Quick summary
- This compact tablet boasts a sleek design and a focus on pressure sensitivity and natural pen feel.
- The Xencelabs Pen’s ergonomic design and additional side buttons give it a slight edge for those seeking a more customized and comfortable drawing experience.
- Its built-in display offers an immersive and convenient drawing experience, making it a preferred choice for artists who enjoy a screen-based workflow.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel like navigating a labyrinth of features and specs. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6. Both offer a compelling blend of affordability and performance, but which one emerges as the champion for your creative journey? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: This compact tablet boasts a sleek design and a focus on pressure sensitivity and natural pen feel. It’s a popular choice for artists who prioritize precise control and a comfortable drawing experience.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6: This larger, display-equipped tablet offers a more immersive drawing experience. Its expansive active area and vibrant display make it a favorite among digital artists who prefer a screen-based workflow.
Round 1: Design and Build
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a testament to minimalist design. Its sleek, black surface and compact size make it perfect for travel or limited desk space. The tablet’s smooth, textured surface provides a comfortable drawing experience, and the included pen holder keeps your tools organized.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 boasts a larger footprint, featuring a 15.6-inch display. Its sleek, modern design incorporates a sturdy stand for comfortable viewing angles. The display’s anti-glare coating enhances visibility, even in bright environments.
Verdict: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small wins this round for its compact design and portability. It’s an excellent choice for artists who prioritize space-saving and travel-friendly features. However, if you prefer a larger workspace and a screen-based workflow, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 takes the lead.
Round 2: Pen Technology and Feel
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Xencelabs Pen is a standout feature. It boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing exceptional nuance and responsiveness. The pen’s ergonomic design and balanced weight promote comfortable drawing sessions, even for extended periods. The inclusion of side buttons adds further customization options for your workflow.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 comes with a PAS133 pen, featuring 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It replicates the feel of traditional pen and paper, making it a natural choice for artists accustomed to pen-based drawing. The pen’s lightweight design and comfortable grip contribute to a smooth drawing experience.
Verdict: Both tablets offer exceptional pen technology, making this round a close call. The Xencelabs Pen‘s ergonomic design and additional side buttons give it a slight edge for those seeking a more customized and comfortable drawing experience.
Round 3: Display and Active Area
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small doesn‘t feature a display. Instead, it relies on a dedicated monitor for viewing your artwork. This approach offers flexibility, allowing you to connect the tablet to any monitor you prefer. The tablet’s active area is 8.5 x 5.3 inches, providing ample space for detailed drawings.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. This immersive display offers a direct view of your artwork, eliminating the need for a separate monitor. The tablet’s large active area of 13.5 x 8.1 inches provides ample space for intricate details and expansive compositions.
Verdict: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 takes the win in this round. Its built-in display offers an immersive and convenient drawing experience, making it a preferred choice for artists who enjoy a screen-based workflow.
Round 4: Connectivity and Software
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a straightforward connection via USB-C. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice for various operating systems. The tablet comes with a driver that allows you to customize pressure sensitivity, pen settings, and other preferences.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 also connects via USB-C. It supports both Windows and macOS, ensuring compatibility across diverse platforms. The tablet comes with a driver that provides extensive customization options, including color profiles, display settings, and pen settings.
Verdict: Both tablets offer seamless connectivity and driver support. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6’s driver offers slightly more extensive customization options, giving it a slight edge in this round.
Round 5: Price and Value
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. Its focus on core features and high-quality pen technology delivers excellent value for the price.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 sits in a slightly higher price range due to its built-in display. However, it still offers excellent value, considering the immersive drawing experience and the expansive active area it provides.
Verdict: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small wins this round for its affordability. It offers a compelling combination of price and performance, making it an excellent choice for artists on a budget.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small if:
- You prioritize a compact and portable design.
- You value a comfortable and precise drawing experience with excellent pressure sensitivity.
- You have a limited budget.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 if:
- You prefer a screen-based workflow and an immersive drawing experience.
- You need a large active area for detailed drawings and expansive compositions.
- You’re willing to invest in a tablet with a built-in display.
Beyond the Battle: Exploring Other Options
While the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 are excellent choices, the world of drawing tablets offers a diverse range of options. Consider exploring tablets with different screen sizes, pressure sensitivity levels, and features to find the perfect match for your creative style and workflow.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small with my existing monitor?
A: Yes, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small works with any monitor you choose. You can connect it to your laptop screen, a dedicated drawing monitor, or even a TV.
Q: Does the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 come with a stand?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 includes a sturdy stand that allows you to adjust the viewing angle for optimal comfort.
Q: Can I customize the pen settings on both tablets?
A: Yes, both tablets offer driver software that allows you to customize pen settings, including pressure sensitivity, pen tip size, and button functions.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a more affordable entry point, while the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16.6 provides a more immersive and screen-based experience for those who prefer a digital canvas.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets worth considering?
A: Yes, there are many other excellent drawing tablets available, including the Wacom Intuos Pro, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro. Researching various options will help you find the perfect tablet for your needs.
