Highlights
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro M boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a compact footprint that makes it ideal for smaller workspaces.
- The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to the stylus, and it’s a crucial factor in determining the drawing experience.
- Both the Deco Pro M and Star G960S Plus are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS, providing a wide range of options for users across different platforms.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the XP-Pen Deco Pro M and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two tablets, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Deco Pro M boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a compact footprint that makes it ideal for smaller workspaces. Its textured surface provides a comfortable drawing experience, while the integrated pen holder keeps your stylus within easy reach. The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, features a more traditional rectangular design with a larger active area. Its textured surface offers a similar level of comfort, and it includes a dedicated pen holder on the side.
Both tablets are built with durable materials and feel solid in hand. The Deco Pro M’s slim profile makes it slightly more portable, while the Star G960S Plus offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two comes down to personal preference regarding design aesthetics and portability.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to the stylus, and it’s a crucial factor in determining the drawing experience. The Deco Pro M offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, which is ideal for casual sketching and note-taking. This size provides ample space for basic drawing tasks without feeling too overwhelming.
The Star G960S Plus steps up the game with a larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area. This expansive space is perfect for more intricate drawings, digital painting, and graphic design. The larger active area gives you more room to maneuver your stylus and allows for greater precision.
Both tablets offer a resolution of 5080 LPI, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking of your pen movements. This resolution translates to a responsive and natural drawing experience, with minimal lag or jitter.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
The pressure sensitivity of a drawing tablet determines how accurately it translates the force you apply to the stylus into digital strokes. Both the Deco Pro M and Star G960S Plus feature 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is considered industry-standard for professional-grade tablets. This high level of sensitivity allows for subtle nuances in line thickness and brush strokes, creating a more realistic and expressive drawing experience.
Both tablets utilize a passive stylus that requires no batteries or charging. The Deco Pro M’s pen boasts a comfortable grip and eight customizable buttons, while the Star G960S Plus’s pen features a more traditional design with two programmable buttons. Both pens offer a natural and responsive feel, allowing for precise control over your digital artwork.
Compatibility and Software
Both the Deco Pro M and Star G960S Plus are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS, providing a wide range of options for users across different platforms. The tablets also work seamlessly with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Both tablets come bundled with driver software that allows for customization of pen settings, button assignments, and other tablet-specific features. The software provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to adjust settings to suit your individual needs.
Price and Value
The XP-Pen Deco Pro M is generally priced lower than the Star G960S Plus. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who are looking for a good entry-level drawing tablet. The Star G960S Plus, while slightly more expensive, offers a larger active area and additional features, justifying the price difference for users who prioritize space and functionality.
Who Should Choose the Deco Pro M?
The XP-Pen Deco Pro M is a great choice for:
- Beginners: Its affordable price and compact size make it an ideal starting point for anyone new to digital drawing.
- Casual users: If you primarily use your tablet for sketching, note-taking, or occasional drawing, the Deco Pro M’s smaller active area will suffice.
- Students and educators: The Deco Pro M’s portability and affordability make it a practical choice for students and educators who need a reliable drawing tablet for classroom use.
Who Should Choose the Star G960S Plus?
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is a better fit for:
- Professional artists and designers: Its larger active area and advanced features make it suitable for intricate artwork, digital painting, and graphic design.
- Serious hobbyists: If you enjoy detailed drawing and want a tablet that can keep up with your artistic ambitions, the Star G960S Plus is an excellent option.
- Users with limited desk space: The Star G960S Plus’s larger active area allows you to draw comfortably without feeling cramped, even on smaller desks.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The XP-Pen Deco Pro M offers a great value for casual users and beginners, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus provides a more robust and feature-rich experience for professional artists and serious hobbyists.
Consider your budget, the type of artwork you create, and your preferred drawing style when making your decision. Both tablets offer excellent performance and value, making them solid contenders in the digital drawing tablet market.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use the XP-Pen Deco Pro M or Star G960S Plus with my smartphone?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with Android devices via USB-C connection. However, you may need to download a specific app to ensure proper functionality.
Q: Is the pen pressure sensitivity on both tablets accurate?
A: Yes, both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a highly responsive and accurate drawing experience.
Q: What are the main differences between the Deco Pro M and Star G960S Plus?
A: The Star G960S Plus has a larger active area, a more traditional design, and additional programmable buttons on the pen. The Deco Pro M is more compact and affordable, with a minimalist design and eight customizable buttons on the pen.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The XP-Pen Deco Pro M is a better choice for beginners due to its affordability, compact size, and user-friendly design.
Q: Can I use both tablets with Photoshop and other drawing software?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
