Drawing Tablet Showdown: XP Pen Star G640 vs G960S Plus – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the affordable range are the XP-Pen Star G640 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both tablets offer impressive features and value for money, but which one comes out on top? This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two drawing tablets, helping you decide which one best suits your artistic needs and budget.

Design and Build Quality

Both the XP-Pen Star G640 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boast a sleek and modern design, making them visually appealing additions to any workspace. The G640, with its compact size, is ideal for portability and limited desk space. It features a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip, ensuring a secure hold during long drawing sessions.

The G960S Plus, on the other hand, offers a larger active area, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more spacious drawing experience. Its design incorporates a slightly angled surface, which can be beneficial for ergonomic comfort. Both tablets are lightweight and durable, built to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Active Area and Resolution

The active area is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet. The XP-Pen Star G640 boasts a 6.3 x 4-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a significantly larger 9.5 x 6.3-inch active area. This difference in size translates to a more immersive and responsive drawing experience on the G960S Plus, particularly for users who work with larger canvases or require more room for detailed artwork.

As for resolution, both tablets offer a 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch) resolution, resulting in precise pen movements and accurate line rendering. This high resolution ensures that your strokes are captured with remarkable detail, bringing your digital creations to life.

Pen Technology and Features

Both the G640 and the G960S Plus come equipped with a pressure-sensitive pen that offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This high level of pressure sensitivity allows for nuanced strokes, making it easier to create subtle variations in line thickness and brush strokes.

The pens also feature customizable side buttons that can be programmed to perform various functions, such as switching between tools, erasing, or navigating the canvas. This functionality enhances workflow efficiency, allowing you to focus on your art without constantly switching between tools or menus.

Compatibility and Software

Both the XP-Pen Star G640 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. They also work seamlessly with popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.

The G960S Plus, however, comes bundled with XP-Pen’s ArtistSuite software, which offers a range of features for digital artists, including brush customization, color palettes, and layer management. While the G640 doesn’t come with this software, it can be downloaded separately from XP-Pen’s website.

Price and Value

The XP-Pen Star G640 is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. This makes the G640 a more budget-friendly option for beginners or users on a tight budget. The G960S Plus, with its larger active area and bundled software, commands a slightly higher price tag. However, it still offers excellent value for money, especially for users who prioritize a spacious drawing experience and advanced features.

Which Drawing Tablet is Right for You?

The choice between the XP-Pen Star G640 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Choose the XP-Pen Star G640 if:

• You are on a tight budget.
• You need a portable drawing tablet.
• You have limited desk space.
• You are a beginner or occasional artist.

Choose the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus if:

• You want a larger active area for a more immersive drawing experience.
• You prefer a more ergonomic design.
• You need advanced software features.
• You are a professional or serious artist.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict is In

Both the XP-Pen Star G640 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offer excellent value for money, providing a compelling entry point into the world of digital art. The G640 is a compact and affordable option for beginners, while the G960S Plus caters to more experienced artists with its larger active area and bundled software. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. What is the difference between the XP-Pen Star G640 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus?

The main difference between the two tablets lies in their active area size. The G960S Plus has a larger active area, providing a more immersive drawing experience, while the G640 is more compact and portable.

2. Which tablet is better for beginners?

Both tablets are suitable for beginners, but the G640 is a more affordable option with a smaller active area that might be easier to manage for those starting out.

3. Can I use either tablet with my iPad?

No, both tablets are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with iPads.

4. What is the recommended software to use with these tablets?

Both tablets work well with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The G960S Plus also comes bundled with XP-Pen’s ArtistSuite software.

5. What are the pros and cons of each tablet?

XP-Pen Star G640:

Pros:

• Affordable
• Compact and portable
• Good pressure sensitivity

Cons:

• Smaller active area
• No bundled software

XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:

Pros:

• Larger active area
• Ergonomic design
• Bundled ArtistSuite software
• Good pressure sensitivity

Cons:

• More expensive