Huion Kamvas RDS 160 vs XP-Pen Star G960S: A Comprehensive Comparison for Drawing Enthusiasts

Quick Overview

The XP-Pen Star G960S also offers a laminated display with a 72% NTSC color gamut and a 12ms response time.
The pen features a comfortable grip and a responsive tip, providing a natural and precise drawing experience.
However, the additional features, such as multi-touch functionality and a built-in stand, make it a compelling option for those seeking a more versatile drawing tablet.

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 Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the **XP-Pen Star G960S**. Both offer excellent value for money, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget.

In This Guide

Design and Build Quality
Display and Performance
Pen and Pressure Sensitivity
Connectivity and Compatibility
Price and Value

Design and Build Quality

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 boasts a sleek, modern design with a black plastic frame and a thin profile. It features a 15.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 178° viewing angle. The tablet is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for artists who prefer working on the go.

The XP-Pen Star G960S adopts a more traditional design with a thicker frame and a 15.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 178° viewing angle. The tablet is slightly heavier than the Kamvas RDS 160 but still remains relatively portable.

Both tablets feature a textured surface that provides a comfortable drawing experience. The Kamvas RDS 160 comes with a stand that allows for multiple viewing angles, while the Star G960S requires an external stand for similar functionality.

Display and Performance

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 boasts a laminated display, which reduces parallax, resulting in a more natural drawing experience. It offers a 72% NTSC color gamut and a 12ms response time, ensuring smooth and accurate strokes. The tablet also features a 10-point touch input, allowing for intuitive navigation and interaction.

The XP-Pen Star G960S also offers a laminated display with a 72% NTSC color gamut and a 12ms response time. However, it lacks the multi-touch functionality of the Kamvas RDS 160.

Both tablets offer a decent level of color accuracy and responsiveness, making them suitable for a wide range of artistic tasks, including drawing, sketching, and digital painting.

Pen and Pressure Sensitivity

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 comes with the PW507 pen, which offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen features a comfortable grip and a responsive tip, providing a natural and precise drawing experience. It also includes side buttons that can be customized for various functions.

The XP-Pen Star G960S uses the P03 pen, which also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen features a similar grip and tip design to the PW507 pen. However, it lacks the side buttons found on the Huion pen.

Both pens provide excellent pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and accurate line variations.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 connects to your computer via a USB-C port, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. It is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems and supports various creative software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.

The XP-Pen Star G960S also connects via a USB-C port and is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. It supports the same creative software as the Kamvas RDS 160.

Both tablets offer reliable connectivity and compatibility with popular creative software.

Price and Value

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 is generally priced slightly higher than the **XP-Pen Star G960S**. However, the additional features, such as multi-touch functionality and a built-in stand, make it a compelling option for those seeking a more versatile drawing tablet.

The XP-Pen Star G960S offers excellent value for money, especially for those who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.

Pros and Cons

Huion Kamvas RDS 160

Pros:

Laminated display with reduced parallax
Multi-touch functionality
Built-in stand for adjustable viewing angles
Comfortable pen with side buttons

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than the Star G960S

XP-Pen Star G960S

Pros:

Affordable price
Excellent display quality
Responsive pen

Cons:

Lack of multi-touch functionality
Requires an external stand for adjustable viewing angles
Pen lacks side buttons

Choosing the Right Tablet

Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Consider these factors:

Budget: The XP-Pen Star G960S is more affordable, while the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 offers more features for a slightly higher price.
Multi-touch Functionality: The Kamvas RDS 160’s multi-touch feature is a valuable addition for intuitive navigation and interaction.
Stand: The Kamvas RDS 160’s built-in stand offers greater flexibility, while the Star G960S requires an external stand.
Pen Features: The Kamvas RDS 160’s pen includes side buttons, which can be customized for various functions.

Drawing Tablet Champion: A Verdict?

Both the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets that offer a great balance of features and affordability. The Kamvas RDS 160 stands out with its multi-touch functionality, built-in stand, and comfortable pen with side buttons, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and feature-rich tablet. The **Star G960S** is a solid option for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and a responsive drawing experience.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Canvas

Choosing the right drawing tablet is a personal decision. Consider your budget, desired features, and workflow to make an informed choice. Both the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Star G960S can unlock your creative potential and elevate your digital art journey.