Summary
- While the build quality is solid, the plastic construction might feel a bit flimsy compared to the Artist 12 2nd Gen.
- The HS64 is generally priced lower than the Artist 12 2nd Gen, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- The choice between the Huion HS64 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Huion HS64 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
Huion HS64: The HS64 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black, plastic body. It’s lightweight and compact, making it portable and easy to store. While the build quality is solid, the plastic construction might feel a bit flimsy compared to the Artist 12 2nd Gen.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen sports a more premium look with a brushed aluminum frame. It feels more robust and durable than the HS64. The tablet’s slightly larger footprint and heavier weight might not be ideal for frequent travel.
Active Area and Resolution
Huion HS64: The HS64 offers a decent active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. The resolution is 5080 LPI, which translates to a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen boasts a larger active area of 11.6 x 6.5 inches, giving you more room to work with. Its resolution of 5080 LPI matches the HS64, ensuring a comparable level of precision and detail.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
Huion HS64: The HS64 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a responsive and nuanced drawing experience. The pen is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with two customizable buttons for shortcuts. The battery-free design eliminates the need for charging.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, matching the HS64 in this regard. The pen features a more ergonomic design with a textured grip for enhanced comfort. It comes with eight customizable buttons, offering greater flexibility for shortcuts. Like the HS64, the pen is battery-free.
Display and Color Accuracy
Huion HS64: The HS64 is a tablet-only device, meaning it doesn’t come with a built-in display. You’ll need to connect it to a computer monitor to view your artwork.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen is a display tablet, offering a 11.6-inch IPS LCD screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. The display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, providing a more immersive drawing experience. The color accuracy is decent, with a color gamut of 72% NTSC.
Compatibility and Connectivity
Huion HS64: The HS64 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. It connects to your computer via a USB cable.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen also supports Windows and macOS. It comes with both USB and HDMI ports for connectivity.
Software and Drivers
Huion HS64: Huion provides drivers for the HS64, offering customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, and other preferences.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: XP-Pen also offers drivers for the Artist 12 2nd Gen, providing similar customization features as the HS64.
Price and Value
Huion HS64: The HS64 is generally priced lower than the Artist 12 2nd Gen, making it a more budget-friendly option.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen comes at a higher price point due to its display capabilities. However, the added convenience and immersive drawing experience might justify the cost for some users.
Pros and Cons
Huion HS64:
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Affordable price
- Good active area and resolution
- Responsive pressure sensitivity
Cons:
- No built-in display
- Plastic construction might feel flimsy
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation:
Pros:
- Built-in display for immersive drawing
- Premium build quality
- Large active area
- Ergonomic pen design with more buttons
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Slightly larger and heavier than the HS64
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Huion HS64 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Huion HS64 if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You prioritize portability and compactness.
- You’re comfortable drawing on a separate monitor.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation if:
- You’re willing to invest in a display tablet.
- You value a premium build quality and immersive drawing experience.
- You prefer a larger active area and a more ergonomic pen.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison
While the HS64 and Artist 12 2nd Gen offer compelling features, it’s important to consider other factors beyond just specs. Explore user reviews, watch product demos, and consider your individual workflow. Ultimately, the best drawing tablet is the one that best suits your needs and helps you unleash your creative potential.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use the Huion HS64 with a smartphone?
A: No, the HS64 is not compatible with smartphones. It’s designed for use with computers.
Q: What is the difference between a tablet and a display tablet?
A: A tablet is a passive device that only acts as an input tool. You need to connect it to a monitor to see your artwork. A display tablet has a built-in screen, allowing you to draw directly on the display.
Q: Is the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation compatible with the latest version of macOS?
A: Yes, the Artist 12 2nd Generation is compatible with the latest version of macOS. XP-Pen regularly updates its drivers to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems.
Q: Can I use the pens from both tablets interchangeably?
A: No, the pens are not interchangeable. Each tablet uses its own proprietary pen technology.
Q: What are the recommended drawing programs for these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook. You can choose the program that best suits your artistic style and workflow.
