Huion HS64 vs XP Pen Deco Fun S: Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re a budding artist or designer on a budget, the Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Fun S are two popular contenders that often come up in conversations.

This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, pros, and cons of both tablets to help you make an informed decision. We’ll analyze their performance, design, pressure sensitivity, and other crucial aspects to help you determine which one is the perfect fit for your creative journey.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Tablets

Both the Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Fun S boast a compact and portable design, making them ideal for traveling artists or those with limited desk space. The HS64 features a sleek black finish with a slightly textured surface, while the Deco Fun S comes in a vibrant red or blue, adding a touch of personality to your workspace.

Huion HS64:

• Dimensions: 10.63 x 6.69 inches (active area)
• Weight: 0.55 lbs
• Design: Sleek black with a textured surface
• Build Quality: Solid and durable, but the plastic feels a bit cheap

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Dimensions: 9.76 x 6.49 inches (active area)
• Weight: 0.44 lbs
• Design: Vibrant red or blue, sleek and modern
• Build Quality: Lightweight and sturdy, with a more premium feel

In terms of build quality, the XP-Pen Deco Fun S edges out the HS64 with its slightly more premium feel. The Deco Fun S’s plastic feels more robust and less prone to flexing, while the HS64’s plastic feels a bit more fragile.

Active Area and Resolution: A Close Race

The active area refers to the drawing surface that responds to your pen strokes. A larger active area provides more space for intricate drawings and detailed work.

Huion HS64:

• Active Area: 10.63 x 6.69 inches
• Resolution: 4000 LPI (lines per inch)

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Active Area: 9.76 x 6.49 inches
• Resolution: 5080 LPI

While the HS64 boasts a slightly larger active area, the Deco Fun S compensates with a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, translating to more precise and detailed linework.

Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Performance: A Touch of Realism

Pressure sensitivity is crucial for drawing tablets as it allows for varying line thickness and brush strokes based on the pressure applied.

Huion HS64:

• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Pen: Battery-free, with two buttons

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Pen: Battery-free, with two buttons and an eraser

Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience. However, the Deco Fun S’s pen includes an eraser, which is a significant advantage for artists who prefer a more traditional drawing workflow.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Connecting Seamlessly

Both tablets connect to your computer via USB cable, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. They are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

Huion HS64:

• Connectivity: USB cable
• Compatibility: Windows and macOS

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Connectivity: USB cable
• Compatibility: Windows and macOS

Both tablets offer seamless compatibility and connectivity, making them a good choice for users across different platforms.

Features and Accessories: Adding Value to Your Creative Workflow

Huion HS64:

• Features: None
• Accessories: Pen, USB cable, driver CD

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Features: Optional stand
• Accessories: Pen, USB cable, driver CD, pen holder

The Deco Fun S offers an optional stand for a more ergonomic drawing experience, while the HS64 lacks any additional features. The Deco Fun S also includes a pen holder for convenient storage.

Price and Value: Balancing Performance and Affordability

Huion HS64:

• Price: Generally more affordable

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Price: Slightly more expensive

The HS64 is typically priced lower than the Deco Fun S, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the Deco Fun S offers better build quality, a higher resolution, and a more versatile pen with an eraser, justifying the slightly higher price point.

The Verdict: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Needs

Both the Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Fun S are excellent entry-level drawing tablets that offer a balance of performance and affordability. The choice ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and priorities.

Huion HS64:

• Best for: Budget-conscious artists, those prioritizing a larger active area, and those who don’t need an eraser on the pen.

XP-Pen Deco Fun S:

• Best for: Artists seeking a premium feel, higher resolution, and an eraser on the pen.

Beyond the Comparison: A Deeper Look

While the Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Fun S are great options for beginners, it’s worth exploring other tablets in the same price range. For example, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offers a larger display and more advanced features, while the Huion Kamvas 13 is another excellent option for those seeking a more immersive drawing experience.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Artistic Journey

Choosing the right drawing tablet is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and artistic goals. Whether you choose the Huion HS64 or the XP-Pen Deco Fun S, remember that the most important thing is to find a tablet that inspires you and helps you bring your creative visions to life.

Questions You May Have

Q1: What are the minimum system requirements for these drawing tablets?

A1: Both tablets require a computer with a USB port and a compatible operating system (Windows or macOS). They are generally compatible with most modern computers.

Q2: Can I use these drawing tablets for digital painting?

A2: Yes, both tablets are suitable for digital painting as they offer pressure sensitivity and compatibility with a wide range of drawing software.

Q3: Are there any driver issues with these tablets?

A3: Both Huion and XP-Pen provide drivers for their tablets, which can be downloaded from their respective websites. While driver issues are rare, it’s always a good idea to update the drivers regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Q4: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?

A4: While these tablets can be used for basic photo editing tasks, they may not be ideal for professional-level photo editing due to their limited active area and resolution.

Q5: What are the differences between the Deco Fun S and Deco Fun S2?

A5: The Deco Fun S2 is a newer model that offers a larger active area, a higher resolution, and a more advanced pen with an eraser. It also includes a built-in stand for a more comfortable drawing experience.