At a Glance
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the VK1060 and G960S deliver commendable performance.
- The G960S’s driver also provides a range of customization options, but it might feel a bit less intuitive compared to the VK1060’s driver.
- The G960S is a more budget-friendly option, offering a solid drawing experience at a lower price point.
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 segment are the Veikk Creator VK1060 and the **XP-Pen Star G960S**. Both tablets boast impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring artists and professionals alike. But which one emerges as the champion? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Both the Veikk Creator VK1060 and the XP-Pen Star G960S sport a sleek and minimalist design, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics. The VK1060 features a black plastic body with a subtle textured finish, providing a firm grip. The G960S, on the other hand, opts for a smooth, glossy black finish, making it susceptible to fingerprints.
In terms of size, the VK1060 offers a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches compared to the G960S’s 9.8 x 6.1 inches. This extra space can be a boon for artists who prefer a more expansive canvas, allowing for greater freedom of movement and detailed work. However, the G960S’s slightly smaller size might be more appealing to users with limited desk space.
Pen Performance
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the VK1060 and G960S deliver commendable performance. The VK1060’s pen boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a nuanced and responsive experience. It also features tilt support, allowing you to add subtle shading and texture to your artwork.
The G960S, while offering a slightly lower pressure sensitivity of 4096 levels, still provides a smooth and accurate drawing experience. Its pen also includes tilt support, ensuring a comparable level of artistic control. Both pens are lightweight and comfortable to hold, with a natural feel that minimizes fatigue during long drawing sessions.
Driver and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with your preferred creative software. The VK1060’s driver is known for its user-friendly interface and robust customization options. You can adjust pressure sensitivity, pen settings, and even map the buttons on the pen to your liking.
The G960S’s driver also provides a range of customization options, but it might feel a bit less intuitive compared to the VK1060’s driver. Both tablets offer excellent compatibility with popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Illustrator.
Additional Features
Beyond the core functionalities, the VK1060 and G960S offer additional features that enhance the overall user experience. The VK1060 boasts eight customizable buttons on the pen, providing shortcuts for frequently used tools and actions. This can significantly streamline your workflow, especially for artists who rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts.
The G960S, on the other hand, includes six customizable buttons on the pen, offering a decent level of control. It also features a built-in side button on the tablet, which can be programmed for various functions.
Price and Value
The Veikk Creator VK1060 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are both incredibly affordable drawing tablets, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious artists. The VK1060 is typically priced slightly higher than the G960S, but its larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and additional pen buttons justify the price difference.
The G960S, despite its lower price, offers a solid drawing experience and a decent set of features. It’s a great option for beginners or artists who prioritize portability and affordability.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:
- Active Area: If you need a larger canvas for detailed drawings, the VK1060’s 10 x 6.25 inches active area is the way to go.
- Pressure Sensitivity: The VK1060’s 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide a more nuanced and responsive drawing experience.
- Pen Buttons: The VK1060’s eight customizable pen buttons offer greater control and workflow efficiency.
- Price: The G960S is a more budget-friendly option, offering a solid drawing experience at a lower price point.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Titans
Both the Veikk Creator VK1060 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets that offer impressive performance and value for their price. The VK1060 emerges as the winner for artists seeking a larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and greater control with its customizable pen buttons. However, the G960S remains a compelling option for budget-conscious users and those who prioritize portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these tablets compatible with smartphones or tablets?
Both the VK1060 and G960S are primarily designed for use with desktop computers. They don’t offer native support for smartphones or tablets.
2. Do these tablets require a battery for the pen?
No, both the VK1060 and G960S pens are battery-free, relying on electromagnetic resonance for communication with the tablet.
3. Can I use these tablets for digital painting?
Absolutely! Both tablets are perfectly suitable for digital painting, offering the necessary pressure sensitivity and tilt support for a natural and expressive painting experience.
4. What software are these tablets compatible with?
Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Illustrator, Krita, and more.
5. What’s the warranty on these tablets?
The Veikk Creator VK1060 and XP-Pen Star G960S typically come with a one-year warranty. However, it’s essential to check the specific warranty terms provided by the retailer.
