Highlights
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the H420x and G960S offer impressive pen performance.
- The G960S also features customizable buttons, but it has six on the pen and two on the tablet, providing a slightly different layout.
- Both the H420x and G960S are compatible with Windows and macOS, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners navigating the world of digital art. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Huion Inspiroy H420x and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both tablets offer compelling features and affordability, making the decision even more challenging. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet, helping you make an informed choice based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion Inspiroy H420x and XP-Pen Star G960S share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a sleek and compact form factor. Both tablets come with a black, textured surface for a comfortable grip and a streamlined appearance. However, the H420x boasts a slightly larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches compared to the G960S’s 9.7 x 6.5 inches. This extra drawing space can be beneficial for artists who prefer a more expansive canvas.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The H420x’s plastic body is slightly lighter than the G960S, which might be a preference for some users. Both tablets come with a pen holder for convenient storage, ensuring your stylus is always within reach.
Pen Performance and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the H420x and G960S offer impressive pen performance. Both tablets feature battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced and precise strokes. This high level of sensitivity ensures a natural and responsive drawing experience, capturing subtle pressure variations and delivering smooth transitions between lines.
However, the H420x’s pen boasts a slightly higher report rate of 233 PPS compared to the G960S’s 200 PPS. This means the H420x can capture more data points per second, resulting in smoother and more fluid lines, particularly for fast drawing strokes.
Buttons and Customization
Both tablets offer customizable buttons for a personalized workflow. The H420x comes with eight customizable buttons: two on the pen and six on the tablet. This allows for easy access to frequently used functions like undo, redo, and brush size adjustment. The G960S also features customizable buttons, but it has six on the pen and two on the tablet, providing a slightly different layout.
The choice between these button configurations depends on your individual preferences and how you like to work. Some artists may prefer more buttons on the tablet for easier access, while others might find the pen buttons more intuitive.
Software and Compatibility
Both the H420x and G960S are compatible with Windows and macOS, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The H420x comes bundled with the Huion Driver software, which offers a user-friendly interface for customizing pen settings, buttons, and other tablet options. The G960S also includes a driver software, XP-Pen Artist, with similar functionality.
Both tablets are compatible with popular digital art software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. Both also support the use of shortcut keys for even greater efficiency.
Price and Value
The Huion Inspiroy H420x and XP-Pen Star G960S are both incredibly affordable drawing tablets, offering excellent value for their respective price points. The H420x is typically priced lower than the G960S, making it a more budget-friendly option.
However, it’s important to consider the overall value proposition. While the H420x might be cheaper, its higher report rate and extra drawing space can justify its slightly higher price tag for some users. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Drawing Experience: A Comparative Analysis
Both the H420x and G960S deliver a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The high pressure sensitivity allows for nuanced linework and precise brush strokes. The pen feels comfortable in hand, providing a natural and intuitive drawing experience.
However, the H420x’s higher report rate provides a slightly smoother and more fluid drawing experience, especially when working with fast strokes. This can be particularly noticeable for artists working with digital ink or brush techniques that require a high degree of precision and responsiveness.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The choice between the Huion Inspiroy H420x and the XP-Pen Star G960S boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a larger drawing area, a higher report rate, and a wider range of customizable buttons, the H420x might be the better choice. However, if you value a more compact design and prefer the pen button layout of the G960S, it could be a more suitable option.
Ultimately, both tablets offer excellent value for their respective price points and can be excellent choices for beginners and experienced artists alike. It’s recommended to try both tablets if possible to see which one feels more comfortable and intuitive for your drawing style.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison
While this comparison focuses on the H420x and G960S, it’s important to remember that the world of drawing tablets is vast and ever-evolving. As you explore your options, consider factors like active area, pressure sensitivity, pen technology, software compatibility, and your personal budget.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tablets and find the one that best complements your artistic vision and workflow. The journey of discovering the perfect drawing tablet is just as rewarding as the art itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these tablets compatible with smartphones or tablets?
No, both the H420x and G960S are designed for desktop use and are not compatible with smartphones or tablets.
2. What kind of pen nibs do these tablets use?
Both tablets use standard pen nibs that can be easily replaced. You can find replacement nibs online or at art supply stores.
3. Do these tablets require drivers to function?
Yes, both tablets require drivers to be installed on your computer for proper functionality. The drivers provide essential features like pen customization, button configuration, and pressure sensitivity settings.
4. Are there any other drawing tablets in this price range that I should consider?
Yes, there are several other drawing tablets available in a similar price range. Some popular alternatives include the XP-Pen Artist 12, the Wacom Intuos Small, and the Huion Inspiroy H640P. It’s recommended to research these options and compare their features to find the best fit for your needs.
5. Can I use these tablets for other activities besides drawing?
Yes, these tablets can be used for a variety of activities beyond drawing, such as photo editing, graphic design, animation, and even writing. The pressure sensitivity and customizable buttons make them versatile tools for various creative tasks.
