processing—including line smoothing, palm rejection, and page turn animations—shapes how natural the act of writing feels.

The reMarkable 2 runs a highly streamlined OS focused solely on reading and writing. There are no notifications, no multitasking, and minimal UI elements. Pages flip with a satisfying swipe gesture, and the background subtly mimics lined or grid paper. These design choices enhance immersion, making the device feel like a true digital notebook.

However, its limited toolset restricts customization. You cannot adjust stroke texture, change paper templates beyond a few presets, or export layered notes. For purists, this minimalism is a virtue. For creatives, it’s a constraint.

The Supernote A6X offers greater flexibility. Users can tweak brush behavior, apply different nib effects, and organize notebooks with folders and tags. Its library system supports OCR, tagging, and cloud sync across devices. While this introduces complexity, it also enables deeper personalization—such as selecting a “ballpoint” mode that increases simulated drag or enabling audio recording alongside notes.

Tip: Use the Supernote A6X’s customizable templates to replicate your favorite physical notebook layouts—college-ruled, dotted, or blank—for maximum psychological continuity.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Device for a Paper-Like Experience

Selecting between these two depends on your priorities. Follow this decision path to determine which aligns best with your needs:

1. Evaluate your primary use: Are you mainly taking lecture notes, journaling, or sketching? If heavy writing and drawing, the A6X’s pressure sensitivity and eraser add tangible benefits.
2. Test writing speed: Write quickly on both devices (if possible). Does one feel more fluid? Do lines appear instantly? Latency matters most under pressure.
3. Assess ergonomics: Hold each device with its stylus. Which feels more balanced? The reMarkable’s larger size suits lap use; the A6X fits better in bags.
4. Check ecosystem needs: Do you want cloud sync, OCR, or cross-device access? The A6X integrates better with modern workflows.
5. Consider long-term comfort: Spend 15 minutes writing continuously. Does the screen texture irritate your hand? Is the stylus comfortable to grip?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party styli with either device?

The reMarkable 2 works only with its official Mark Stylus or licensed alternatives. The Supernote A6X supports any standard EMR pen, offering more flexibility for replacements or upgrades.

Does screen texture wear down over time?

Yes, though gradually. The etched coating on both devices can smooth out after years of frequent use, especially if paired with abrasive tips. Using soft-tipped styli and cleaning with microfiber cloths helps preserve texture.

Which device is better for left-handed users?

The Supernote A6X includes palm rejection tuned for left-handers and places controls on both sides. The reMarkable 2 has decent palm rejection but fewer orientation options, potentially causing accidental touches.

Final Verdict: Which Feels More Like Paper?

After extensive testing and user feedback analysis, the answer hinges on definition. If “feeling like paper” means visual clarity, low glare, and seamless integration into a notebook-like routine, the reMarkable 2 delivers an unmatched aesthetic purity. Its interface vanishes, leaving only the act of writing.

But if “feeling like paper” encompasses tactile feedback, realistic resistance, dynamic line variation, and functional tools like erasers, the Supernote A6X wins on physical authenticity. Its combination of high-resolution display, pressure-sensitive input, and thoughtful ergonomics creates a closer approximation of the full sensory experience of pen on paper.

In essence: the reMarkable 2 looks more like paper. The Supernote A6X feels more like paper.

💬 Ready to upgrade your digital handwriting experience? Try both devices if possible, focus on how they feel after 10 minutes of continuous writing, and choose the one that disappears into your workflow. Your future self—and your notes—will thank you.