Quick notes
- The tablet boasts higher pressure sensitivity and a faster report rate, delivering a more precise and fluid drawing experience.
- The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus edges out slightly with a faster report rate, offering a smoother and more responsive drawing experience.
- Software and drivers play a crucial role in enhancing a drawing tablet’s functionality and user experience.
Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a sea of options. Two popular contenders often come up in conversations: the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both tablets offer compelling features and affordability, but which one emerges as the victor in this showdown? This in-depth comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
A Glimpse into the Contenders:
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 is a budget-friendly drawing tablet designed for beginners and casual users. It boasts a compact size, making it ideal for portability and limited desk space. Its pressure sensitivity and report rate are decent, offering a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is a more advanced drawing tablet that caters to both beginners and professionals. It offers a larger active area, providing ample space for creative expression. The tablet boasts higher pressure sensitivity and a faster report rate, delivering a more precise and fluid drawing experience.
Active Area and Size:
The active area of a drawing tablet is the surface you draw on, while the overall size includes the tablet’s physical dimensions.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Active Area: 6.3 x 3.9 inches (160 x 100 mm)
- Overall Size: 8.66 x 5.91 inches (220 x 150 mm)
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Active Area: 8.5 x 5.3 inches (216 x 135 mm)
- Overall Size: 11.4 x 7.1 inches (290 x 180 mm)
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a significantly larger active area, providing more space for intricate drawings and comfortable hand movements. The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300, while compact, might feel cramped for users accustomed to larger drawing surfaces.
Pressure Sensitivity and Report Rate:
Pressure sensitivity allows the tablet to detect variations in pen pressure, translating them into line thickness and brush strokes. Report rate determines how often the tablet sends information to the computer, impacting the smoothness of the drawing experience.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS (points per second)
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 266 PPS (points per second)
Both tablets boast 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a decent range for nuanced drawing. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus edges out slightly with a faster report rate, offering a smoother and more responsive drawing experience. However, the difference in report rate is minimal and may not be noticeable for casual users.
Pen and Stylus:
The pen and stylus are crucial components of a drawing tablet, impacting the overall drawing experience.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Pen: Passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Features: 2 programmable buttons, no battery required
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Stylus: Passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Features: 8 programmable buttons, no battery required
Both tablets come with passive pens, meaning they do not require batteries or charging. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers additional programmable buttons, providing more customization options for shortcuts and commands.
Connectivity and Compatibility:
The connectivity and compatibility of a drawing tablet determine its ease of use and compatibility with different operating systems.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Connectivity: USB
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Connectivity: USB
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android
Both tablets offer USB connectivity and compatibility with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Android.
Design and Build Quality:
The design and build quality of a drawing tablet influence its aesthetics, durability, and overall user experience.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Design: Simple and compact design with a black finish
- Build Quality: Solid and durable, with a plastic construction
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Design: Sleek and modern design with a black finish
- Build Quality: Solid and durable, with a plastic construction
Both tablets feature a simple and functional design with a black finish. The build quality is solid and durable, offering a good balance of functionality and aesthetics.
Software and Drivers:
Software and drivers play a crucial role in enhancing a drawing tablet‘s functionality and user experience.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Software: Huion Driver
- Features: Customizable pen settings, shortcut assignments, and calibration
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Software: XP-Pen Artist
- Features: Customizable pen settings, shortcut assignments, calibration, and additional features like brush customization
Both tablets offer dedicated software for configuring pen settings, assigning shortcuts, and calibrating the tablet for optimal performance. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus provides additional features like brush customization, enhancing the overall drawing experience.
Price and Value:
The price of a drawing tablet is a significant factor for most users.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Price: Budget-friendly, typically priced under $30
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Price: Mid-range, typically priced between $50 and $70
The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 is a budget-friendly option, offering decent features at an affordable price. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus sits in the mid-range category, offering a significant upgrade in features and functionality at a slightly higher price.
Which Tablet Should You Choose?
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300:
- Ideal for: Beginners, casual users, and those with limited desk space
- Pros: Affordable, compact size, decent pressure sensitivity and report rate
- Cons: Smaller active area, limited pen customization options
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Ideal for: Beginners, professionals, and those who value a larger active area and advanced features
- Pros: Larger active area, higher report rate, more pen customization options, additional software features
- Cons: Higher price compared to the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a beginner or casual user looking for a budget-friendly option, the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize a larger active area, advanced features, and a more professional drawing experience, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is the better option.
Final Thoughts – Your Artistic Journey Begins Here!
Choosing between the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is like choosing between two different paths on your artistic journey. The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 is the beginner-friendly path, offering a smooth introduction to the world of digital art. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is the more advanced path, providing a wider canvas for your creativity and equipping you with the tools to explore new artistic heights.
No matter which tablet you choose, remember that the most important factor is your passion for art. These drawing tablets are merely tools that can help you bring your visions to life. So, pick the one that best suits your needs and embark on your artistic journey with confidence!
What People Want to Know
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphic tablet?
A: Drawing tablets and graphic tablets are essentially the same thing. They are both used for digital drawing and design, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
Q: Can I use a drawing tablet with my phone?
A: Some drawing tablets are compatible with Android devices, but not all of them. Check the tablet’s specifications before purchasing.
Q: How do I calibrate my drawing tablet?
A: Most drawing tablets come with software that allows you to calibrate them. The calibration process ensures that the tablet’s cursor accurately reflects your pen movements on the screen.
Q: What are the best drawing software options for beginners?
A: There are many great drawing software options for beginners, such as Krita, Autodesk Sketchbook, and MediBang Paint. These programs are user-friendly and provide a wide range of features for learning and experimenting with digital art.
Q: Can I use a drawing tablet for other activities besides drawing?
A: Yes, drawing tablets can also be used for other activities, such as photo editing, graphic design, and even playing games.
