At a Glance
- The G960S Plus boasts a more durable build quality, with a reinforced frame and a more robust pen design.
- The lower latency pen offers a more natural and fluid drawing experience, especially for those who work at a fast pace or with intricate details.
- If you’re comfortable with the standard pen and button configuration, the G960S offers a solid drawing experience at a more approachable price point.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with seemingly similar models. The XP-Pen Star G960S and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are two such tablets that often leave artists wondering which one to choose. Both offer an expansive drawing surface and a pressure-sensitive pen, but there are subtle differences that can make a big difference in your creative workflow. This blog post will delve into the key features of each model, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
The Basics: A Quick Overview
Both the XP-Pen Star G960S and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are drawing tablets designed for both beginners and professionals. They share a similar design, featuring a large active area, a comfortable pen, and a range of pressure sensitivity levels. However, the Plus model boasts several upgrades that set it apart.
Active Area: A Larger Canvas for Your Creativity
The active area of a drawing tablet is the space where your pen movements are registered. Both the G960S and G960S Plus offer a generous 10 x 6.25-inch active area, which translates to a spacious digital canvas. This ample space allows for comfortable hand movements and encourages natural drawing gestures, especially for artists who prefer working on a larger scale.
Pen Technology: Precision and Responsiveness at Your Fingertips
Both tablets come equipped with a battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen that offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This means that the pen can detect subtle variations in pressure, translating them into varying line widths and brush strokes in your digital artwork. The pen also features tilt support, allowing for more natural and expressive strokes, particularly when working with brushes that respond to pen angle.
The G960S Plus: Upgraded Features for Enhanced Performance
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus takes the G960S to the next level with several key improvements:
- Improved Pen Technology: The G960S Plus features a more advanced pen with a lower latency, resulting in smoother and more responsive drawing experience. This is particularly noticeable when working with fast, dynamic strokes or when using tools that require precise control.
- Enhanced Button Customization: The G960S Plus offers eight programmable buttons on the pen and six on the tablet, allowing for greater customization and streamlining your workflow. You can assign shortcuts to frequently used tools, brushes, or functions, making your creative process more efficient.
- Enhanced Durability: The G960S Plus boasts a more durable build quality, with a reinforced frame and a more robust pen design. This ensures that the tablet can withstand regular use and travel without compromising its functionality.
G960S vs. G960S Plus: A Detailed Comparison
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two models:
| Feature | XP-Pen Star G960S | XP-Pen Star G960S Plus |
| — | — | — |
| Active Area | 10 x 6.25 inches | 10 x 6.25 inches |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 8192 levels | 8192 levels |
| Pen Technology | Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support | Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, lower latency |
| Programmable Buttons | 6 on tablet | 6 on tablet, 8 on pen |
| Durability | Standard | Reinforced frame, more robust pen |
| Price | More affordable | Slightly more expensive |
Who Should Choose the G960S Plus?
The G960S Plus is a better choice for artists who:
- Prioritize smooth and responsive drawing: The lower latency pen offers a more natural and fluid drawing experience, especially for those who work at a fast pace or with intricate details.
- Value customization and efficiency: The additional programmable buttons on the pen allow for more personalized shortcuts, streamlining your workflow and reducing the need to constantly switch between tools.
- Need a more robust and durable tablet: The G960S Plus is built to withstand regular use and travel, making it a reliable choice for artists who work on the go.
Who Should Choose the G960S?
The G960S is a great option for artists who:
- Are on a budget: The G960S is more affordable than the G960S Plus, making it a great entry-level option for beginners or those who are just starting out with digital art.
- Don’t need the extra features: If you’re comfortable with the standard pen and button configuration, the G960S offers a solid drawing experience at a more approachable price point.
Beyond the Specs: User Experience and Feedback
Beyond the technical specifications, the user experience plays a significant role in determining the best tablet for you. Many users praise both models for their comfortable drawing surface and responsive pen. However, some have reported that the G960S Plus offers a smoother and more precise drawing experience, especially for those who are accustomed to using high-end drawing tablets.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?
Ultimately, the choice between the XP-Pen Star G960S and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus depends on your individual needs and preferences. The G960S Plus offers a more advanced and refined drawing experience, with its improved pen technology, enhanced button customization, and durable build. However, the G960S provides a solid and affordable option for beginners or those who don’t require the extra features.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Choosing the Right Tablet
Before making your decision, consider these factors:
- Your budget: The G960S is a more budget-friendly option, while the G960S Plus comes at a slightly higher price point.
- Your drawing style: If you prefer fast and dynamic strokes or require precise control, the G960S Plus might be a better choice.
- Your need for customization: The G960S Plus offers more programmable buttons, allowing for greater personalization and workflow optimization.
- Your usage frequency and travel needs: The G960S Plus’s durable build makes it a good choice for artists who travel frequently or use their tablet regularly.
The Final Word: Unleash Your Artistic Potential
Whether you choose the XP-Pen Star G960S or the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, both tablets offer a solid foundation for your digital art journey. By understanding the key differences and considering your individual needs, you can find the perfect drawing tablet to unleash your creative potential.
What You Need to Know
1. Can I use the XP-Pen Star G960S or G960S Plus with multiple devices?
Yes, both tablets are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS. You can connect them to your computer, tablet, or smartphone using USB or Bluetooth.
2. What is the difference between the pen pressure levels offered by the two tablets?
Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, meaning they can detect subtle variations in pressure, translating them into varying line widths and brush strokes.
3. Are there any software included with the tablets?
Both tablets come with a free drawing software called OpenCanvas. This software provides basic drawing tools and features, allowing you to get started with digital art right away.
4. How do I connect the tablet to my device?
You can connect the tablet to your device using the included USB cable or via Bluetooth. The connection process is straightforward and well-documented in the user manual.
5. Can I use the tablet for other tasks besides drawing?
Yes, you can use the tablet for other tasks like handwriting, note-taking, and even gaming. The pen and tablet are designed for versatile input, allowing you to use them for a variety of purposes.
