Main points
- The Wacom Intuos Pro S boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a textured surface for a secure grip.
- The XP-Pen Star G960S, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a larger footprint and a textured black plastic surface.
- Both the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Wacom Intuos Pro S boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a textured surface for a secure grip. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport. The XP-Pen Star G960S, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a larger footprint and a textured black plastic surface. While it’s not as portable as the Intuos Pro S, it offers a more stable and comfortable drawing experience. Both tablets have four customizable buttons on their surface, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions.
Active Area and Resolution
The Intuos Pro S offers a smaller active area of 6.25 x 3.9 inches, making it ideal for users with limited desk space. It features a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), providing precise linework and detail. The Star G960S, however, boasts a more generous active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, offering ample space for creative expression. Its resolution of 5080 LPI matches the Intuos Pro S, ensuring comparable accuracy and detail.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
Both tablets excel in pressure sensitivity, offering 8192 levels for natural and expressive brushstrokes. The Wacom Intuos Pro S utilizes a Wacom-branded pen with a comfortable grip and two customizable side buttons. The XP-Pen Star G960S comes with a passive pen that doesn’t require batteries, offering a lightweight and responsive drawing experience. Both pens deliver a smooth and accurate drawing experience, with minimal lag or jitter.
Driver and Software Support
Wacom is renowned for its user-friendly drivers and software, and the Intuos Pro S is no exception. The Wacom drivers offer a wide range of customization options, including pressure sensitivity settings, pen customization, and shortcut assignments. XP-Pen has also made significant strides in driver and software development, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for the Star G960S. The XP-Pen drivers offer similar customization options to Wacom, ensuring a smooth and intuitive workflow.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The Wacom Intuos Pro S connects to your computer via USB-C, offering a reliable and high-speed connection. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice for various users. The XP-Pen Star G960S also connects via USB-C, ensuring a stable and fast connection. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and even Android devices, making it a more flexible option for those who prefer to draw on the go.
Price and Value
The Wacom Intuos Pro S is priced slightly higher than the XP-Pen Star G960S, reflecting its brand recognition and premium features. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S offers exceptional value for its price, providing a comprehensive set of features at an affordable price point. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your budget and specific needs.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths:
Wacom Intuos Pro S:
- Strengths: Premium brand recognition, sleek and compact design, excellent driver and software support, compatible with a wide range of creative software.
- Weaknesses: Smaller active area, higher price point.
XP-Pen Star G960S:
- Strengths: Larger active area, excellent value for money, battery-free pen, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android devices.
- Weaknesses: Less established brand, slightly less polished software experience.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, brand recognition, and premium software support, the Wacom Intuos Pro S is a solid choice. However, if you value a larger active area, affordability, and compatibility with multiple devices, the XP-Pen Star G960S is a compelling alternative.
The Final Word: A Journey of Artistic Expression
Choosing a drawing tablet is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs and preferences. Both the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Star G960S offer a compelling path to artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding artist, these tablets empower you to unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S’s larger active area and affordable price point might make it a more appealing option for those starting out.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro S might be a better choice for professional artists who prioritize brand recognition, premium software support, and a sleek design. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S can still deliver professional-level results at a more affordable price.
Q: Are both tablets compatible with Photoshop and Illustrator?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Q: Which tablet has better pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and expressive drawing experience.
Q: Which tablet is better for drawing on the go?
A: The XP-Pen Star G960S is a more portable option due to its larger active area and compatibility with Android devices.
