A preemptive disclaimer: No one sent me any of the products mentioned below for review and the links are not affiliate links.
When I listed the peripherals I am using during my iPad Mini experiment, I mentioned I might try the PenTips PenMat magnetic screen protector. A few weeks ago, when I was feeling the urge to spend some money on myself, I went to the above link and placed an order.
There were some things that only surprised me a little. Foremost among these was how easy it was to attach, remove, and re-attach the PenMat to the screen. Despite some concerns about alignment based on something I read or saw, the magnets make the process of aligning the cutout for the camera simple enough. And the two mystery cut outs along one edge make it easier to catch the edge of the magnet and remove it from the screen and serve to warn you if you have the PerMat upside down.
What surprised me a lot was how much the writing process was improved by the PenMat’s textured surface. I expected there to be a difference, of course, but now I better understand all of the YouTubers who assure their viewers that they would be using a Paperlike screen whether they sponsored their channel or not.
I have never tried a Paperlike screen so I can't say how much their microtexture impacts the appearance and feel of the screen. If it’s close to the PenMat, the PenMat has a distinct advantage in being removable. The matte finish effect produced is not something I would always want. When writing (as I am now), it doesn't make a significant difference. When looking at videos, photos, and when playing games, returning to the crystal clear display is preferable.
While I have had the PenMat long enough to know I will keep using it, I am interested in seeing when I keep it on and when I remove it. The texture is noticeable when swiping on the screen. While I would not call it unpleasant, the bare screen is a preferable experience.
There are two other things I would note in passing. First is that I have experienced no appreciable wear on my Apple Pencil's nib — and I am still using the slightly softer PenTips 2+.
Second, you should give some thought as to where you will store your PenMat when it isn't in use. I have the plastic bag/sleeve that the PenMat came in tucked into the old Twelve South BookBook case I mentioned before. (Their current range includes iPad Mini-sized cases and cases designed to accommodate devices in a Magic Keyboard.). It is a bit of a struggle to slide the PenMat back into the bag, which makes me think I should attach something to the bag to make that easier or cut down a folder to replace it.
Nevertheless, if you were on the fence about getting a textured screen protector like the PenMat, I’d recommend doing so.