How does writing and drawing actually work in virtual reality?

Logitech hopes it works just like it does in the real world; that certainly seems to be the goal of a new MX Ink stylus that the company announced on Monday. According to the press release sent to Lifewire, the Logitech MX Ink is designed to work with Meta Quest headsets and can connect to the headset even if you already have controllers plugged in, so you don't have to choose between the two. Logitech says the stylus can pair with your Meta Quest app, and will be compatible with both Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets.

Once you've paired it, Logitech says you can "easily switch between using Meta Quest controllers and MX Ink without interrupting your workflow." The stylus, which Logitech calls "just like a real pen or pencil," has a pressure-sensitive tip for control over brush strokes and strokes, and you can use it on a variety of surfaces. The company is also releasing an MX Mat, which it calls "a friction-free writing and drawing environment," but it's optional, so you can use MX Ink without the Mat.

So why a stylus? Logitech says it can be used for writing and drawing, as well as navigating your virtual environment. When released, the MX Ink is expected to be compatible with GravitySketch, ShapesXR, ENGAGE XR, Adobe Substance 3D Modeler, Arkio, Realize Medical, Painting VR, Gesture VR, and Open Brush.