What to know
- The XP-Pen Deco Fun S is a compact and portable drawing tablet designed for casual artists and beginners.
- The XP-Pen Star G640 is a larger drawing tablet designed for professional artists and those who prefer a more spacious drawing area.
- The Deco Fun S is more affordable than the Star G640, making it a budget-friendly option for casual artists and beginners.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G640. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of affordability and functionality, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Unveiling the XP-Pen Deco Fun S: Compact and Portable
The XP-Pen Deco Fun S is a compact and portable drawing tablet designed for casual artists and beginners. Its small size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and on-the-go sketching.
Key Features:
- Active Area: 6.5 x 4 inches
- Resolution: 4000 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Connectivity: USB
- Pen: Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
Pros:
- Compact and Portable: The Deco Fun S’s small size makes it easy to carry around.
- Affordable: It’s one of the most budget-friendly drawing tablets available.
- Excellent Pressure Sensitivity: The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide a natural and responsive drawing experience.
Cons:
- Limited Active Area: The smaller active area may feel cramped for artists who prefer a larger workspace.
- No Express Keys: The absence of express keys can be inconvenient for users who rely on shortcuts.
Exploring the XP-Pen Star G640: A Larger Canvas for Creativity
The XP-Pen Star G640 is a larger drawing tablet designed for professional artists and those who prefer a more spacious drawing area. It offers a larger active area and a range of features that cater to advanced users.
Key Features:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Connectivity: USB
- Pen: Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 8 customizable buttons
Pros:
- Large Active Area: The spacious active area provides ample room for detailed drawings and complex illustrations.
- Express Keys: The presence of eight customizable express keys allows for efficient workflow and shortcuts.
- Excellent Pressure Sensitivity: Similar to the Deco Fun S, the Star G640 offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise control.
Cons:
- Larger Size: The Star G640’s larger size may be less portable than the Deco Fun S.
- Higher Price: It’s slightly more expensive than the Deco Fun S.
Choosing the Right Tablet: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G640 across key criteria:
1. Active Area: The Star G640’s larger active area (10 x 6.25 inches) provides a more spacious workspace, ideal for intricate drawings and detailed illustrations. The Deco Fun S’s smaller active area (6.5 x 4 inches) is more suitable for sketching, note-taking, and casual drawing.
2. Pressure Sensitivity: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring a responsive and natural drawing experience.
3. Express Keys: The Star G640 features eight customizable express keys, allowing for efficient workflow and shortcuts. The Deco Fun S lacks express keys, which can be a disadvantage for users who rely on them.
4. Portability: The Deco Fun S’s compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable. The Star G640’s larger size makes it less portable, but it still remains manageable for travel.
5. Price: The Deco Fun S is more affordable than the Star G640, making it a budget-friendly option for casual artists and beginners.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Features
Pen Functionality: Both tablets utilize battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The Star G640’s pen features eight customizable buttons, providing greater control and customization.
Software Compatibility: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita.
Operating System Compatibility: The tablets are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems.
Making the Right Choice: Who Wins?
The choice between the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G640 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
For casual artists, beginners, and those who value portability, the XP-Pen Deco Fun S is an excellent choice. Its compact size, affordability, and excellent pressure sensitivity make it a great entry-level drawing tablet.
For professional artists, those who prefer a larger workspace, and those who rely on express keys, the XP-Pen Star G640 is the better option. Its spacious active area, customizable express keys, and excellent pressure sensitivity cater to advanced users.
Finding the Perfect Fit: A Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that meets your specific requirements and budget. Both the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G640 offer a compelling combination of affordability and functionality. By carefully considering your needs and comparing the features of each tablet, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect drawing companion for your creative journey.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Can I use the XP-Pen Deco Fun S or Star G640 for digital painting?
A1: Yes, both tablets are suitable for digital painting. The pressure sensitivity and pen functionality allow for precise brush strokes and blending.
Q2: Do I need a special pen for these tablets?
A2: No, the tablets come with a battery-free pen that is specifically designed for them.
Q3: Are these tablets compatible with smartphones?
A3: The Deco Fun S is compatible with Android devices via USB-C connection. The Star G640 is not currently compatible with smartphones.
Q4: What is the difference between LPI and PPS?
A4: LPI (Lines Per Inch) refers to the tablet’s resolution, indicating the number of lines it can detect per inch. PPS (Packets Per Second) refers to the tablet’s report rate, indicating how many times per second it sends data to the computer.
Q5: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A5: While these tablets are primarily designed for drawing and illustration, they can be used for photo editing as well. The pressure sensitivity allows for precise selection and manipulation of images.
