Summary
- Two popular contenders in the market are the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12.
- The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a larger active area.
- The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers an excellent value proposition, providing a larger active area, a built-in display, and a competitive price point.
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 Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12. Both tablets offer compelling features and cater to different needs, making it challenging to decide which one best suits your artistic endeavors.
This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two drawing tablets, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences. We’ll explore their design, performance, pressure sensitivity, features, and overall value, providing you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small stands out with its minimalist and sleek design. It’s compact and lightweight, making it highly portable. The tablet’s surface is smooth and provides a comfortable drawing experience. The buttons are strategically placed for easy access and customization.
The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a larger active area. It’s a bit heavier than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small but still remains manageable. The Artist 12 comes with an adjustable stand, allowing you to customize the drawing angle to your preference.
Active Area and Display
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boasts a smaller active area compared to the XP-Pen Artist 12. This can be a drawback for artists who prefer a larger drawing space. However, the smaller size makes it more compact and portable.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers a larger active area, providing ample space for detailed drawings. It also comes with a 11.6-inch full HD display, offering a more immersive and responsive drawing experience. The display allows you to see your artwork directly on the tablet, eliminating the need for constant screen switching.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens, providing natural and responsive drawing experiences. The Xencelabs Pen Small features a pressure sensitivity level of 8192, offering a high level of accuracy and responsiveness. The pen itself is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with customizable buttons for shortcuts.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 also features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring smooth and accurate strokes. The pen comes with a battery-free design, eliminating the need for charging. It also features eight customizable buttons for enhanced control.
Features and Software
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small comes bundled with a range of software, including the popular Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. It also includes a dedicated driver that provides advanced customization options for pen settings, button mapping, and more.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 also offers a comprehensive driver with customizable settings for pen and tablet configuration. It’s compatible with a wide range of software, including popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Clip Studio Paint.
Price and Value
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is priced higher than the XP-Pen Artist 12. However, its premium design, bundled software, and advanced features justify the price tag for professional artists.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers an excellent value proposition, providing a larger active area, a built-in display, and a competitive price point. It’s a great option for beginners and hobbyists looking for an affordable and feature-rich drawing tablet.
Which Tablet Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is an excellent choice for:
- Professional artists: Its premium design, advanced features, and bundled software make it ideal for professionals who demand the best drawing experience.
- Artists on the go: Its compact size and portability make it a great choice for artists who need to work on the move.
- Artists who prioritize pen performance: The pen’s responsiveness and accuracy are unmatched in this price range.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 is a great option for:
- Beginners and hobbyists: Its affordable price point makes it an accessible entry point into digital art.
- Artists who prefer a larger active area: The larger drawing space is ideal for detailed drawings and illustrations.
- Artists who want a built-in display: The display provides a more immersive and responsive drawing experience.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and XP-Pen Artist 12 are formidable contenders, the world of drawing tablets offers a wide array of choices.
If you’re seeking a larger display: Consider exploring tablets with larger screens, such as the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro or the Huion Kamvas Pro 16. These tablets provide a more immersive and spacious drawing experience.
If portability is your top priority: Look at smaller tablets like the Wacom One Creative Pen Display or the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. These tablets are designed for travel and on-the-go creativity.
If budget is a concern: Explore affordable options like the Huion Inspiroy H640P or the XP-Pen Artist 10S. These tablets offer decent performance at a lower price point.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict Is In
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and artistic goals. Both the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12 offer compelling features and cater to different user profiles.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small excels in its premium design, advanced pen technology, and bundled software, making it a top choice for professional artists. The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, provides an excellent value proposition with its larger active area, built-in display, and affordable price, making it ideal for beginners and hobbyists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The XP-Pen Artist 12 is a better choice for beginners due to its affordability and larger active area.
Q: Which tablet is best for professional artists?
A: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is recommended for professional artists due to its premium design, advanced features, and bundled software.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my Mac?
A: Both tablets are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Q: What are the main differences between the two tablets?
A: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is smaller, more portable, and has a higher-quality pen. The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers a larger active area, a built-in display, and a more affordable price.
Q: Which tablet has better pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets have 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering similar accuracy and responsiveness.
