Quest headsets will get their first non-Meta input device

Meta’s Quest virtual reality headsets will get their first third-party input device, courtesy of Logitech.

On Monday, Logitech announced MX Ink, the first mixed reality stylus for Meta Quest headsets. MX Ink is designed to enable digital writing in mixed reality while wearing Meta Quest. Logitech says the stylus works with a variety of Quest apps, including Painting VR, ENGAGE XR, and OpenBrush. The stylus also works with 3D sketching and design software, including Adobe Substance 3D Modeler.

Several reports state that MX Ink will retail for $130, but Logitech has not publicly confirmed this. The company did not immediately respond to ZDNET’s request for clarification on pricing.

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“With its familiar pen design, MX Ink is easy to use in key creation and collaboration applications,” Logitech said in a blog post. “Just like a real pen or pencil, the pressure-sensitive tip works on a variety of physical surfaces, so you can write and sketch more naturally.”

Meta offers a wide range of Quest headsets, enabling users to experience mixed reality environments in design and modeling applications, as well as gaming and social media. Unfortunately, these devices have very limited support for third-party accessories, which makes Monday’s announcement from Logitech a big deal for those who want additional hardware to be able to use their headsets more.

In addition to the MX Ink stylus, Logitech said it will also offer the MX mat for those who want to write on a pad to enhance their mixed reality writing experience. MX Ink will also be available from the company with the new MX Ink Well, where users will be able to store and charge the stylus when not in use.

There are some limitations with MX ink that you should be aware of. First, the MX Ink will need to be paired with the Meta Quest headset via the Meta Quest app. Perhaps more importantly, MX Ink only works with Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 2, so if you have older hardware like the original Quest or even Meta Quest Pro, you’re out of luck.

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Logitech was quick to announce that MX Ink will allow users to use more than two paired controllers simultaneously with Quest headsets for the first time. Once you pair MX Ink with your headset, you can seamlessly switch from controller to stylus without having to disconnect the controller or interact with the Meta Quest app.

Logitech plans to launch the new MX Ink stylus along with the MX Ink Mat and MX Ink Well in September.