At a Glance
- The XP-Pen Star G960S offers a larger active area, making it a more suitable choice for artists who prefer a more spacious canvas.
- However, the XP-Pen Star G960S takes it a step further with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a more nuanced and responsive drawing experience.
- However, it also includes an eraser on the top of the pen, providing a more convenient and efficient way to erase mistakes.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and reliable tablet for digital art, two popular contenders often come up: the Huion HS64 and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both tablets offer excellent value for money, but they also come with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the nuances of each tablet and guide you towards the best choice for your artistic needs.
A Glimpse into the Contenders
Huion HS64: This compact and affordable tablet is a great entry point for beginners. Its small size makes it perfect for travel and portability, while still offering a decent active area for drawing.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The XP-Pen Star G960S offers a larger active area, making it a more suitable choice for artists who prefer a more spacious canvas. It also boasts a pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels, providing a more natural and responsive drawing experience.
Size and Portability: Small vs. Spacious
The Huion HS64 is a compact tablet with a 6.3 x 3.9 inch active area, making it perfect for travel and on-the-go sketching. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to slip into a backpack or laptop bag.
On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S boasts a larger 9.5 x 6.1 inch active area, offering more space for intricate drawings and detailed artwork. While it’s not as portable as the HS64, its size allows for a more comfortable and natural drawing experience.
Pressure Sensitivity: A Deeper Dive
Both tablets offer pressure sensitivity, a crucial feature for digital artists. The Huion HS64 features 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is sufficient for most beginners and casual users. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S takes it a step further with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a more nuanced and responsive drawing experience. This higher level of sensitivity allows for finer control over line thickness and brush strokes, making it ideal for professional artists and those seeking a more realistic drawing experience.
Pen and Buttons: The Tools of the Trade
Both tablets come with a pressure-sensitive pen that offers a comfortable and natural drawing experience. The Huion HS64’s pen features two side buttons that can be customized to perform various functions, such as switching between brushes or undoing actions.
The XP-Pen Star G960S’s pen also features two side buttons, offering similar functionality. However, it also includes an eraser on the top of the pen, providing a more convenient and efficient way to erase mistakes.
Driver and Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Both Huion and XP-Pen offer user-friendly drivers that allow you to customize the tablet settings and configure the pen buttons. They are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and even Android devices. Both companies provide excellent support and regular driver updates, ensuring a smooth and reliable user experience.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Huion HS64 is generally more affordable than the XP-Pen Star G960S, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S offers a more premium experience with its larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and additional features like the eraser. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and specific needs.
The Verdict: A Decision Based on Your Needs
Huion HS64: Ideal for beginners, travelers, and those seeking a compact and affordable option.
XP-Pen Star G960S: A more professional-grade tablet with a larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and additional features, making it suitable for artists of all skill levels.
The Final Word: Beyond the Comparison
Choosing between the Huion HS64 and the XP-Pen Star G960S ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If portability and affordability are your top priorities, the Huion HS64 is a solid choice. However, if you crave a more spacious canvas, higher pressure sensitivity, and additional features, the XP-Pen Star G960S is the better option. Regardless of your choice, both tablets offer excellent value for money and can help you unleash your artistic potential.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
A: While both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS, their compatibility with smartphones and tablets varies. The Huion HS64 is compatible with Android devices, but the XP-Pen Star G960S is not. You’ll need to check the specific product specifications for compatibility with your device.
Q: What software can I use with these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of digital art software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Krita. You can choose the software that best suits your needs and artistic style.
Q: Do these tablets come with a screen protector?
A: Neither tablet comes with a screen protector. However, you can purchase a screen protector separately to protect your tablet from scratches and wear and tear.
Q: Do I need to purchase a pen separately?
A: Both tablets come with a pressure-sensitive pen included in the package. You do not need to purchase a pen separately.
Q: What is the warranty coverage for these tablets?
A: Both Huion and XP-Pen offer a standard warranty period for their tablets. You can find the specific warranty details on their respective websites.
