At a Glance
- Two popular contenders in the small tablet category are the Huion HS64 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.
- Both the Huion HS64 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come bundled with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural and responsive drawing experience.
- However, if you’re looking for a premium experience with advanced features like tilt sensitivity and a battery-free pen, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is the way to go.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the small tablet category are the Huion HS64 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both offer a compact design and excellent pressure sensitivity, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two tablets to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion HS64 boasts a sleek and minimalist design. Its black plastic body feels sturdy and durable, while the active area measures 4×2.2 inches, providing ample space for drawing. The tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys and a scroll wheel, offering convenient access to frequently used functions. However, the HS64 lacks tilt sensitivity, which can be a drawback for some artists.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small takes a slightly different approach. It comes in a stylish white and black color scheme, with a smooth, textured surface that feels comfortable to the touch. The active area is slightly larger than the HS64, measuring 5.5×3.3 inches, offering more room for creative expression. While the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small doesn’t include any physical shortcut keys, it offers a customizable pen button that can be programmed to perform various functions.
Pen Performance
Both the Huion HS64 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come bundled with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural and responsive drawing experience. The Huion HS64’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing excellent accuracy and detail in your strokes. It also boasts a low latency, ensuring smooth and responsive drawing. However, the pen is not battery-free and requires a single AAA battery for operation.
The Xencelabs Pen also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity but takes things a step further by offering tilt sensitivity. This feature allows for more nuanced brush strokes, adding depth and realism to your artwork. The pen is battery-free and features a comfortable ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue during long drawing sessions.
Software and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. The Huion HS64 comes with its own driver software, which allows for customization of the shortcut keys and other settings.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small also offers driver software that enables you to configure the pen buttons and customize other settings. Additionally, Xencelabs provides its own creative software called **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Control Panel**, which offers a user-friendly interface for managing pen settings, calibrating the tablet, and creating custom brush profiles.
Price and Value
The Huion HS64 is generally more affordable than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** offers a premium experience with its larger active area, tilt sensitivity, and battery-free pen. The higher price tag reflects the advanced features and overall quality of the tablet.
Pros and Cons
Huion HS64
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact and lightweight design
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Customizable shortcut keys and scroll wheel
- Good compatibility with various software
Cons:
- No tilt sensitivity
- Pen requires a AAA battery
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small
Pros:
- Large active area
- Tilt sensitivity
- Battery-free pen
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- Customizable pen button
- User-friendly software with custom brush profiles
Cons:
- Higher price than the HS64
- No physical shortcut keys
Choosing the Right Tablet
The best drawing tablet for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the Huion HS64 is a solid choice. It offers good performance and a compact design, making it suitable for beginners and casual artists.
However, if you’re looking for a premium experience with advanced features like tilt sensitivity and a battery-free pen, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is the way to go. Its larger active area and comfortable design make it a great choice for professional artists and those who spend extended periods drawing.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison
While the Huion HS64 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are both excellent options, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. The Huion HS64 offers a budget-friendly solution with good performance, while the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** provides a premium experience with advanced features.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet is the one that fits your workflow and allows you to unleash your creativity. Don’t be afraid to try out different models and find the one that feels most comfortable and intuitive for you.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Huion HS64 is more affordable and offers good performance, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small provides a more premium experience with its tilt sensitivity and battery-free pen.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is generally preferred by professional artists due to its advanced features, larger active area, and comfortable design. However, the Huion HS64 can still be a viable option for professionals who value affordability and portability.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my iPad?
A: No, these tablets are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with iPads.
Q: Which tablet has better pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing excellent accuracy and detail in your strokes.
Q: Is tilt sensitivity really important?
A: Tilt sensitivity allows for more nuanced brush strokes, adding depth and realism to your artwork. While it’s not essential, it can enhance your creative capabilities and provide a more natural drawing experience.
