Quick Overview
- Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Huion H420 and the Wacom One by Wacom Small.
- The Huion H420 and Wacom One by Wacom Small share a similar design philosophy, prioritizing portability and a compact footprint.
- The Wacom One by Wacom Small, on the other hand, features a more minimalist design with a white and gray color scheme.
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 H420 and the Wacom One by Wacom Small. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring artists, digital illustrators, and graphic designers. But which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion H420 and Wacom One by Wacom Small share a similar design philosophy, prioritizing portability and a compact footprint. The Huion H420 boasts a sleek black finish with a textured surface, providing a comfortable grip. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry around, perfect for artists on the go.
The Wacom One by Wacom Small, on the other hand, features a more minimalist design with a white and gray color scheme. Its slightly larger size and heavier weight might make it less portable compared to the Huion H420, but it still remains comfortably compact. Both tablets come with a pen holder integrated into the design, keeping your stylus within easy reach.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the tablet’s responsive surface, where your pen strokes are registered. The Huion H420 offers a generous active area of 6.3 x 4 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. This larger active area allows for more freedom of movement and a more natural drawing experience.
The Wacom One by Wacom Small, however, has a smaller active area of 5.7 x 3.7 inches. While this might feel restrictive for some users, it still provides sufficient space for basic drawing and sketching tasks. Both tablets offer a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring accurate and responsive pen strokes.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen technology plays a crucial role in determining the overall drawing experience. The Huion H420 comes bundled with the PW100 stylus, which offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This level of sensitivity allows for nuanced strokes and subtle variations in line thickness, mimicking the feel of traditional drawing tools.
The Wacom One by Wacom Small also features a pressure-sensitive pen, the Wacom One Creative Pen, with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. While this is slightly lower than the Huion H420, it still offers a decent level of sensitivity for most drawing tasks. Both pens are battery-free and require no charging, providing a hassle-free drawing experience.
Buttons and Functionality
The Huion H420 and Wacom One by Wacom Small offer different button configurations for added functionality. The Huion H420 features six customizable buttons on the pen, allowing you to assign shortcuts for frequently used functions. These buttons can be programmed to perform actions such as switching between brushes, erasing, or undoing strokes.
The Wacom One by Wacom Small, on the other hand, has two buttons on the pen, which can be customized to your liking. While this might seem limited compared to the Huion H420, it still provides enough functionality for basic tasks. Both tablets also support tilt sensitivity, allowing for more natural and expressive strokes.
Software Compatibility and Drivers
Both the Huion H420 and Wacom One by Wacom Small offer excellent software compatibility, working seamlessly with popular drawing applications like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. They also come with dedicated drivers that allow you to customize settings, calibrate the tablet, and configure pen buttons.
The Huion H420 drivers provide a wider range of customization options compared to the Wacom One by Wacom Small drivers. However, both drivers are relatively straightforward to install and use, ensuring a smooth setup process.
Price and Value for Money
When it comes to price, the Huion H420 emerges as the clear winner, offering an incredibly affordable price point. Its budget-friendly price tag makes it an attractive option for beginners and those on a tight budget. The Wacom One by Wacom Small, while slightly more expensive, still remains within the budget-friendly category.
Considering the features and performance offered, both tablets provide excellent value for money. However, the Huion H420 offers a more compelling value proposition due to its lower price point and generous active area.
The Verdict: Which Tablet is Best for You?
Choosing between the Huion H420 and the Wacom One by Wacom Small ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Huion H420 if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You prioritize a larger active area for more drawing freedom.
- You prefer a lightweight and portable tablet.
- You value a higher level of pressure sensitivity.
Choose the Wacom One by Wacom Small if:
- You are looking for a reliable and well-established brand.
- You prefer a compact and minimalist design.
- You prioritize software compatibility and driver stability.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Competition
While both the Huion H420 and the Wacom One by Wacom Small offer impressive features and value for money, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that fits your workflow and artistic style. Experimenting with different tablets and pens can help you discover the best tools to unleash your creativity.
Remember, the journey of digital art is about exploring, learning, and finding what works best for you. Whether you choose the Huion H420, the Wacom One by Wacom Small, or another tablet altogether, embrace the process and let your artistic vision take flight.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use the Huion H420 or Wacom One by Wacom Small with my smartphone?
A: Both tablets are primarily designed for use with computers. However, some models, like the Wacom One by Wacom Small, might have optional accessories for connecting to smartphones.
Q: Do I need to install any special software to use these tablets?
A: Yes, you need to download and install the drivers provided by the manufacturer for both the Huion H420 and Wacom One by Wacom Small. These drivers allow the tablet to communicate with your computer and provide essential features like pen pressure sensitivity.
Q: What are the differences between the Huion PW100 stylus and the Wacom One Creative Pen?
A: The Huion PW100 stylus offers a higher level of pressure sensitivity (8192 levels) compared to the Wacom One Creative Pen (4096 levels). Both pens are battery-free and require no charging.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both the Huion H420 and Wacom One by Wacom Small are excellent choices for beginners. The Huion H420 offers a more affordable price point and a larger active area, making it ideal for learning the basics of digital art. The Wacom One by Wacom Small provides a more polished and user-friendly experience with its well-established brand and software compatibility.
Q: Can I use these tablets for professional work?
A: While these tablets are primarily aimed at beginners and hobbyists, they can be used for professional work, especially in fields like graphic design, illustration, and web design. The level of pressure sensitivity and software compatibility offered by both tablets is sufficient for most professional tasks. However, for more demanding tasks requiring advanced features, professional-grade tablets might be a better choice.
