Quick summary
- The Deco Pro SW features eight customizable buttons on the tablet and two on the pen, allowing for efficient workflow and personalized shortcuts.
- The best choice between the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S depends on your individual needs and preferences.
- While the Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S offer distinct features and benefits, ultimately the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your workflow and creative needs.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two drawing tablets, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW boasts a sleek and modern design with a minimalist aesthetic. Its compact size (10.63 x 6.69 inches) makes it ideal for smaller workspaces, while its thin profile adds to its portability. The tablet features a textured surface that provides excellent grip and a comfortable drawing experience.
On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S has a more traditional design with a larger active area (9.53 x 5.91 inches). Its sturdy build quality and textured surface ensure durability and a comfortable grip. The tablet’s larger size might be preferable for users who need more drawing space.
Active Area and Resolution
The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW offers a smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, which might feel restrictive for some users. However, it compensates with a high resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch) and a report rate of 233 RPS (Reports Per Second). This translates to precise cursor control and responsiveness, ensuring smooth and accurate drawing.
The XP-Pen Star G960S, with its larger active area, provides ample space for drawing. However, it has a lower resolution of 4000 LPI and a report rate of 200 RPS. While this might not be a significant difference for casual users, professional artists seeking pixel-perfect precision might find the Deco Pro SW’s higher resolution more appealing.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize XP-Pen’s passive pen technology, which means the pen doesn‘t require batteries or charging. The Deco Pro SW’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing nuanced strokes and natural brush responses. The pen also has a comfortable grip and a responsive tip, enhancing the overall drawing experience.
The Star G960S also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring accurate and responsive strokes. However, some users have reported a slightly less responsive pen tip compared to the Deco Pro SW.
Buttons and Customization
The Deco Pro SW features eight customizable buttons on the tablet and two on the pen, allowing for efficient workflow and personalized shortcuts. These buttons can be programmed to perform various functions, such as switching brushes, undoing actions, and accessing frequently used tools.
The Star G960S offers six customizable buttons on the tablet and two on the pen. While this might seem less than the Deco Pro SW, it still provides ample customization options for personalizing your drawing experience.
Software and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also work with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The included driver software allows for customizing the tablet’s settings and pen sensitivity.
Pricing and Value
The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW is generally priced slightly higher than the Star G960S. However, its higher resolution, more customizable buttons, and compact design might justify the additional cost for users seeking a premium drawing experience.
The Star G960S, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with a larger active area. It’s a great choice for beginners or users who prioritize space over high resolution.
Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The best choice between the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW if:
- You prioritize high resolution and precision.
- You prefer a compact and portable design.
- You value customizable buttons for efficient workflow.
Choose the XP-Pen Star G960S if:
- You need a larger active area for drawing.
- You’re on a budget and prefer affordability.
- You’re a beginner and don’t require the highest resolution.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Battle of the Tablets
While the Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S offer distinct features and benefits, ultimately the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your workflow and creative needs. Consider factors like budget, active area, resolution, and pen sensitivity to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are XP-Pen tablets compatible with smartphones and tablets?
No, XP-Pen tablets are primarily designed for use with computers and laptops. They are not compatible with smartphones and tablets.
2. Can I use the pen without a battery or charging?
Yes, both the Deco Pro SW and Star G960S utilize passive pen technology, which means the pen doesn‘t require batteries or charging.
3. What is the difference between LPI and RPS?
LPI (Lines Per Inch) refers to the resolution of the tablet, indicating the number of lines the tablet can detect per inch. RPS (Reports Per Second) indicates the number of times the tablet communicates with the computer per second, affecting the responsiveness of the pen.
4. Can I customize the pen buttons on both tablets?
Yes, both tablets offer customizable buttons on the pen, allowing you to program them for various functions.
5. Is there a warranty on XP-Pen tablets?
Yes, XP-Pen tablets typically come with a one-year warranty. However, the specific warranty terms may vary depending on the retailer and region.
