The Surface Slim Pen 2 can wirelessly pair and charge when placed into the cubby carved out for it in the $179 detachable Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (Image credit: Microsoft) This is a feature Apple's Pencil can't yet match, though we've seen multiple Apple Pencil patents which suggest an updated model with haptic feedback is in the works. In Microsoft Whiteboard, it will make the various pen, highlighter, and eraser tools feel distinctly different to use. In Microsoft Word, the haptic motor will both replicate the feel of writing on paper and vibrate when you successfully execute gestures like highlighting text, for example. In addition to making drawing and sketching feel more natural, Microsoft also uses this haptic feature to provide feedback when you're using the Slim Pen 2 with select apps. Microsoft calls this feedback 'tactile signals', and it's currently only supported when you're using the Surface Slim Pen 2 with either the Surface Pro 8 or Surface Laptop Studio running Windows 11.

Most notably, the Surface Slim Pen 2 is pitched as being more accurate than its predecessor, and it has a new haptic motor that's designed to provide tactile feedback which replicates the sensation of putting pen to paper. While the Surface Slim Pen 2 looks almost the same as its predecessor on the outside, on the inside are new features that rival those of the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 new features It can also wirelessly charge when slipped into the Signature Keyboard (compatible with the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X) or magnetically attached to the Surface Laptop Studio - just like the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which can attach magnetically to most modern iPads for pairing and charging. Like its predecessor, the Surface Slim Pen 2 charges via a built-in USB-C connector, so you can just plug it directly into a USB-C port to recharge it. Surface Slim Pen 2 plugged in and charging via USB-C (Image credit: Microsoft)

Slim pen 2 compatibility