Quick Overview
- On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G640 adopts a more traditional design, with a black, rectangular tablet and a textured surface.
- If you prioritize a premium design, excellent pen performance, and a customizable workflow, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is the clear winner.
- However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a decent set of features, the XP-Pen Star G640 is a solid choice.
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 range are the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium and the XP-Pen Star G640. Both offer a compelling set of features, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Approaches
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black, rectangular tablet with rounded corners. Its large active area of 10.6″ x 6.25″ provides ample space for drawing and navigating. The tablet itself is lightweight and sturdy, with a textured surface that offers a comfortable grip.
On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G640 adopts a more traditional design, with a black, rectangular tablet and a textured surface. Its active area is slightly smaller at 9.8″ x 6.1″, but still offers sufficient space for most drawing tasks. The Star G640 is also lightweight and durable, but its design might feel less premium compared to the Xencelabs Medium.
Pen Performance: Precision and Responsiveness
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens, offering a natural drawing experience. The Xencelabs Pen is known for its excellent pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels, providing a wide range of line weights and shading options. Its low parallax and smooth pen tip ensure accurate and responsive strokes.
The XP-Pen Star G640’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity as well, delivering a comparable drawing experience. However, some users have reported slight lag or jitter in certain applications. This difference in pen performance might be subtle, but it can be crucial for detailed work and precise sketching.
Button and Shortcut Customization: Streamlining Your Workflow
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a customizable side switch and two customizable buttons on the pen. This allows you to assign frequently used actions, such as undo, redo, or brush size adjustment, to these buttons, streamlining your workflow. The tablet also comes with a separate ExpressKeys remote, featuring eight customizable buttons for even more shortcuts.
The XP-Pen Star G640 provides six customizable buttons on the pen and eight customizable buttons on the tablet. This gives you ample options for customizing your shortcuts, but it lacks the dedicated ExpressKeys remote. While the Star G640’s button configuration is convenient, it might not be as versatile as the Xencelabs Medium’s setup.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Both the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium and the XP-Pen Star G640 offer USB connectivity, ensuring a simple and straightforward setup. They are compatible with Windows and macOS, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Both tablets also support various drawing programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Software and Drivers: Enhancing Your Drawing Experience
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium comes bundled with its own driver software, providing additional features like pen customization, shortcut mapping, and tablet configuration. The driver is known for its stability and ease of use.
The XP-Pen Star G640 also includes driver software, offering similar features like pen customization and shortcut mapping. However, some users have reported occasional driver issues or compatibility problems with specific applications.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is priced slightly higher than the XP-Pen Star G640. This price difference reflects the added features and premium build quality of the Xencelabs tablet. However, the XP-Pen Star G640 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious users who prioritize functionality over bells and whistles.
The Verdict: A Matter of Preference and Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium and the XP-Pen Star G640 boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a premium design, excellent pen performance, and a customizable workflow, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a decent set of features, the XP-Pen Star G640 is a solid choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium and the XP-Pen Star G640 are excellent choices, it’s worth exploring other options in the market. Consider factors like active area size, pen pressure sensitivity, button customization, and software compatibility to find the perfect tablet for your needs.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: For professional artists who value precision, responsiveness, and a customizable workflow, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is generally considered a better choice. Its superior pen performance and comprehensive software features can enhance your creative process.
Q: Which tablet is more affordable?
A: The XP-Pen Star G640 is priced lower than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, making it a more affordable option.
Q: Which tablet is best for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The XP-Pen Star G640 provides a good balance of features and affordability, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a more premium experience with its excellent pen performance and customizable buttons.
Q: Which tablet has better driver software?
A: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium’s driver software is generally considered more stable and user-friendly. However, the XP-Pen Star G640’s driver software offers similar features and might work well for some users.
Q: Which tablet is best for graphic design?
A: Both tablets are suitable for graphic design. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium’s larger active area and customizable buttons can be advantageous for intricate designs, while the XP-Pen Star G640’s affordability and decent pen performance make it a viable option for graphic designers on a budget.
