Highlights
- The Deco L, on the other hand, offers a more vibrant design with a variety of color options, including black, blue, and pink.
- The VK1560 Pro utilizes a durable plastic casing, while the Deco L incorporates a combination of plastic and metal, giving it a slightly more premium feel.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the VK1560 Pro and the Deco L come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural and responsive drawing experience.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Veikk Studio VK1560 Pro and the XP-Pen Deco L. Both offer a compelling combination of features and affordability, making them attractive to aspiring artists, designers, and digital illustrators. But which one emerges as the champion? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Veikk Studio VK1560 Pro and the XP-Pen Deco L boast sleek and modern designs that are comfortable to use. The VK1560 Pro features a black, minimalist aesthetic with a textured surface for enhanced grip. It’s relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to take on the go.
The Deco L, on the other hand, offers a more vibrant design with a variety of color options, including black, blue, and pink. It also features a textured surface, but with a slightly different pattern compared to the VK1560 Pro. The Deco L is slightly larger and heavier than the VK1560 Pro, but it still remains compact and portable.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The VK1560 Pro utilizes a durable plastic casing, while the Deco L incorporates a combination of plastic and metal, giving it a slightly more premium feel.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to pen input. The VK1560 Pro offers a generous 10 x 6.25-inch active area, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. This larger active area can be particularly beneficial for artists who prefer a more expansive canvas.
The Deco L, on the other hand, boasts a smaller 9.8 x 6.1-inch active area. While still sufficient for most users, it may feel slightly cramped for those accustomed to larger drawing surfaces.
In terms of resolution, both tablets offer a respectable 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch). This high resolution ensures precise pen strokes and accurate line work.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the VK1560 Pro and the Deco L come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural and responsive drawing experience.
The VK1560 Pro’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and subtle variations in line thickness. It also includes tilt support, enabling you to create dynamic brush strokes by tilting the pen.
The Deco L’s pen offers a similar level of pressure sensitivity with 8192 levels, but it lacks tilt support. While this may not be a deal-breaker for all users, it can limit the expressiveness of your artwork.
Both pens are battery-free and require no charging, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Driver and Software Support
Both Veikk and XP-Pen offer dedicated drivers for their tablets, providing customization options and ensuring compatibility with various software applications. The Veikk Studio VK1560 Pro’s driver is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface, allowing you to configure settings like pen pressure, pen speed, and shortcut keys.
The XP-Pen Deco L’s driver is also user-friendly and provides similar customization options. It also includes a feature called “Pen Calibration,” which allows you to fine-tune the pen’s accuracy to your liking.
Both drivers are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The ergonomics of a drawing tablet are crucial for long drawing sessions. Both the VK1560 Pro and the Deco L offer comfortable designs that minimize fatigue. The VK1560 Pro’s slightly smaller size may be more comfortable for users with smaller hands, while the Deco L’s larger surface area provides ample room for hand movement.
Both tablets feature textured surfaces that provide a good grip and prevent the pen from slipping. The VK1560 Pro’s textured surface is slightly more pronounced, offering a more tactile experience.
Additional Features
The VK1560 Pro includes a few additional features that might appeal to some users. It comes with a built-in screen protector, protecting the tablet’s surface from scratches. It also features eight customizable shortcut keys on the tablet’s side, allowing you to quickly access frequently used functions.
The Deco L, on the other hand, doesn’t include a screen protector or shortcut keys. However, it comes with a carrying case, making it easier to transport.
Price and Value
Both the Veikk Studio VK1560 Pro and the XP-Pen Deco L are priced competitively, making them accessible to a wide range of users. The VK1560 Pro typically retails for slightly less than the Deco L, offering excellent value for its features.
The Verdict: Which Drawing Tablet Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations:
- Active Area: If you need a larger drawing surface, the VK1560 Pro’s 10 x 6.25-inch active area is a better choice.
- Pen Tilt Support: The VK1560 Pro’s pen supports tilt, offering a more expressive drawing experience.
- Shortcut Keys: The VK1560 Pro’s eight shortcut keys can enhance workflow efficiency.
- Price: The VK1560 Pro is generally more affordable than the Deco L.
If you prioritize a larger drawing surface, pen tilt support, and shortcut keys, the Veikk Studio VK1560 Pro is the better option. However, if you prefer a vibrant design, a carrying case, and don’t require tilt support, the XP-Pen Deco L is a solid choice.
The Final Say: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Veikk Studio VK1560 Pro and the XP-Pen Deco L are excellent drawing tablets that provide a smooth and responsive drawing experience. They both offer a compelling combination of features and affordability, making them ideal choices for aspiring artists and professionals alike. The VK1560 Pro edges out the Deco L with its larger active area, pen tilt support, and shortcut keys, making it a slightly more versatile and feature-rich option. However, the Deco L remains a strong contender with its vibrant design, carrying case, and competitive price. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I use these drawing tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
A: Both the VK1560 Pro and the Deco L are primarily designed for use with computers. They are not compatible with smartphones or tablets.
Q: What kind of pen nibs do these tablets use?
A: Both tablets use standard pen nibs that can be easily replaced. You can find replacement nibs from the respective manufacturers or from third-party retailers.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with macOS?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with macOS. You can download the appropriate drivers from the Veikk and XP-Pen websites.
Q: What is the warranty period for these tablets?
A: Both Veikk and XP-Pen offer a one-year warranty on their tablets.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets in this price range that I should consider?
A: Yes, there are several other drawing tablets in the budget-friendly category that you might want to explore, such as the Huion H610 Pro, the XP-Pen Artist 12, and the Wacom Intuos Small.
