At a Glance
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme.
- On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S adopts a more traditional design, with a black and red color combination and a slightly thicker profile.
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW is slightly more expensive than the Star G960S, but it offers a more premium feature set, including wireless connectivity and a larger active area.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both tablets offer compelling features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme. The tablet’s surface is smooth and responsive, providing a comfortable drawing experience. On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S adopts a more traditional design, with a black and red color combination and a slightly thicker profile. While its design may not be as sleek as the Deco Pro MW, it still feels sturdy and well-built.
Active Area and Pressure Sensitivity: Finding the Right Balance
Both tablets offer a decent active area, with the Deco Pro MW providing a slightly larger drawing surface at 10 x 6.25 inches compared to the Star G960S’s 9.45 x 5.63 inches. This difference might be significant for artists who prefer a spacious drawing area, especially for large-scale projects. In terms of pressure sensitivity, both tablets feature 8192 levels, ensuring accurate and responsive stroke detection. However, the Deco Pro MW boasts a slightly faster response time, making it ideal for artists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their strokes.
Pen and Buttons: A Closer Look at Functionality
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW comes equipped with the P03S pen, which features a pressure-sensitive tip and two side buttons. These buttons can be customized to perform various functions, such as switching brushes, erasing, or zooming. The Star G960S, on the other hand, utilizes the P01 pen, which also features pressure sensitivity and two side buttons. While both pens offer a comfortable grip, the P03S pen on the Deco Pro MW might feel slightly more responsive and accurate due to its slightly improved technology.
Software and Drivers: Seamless Integration for Creative Flow
Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. They also come with XP-Pen’s own driver software, which allows you to customize pen settings, calibrate the tablet, and access additional features. The drivers are generally user-friendly and provide a smooth integration with your chosen software.
Connectivity: Wired vs Wireless Freedom
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW features both wired and wireless connectivity options, giving you the flexibility to choose the best option for your workflow. The tablet can be connected to your computer via USB cable or wirelessly using the included Bluetooth receiver. The Star G960S, on the other hand, solely relies on a wired USB connection. While the wireless option on the Deco Pro MW offers greater freedom of movement, it might require more frequent charging of the pen.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW is slightly more expensive than the Star G960S, but it offers a more premium feature set, including wireless connectivity and a larger active area. The Star G960S, however, is a more affordable option that still delivers a great drawing experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and individual needs.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Features and Considerations
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW features a unique “MW” technology that allows you to use the tablet as a wireless mouse. This feature can be particularly handy for navigating your computer or browsing the web. The Star G960S, on the other hand, lacks this functionality. Additionally, the Deco Pro MW comes with a built-in screen protector, while the Star G960S requires you to purchase a separate screen protector.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Artistic Journey
Both the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets that offer impressive features and affordability. The Deco Pro MW stands out with its sleek design, wireless connectivity, and larger active area, making it a great choice for artists who prioritize versatility and freedom of movement. The Star G960S, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a solid drawing experience with its reliable performance and comfortable pen.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and artistic preferences. If you value wireless connectivity, a larger drawing surface, and a premium design, the Deco Pro MW is the way to go. If you are looking for a more affordable option with solid performance, the Star G960S is a great choice.
A Final Word: Embarking on Your Artistic Adventures
No matter which tablet you choose, both the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S offer a great starting point for your artistic journey. They provide a responsive and accurate drawing experience, allowing you to unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life. Remember, the best tablet is the one that fits your needs and inspires you to create.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: Are these tablets compatible with Macs?
A1: Yes, both the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q2: Do these tablets require a battery for the pen?
A2: No, both tablets feature a passive pen technology, meaning they do not require batteries.
Q3: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A3: While these tablets are primarily designed for drawing and sketching, they can also be used for photo editing, especially for tasks like retouching, masking, and applying effects.
Q4: What is the warranty period for these tablets?
A4: Both the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S come with a one-year warranty.
Q5: What are some other drawing tablets I should consider?
A5: Some other popular drawing tablets worth considering include the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and Wacom Intuos Pro.
