Unboxing the Huion Kamvas 12 vs. Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: Which Reigns Supreme in Drawing Tablet Showdown?

Are you a digital artist looking for a new drawing tablet? If so, you’ve likely come across the Huion Kamvas 12 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both are popular choices for beginners and professionals alike, but which one is right for you?

This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of both tablets, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll compare their display, pen technology, software compatibility, and more to see which one reigns supreme.

Display: A Visual Showdown

The Huion Kamvas 12 boasts a 11.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, offering a vibrant and detailed drawing experience. Its laminated screen helps minimize parallax, ensuring your pen strokes appear directly on the screen.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, is a pen tablet without a display. This means you’ll be drawing on the tablet’s surface while viewing your work on a separate monitor. While this might seem like a drawback, it allows for greater flexibility in terms of screen size and setup.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Huion Kamvas 12:

• Pros: Direct-to-screen drawing, vibrant colors, laminated screen
• Cons: Limited screen size, may require additional setup for a larger monitor

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pros: Flexibility in screen choice, can be used with any monitor
• Cons: No direct-to-screen drawing, requires separate monitor

Pen Technology: Precision and Pressure Sensitivity

Both tablets feature pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural drawing experience. However, there are some key differences in their pen technology:

Huion Kamvas 12:

• Pen: PW507 pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
• Features: Battery-free, 6 customizable buttons, tilt support

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pen: Pen 3.0 with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
• Features: Battery-free, side buttons, tilt support, eraser function

While both pens offer excellent pressure sensitivity, the Xencelabs Pen 3.0 boasts a more responsive and accurate feel, making it a favorite among artists who value precision.

Software Compatibility: A Seamless Workflow

Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a unique advantage with its dedicated driver software.

Xencelabs Driver:

• Customization: Allows for detailed customization of pen settings, including pressure sensitivity, tilt, and button functions.
• Ergonomic Features: Offers features like pen pressure smoothing and pen tilt correction for a more natural drawing experience.
• Compatibility: Works with both Windows and macOS.

The Huion Kamvas 12 also offers driver software, but it doesn’t provide the same level of customization and ergonomic features as the Xencelabs driver.

Build Quality and Design: A Matter of Preference

The Huion Kamvas 12 features a sleek and modern design, with a sturdy build quality. The tablet itself is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is also well-built and designed with ergonomics in mind. Its compact size and textured surface provide a comfortable grip, while the angled stand allows for a natural drawing position.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Huion Kamvas 12:

• Pros: Sleek design, portable, sturdy build
• Cons: May feel slightly larger and heavier than the Xencelabs tablet

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pros: Ergonomic design, compact size, textured surface for better grip
• Cons: No built-in stand (requires purchase of separate stand)

Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal

The Huion Kamvas 12 is generally more affordable than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. However, the Xencelabs tablet offers a premium drawing experience with its superior pen technology and driver software.

Price:

• Huion Kamvas 12: Around $200 – $250
• Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: Around $250 – $300

Ultimately, the best value for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a display, the Huion Kamvas 12 is a great choice. However, if you prioritize pen accuracy and customization, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is worth the investment.

Choosing the Right Tablet for You: A Final Decision

So, which tablet should you choose? Here’s a quick summary to help you make the right decision:

Choose the Huion Kamvas 12 if:

• You’re on a budget
• You prefer drawing directly on a screen
• You don’t need advanced pen customization

Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small if:

• You prioritize pen accuracy and responsiveness
• You want a highly customizable drawing experience
• You prefer a smaller, more portable tablet

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Features

Both tablets offer additional features that enhance the drawing experience:

Huion Kamvas 12:

• Express Keys: 8 customizable express keys for quick access to shortcuts and commands.
• Touch Support: Supports multi-touch gestures for navigation and zooming.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Wireless Connectivity: Allows for a clutter-free workspace with optional wireless connectivity.
• Pen Stand: Includes a pen stand for convenient storage and charging (for wireless pens).

The Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets

The Huion Kamvas 12 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are both excellent drawing tablets, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Huion Kamvas 12 is a great value for money, offering a direct-to-screen drawing experience at an affordable price. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, provides a premium drawing experience with its superior pen technology and driver software.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

The Final Word: Beyond Comparison

While this comparison has focused on the differences between the Huion Kamvas 12 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, it’s important to remember that both tablets are excellent tools for digital artists.

The best drawing tablet for you is the one that fits your workflow, budget, and creative style. Consider your needs, explore the features of both tablets, and choose the one that empowers you to create your best work.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use the Huion Kamvas 12 with a laptop?

A: Yes, the Huion Kamvas 12 can be used with a laptop. You’ll need to connect it via HDMI or USB-C.

Q: Does the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come with a stand?

A: No, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small does not come with a stand. You’ll need to purchase a separate stand if you want to use it at an angle.

Q: What is the difference between the Xencelabs Pen 3.0 and the Huion PW507 pen?

A: The Xencelabs Pen 3.0 is generally considered to be more responsive and accurate than the Huion PW507 pen. It also features an eraser function, which is not available on the Huion pen.

Q: Is it possible to use the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small without a separate monitor?

A: No, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a pen tablet without a display. You’ll need to use it with a separate monitor to view your work.

Q: Can I use both the Huion Kamvas 12 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small with the same computer?

A: Yes, you can use both tablets with the same computer. However, you’ll need to switch between them using the driver software.