Wacom Intuos Pro Small vs XP-Pen Star G960: Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the market are the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the **XP-Pen Star G960**. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for artists, designers, and digital illustrators. This blog post dives deep into both tablets, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget best.

Wacom Intuos Pro Small: The Industry Standard

Wacom has long been a dominant force in the drawing tablet market, renowned for its precision and responsiveness. The Intuos Pro Small, despite its compact size, packs a punch with its advanced features and user-friendly design.

Key Features of the Wacom Intuos Pro Small:

• Pressure Sensitivity: The Intuos Pro Small boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering exceptional control and nuance in your strokes.
• Pen Technology: The included Wacom Pro Pen 2 is a marvel of engineering, featuring a natural feel and near-zero lag. It offers tilt recognition and side-switch buttons for added functionality.
• Ergonomic Design: The sleek, compact design of the Intuos Pro Small is comfortable to use for extended periods. Its textured surface provides a secure grip, preventing accidental slips.
• ExpressKeys and Touch Ring: The tablet features customizable ExpressKeys and a Touch Ring, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions and tools.
• Software Compatibility: The Intuos Pro Small seamlessly integrates with popular creative software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
• Wacom Drivers: Wacom’s driver software offers advanced customization options, including pen settings, pressure sensitivity curves, and custom shortcuts.

XP-Pen Star G960: The Budget-Friendly Challenger

XP-Pen has emerged as a strong competitor in the drawing tablet market, offering high-quality products at competitive prices. The Star G960 is a testament to their commitment to affordability without compromising on performance.

Key Features of the XP-Pen Star G960:

• Pressure Sensitivity: The Star G960 boasts a respectable 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
• Pen Technology: The included battery-free pen offers excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, delivering a natural drawing feel.
• Large Active Area: The Star G960 boasts a large active area of 9.6″ x 5.4″, providing ample space for creative expression.
• Affordable Price: The Star G960 is significantly more affordable than the Wacom Intuos Pro Small, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists.
• Software Compatibility: The Star G960 is compatible with a wide range of creative software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
• Driver Software: XP-Pen provides driver software for customization, allowing you to adjust pen settings, pressure sensitivity, and configure shortcut keys.

Wacom Intuos Pro Small vs XP-Pen Star G960: A Detailed Comparison

1. Performance and Precision:

Both tablets excel in terms of performance and precision. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small‘s advanced pen technology and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity deliver exceptional responsiveness and control. The XP-Pen Star G960, despite being more affordable, also offers impressive pressure sensitivity and a smooth drawing experience.

2. Pen Technology:

The Wacom Pro Pen 2, included with the Intuos Pro Small, is a premium pen with a natural feel and near-zero lag. Its tilt recognition and side-switch buttons provide added functionality. The XP-Pen Star G960’s pen is also battery-free and offers excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, but it lacks the advanced features of the Wacom Pro Pen 2.

3. Design and Ergonomics:

The Wacom Intuos Pro Small boasts a sleek, compact design that is comfortable to use for extended periods. Its textured surface provides a secure grip, preventing accidental slips. The XP-Pen Star G960, while functional, lacks the premium feel and ergonomic design of the Intuos Pro Small.

4. Software and Drivers:

Both tablets offer comprehensive driver software for customization. Wacom’s driver software is more advanced, providing more granular control over pen settings, pressure sensitivity curves, and custom shortcuts. XP-Pen’s driver software is user-friendly and provides essential customization options.

5. Price and Value:

The XP-Pen Star G960 is significantly more affordable than the Wacom Intuos Pro Small. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious artists and beginners. However, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small offers premium features and a more polished user experience, justifying its higher price tag.

Choosing the Right Tablet: A Verdict

The choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.

• If you’re a professional artist or designer seeking the best possible performance and precision, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small is the ideal choice. Its advanced pen technology, customizable features, and seamless integration with creative software make it a top-tier option.

• If you’re a budget-conscious artist or beginner, the XP-Pen Star G960 offers excellent value for money. Its large active area, impressive pressure sensitivity, and affordability make it a compelling choice for those starting their digital art journey.

Beyond the Comparison: Other Factors to Consider

• Drawing Style: Consider your preferred drawing style. If you primarily work with detailed line art or require precise control, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small might be a better fit. If you prefer a more free-flowing style, the XP-Pen Star G960 can still deliver excellent results.
• Software Requirements: Ensure the tablet you choose is compatible with your preferred creative software. Both the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are compatible with popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
• Active Area: The active area refers to the drawing surface of the tablet. The XP-Pen Star G960 offers a larger active area, which can be beneficial for those who prefer more space to work.
• Additional Features: Consider features like ExpressKeys, Touch Rings, and pen buttons, as they can enhance your workflow and productivity.

A Final Word: The Power of Choice

Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering your budget, drawing style, and software requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the tablet that empowers you to unleash your creativity.

Information You Need to Know

1. Is the Wacom Intuos Pro Small compatible with Macs?

Yes, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

2. Does the XP-Pen Star G960 require a battery for its pen?

No, the XP-Pen Star G960’s pen is battery-free, providing a hassle-free drawing experience.

3. Can I customize the shortcut keys on both tablets?

Yes, both the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 allow you to customize the shortcut keys through their driver software.

4. Which tablet is better for beginners?

For beginners, the XP-Pen Star G960 is a more budget-friendly option that offers excellent performance and features for learning digital art.

5. Are there any other drawing tablets worth considering?

Yes, there are many other excellent drawing tablets available, such as the Huion Kamvas Pro 13, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, and the Wacom Cintiq 16. Consider researching these options based on your specific requirements and budget.