Unveiling the Battle: Veikk Studio VK1200 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small for Artists

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Veikk Studio VK1200 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both offer a decent drawing surface and pressure sensitivity, but which one emerges as the champion for artists and illustrators? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Veikk Studio VK1200 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small have distinct design philosophies. The Veikk VK1200 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black plastic body and a thin profile. Its active area measures 10 x 6 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, features a more robust build with a textured black finish and a slightly thicker profile. Its active area is slightly smaller at 8.5 x 5.3 inches.

Veikk Studio VK1200:

• Pros: Sleek and minimalist design, thin profile, large active area.
• Cons: Plastic construction may feel less premium, no dedicated buttons on the tablet.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pros: Robust build quality, textured finish for better grip, dedicated buttons for shortcuts.
• Cons: Smaller active area compared to the VK1200, slightly thicker profile.

Pen and Pressure Sensitivity

Both tablets come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The Veikk VK1200’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a battery-free design. It also boasts tilt support for a more natural drawing experience. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, offers 10,240 levels of pressure sensitivity, slightly more than the VK1200. Its pen also features a battery-free design and tilt support.

Veikk Studio VK1200:

• Pros: Battery-free pen, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support.
• Cons: Slightly lower pressure sensitivity compared to the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pros: Battery-free pen, 10,240 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, comfortable pen design.
• Cons: No significant drawbacks in this category.

Software and Features

The Veikk Studio VK1200 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offer different software and features. The Veikk VK1200 comes with a basic driver that allows for customization of pen settings and shortcuts. It also supports various drawing programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, includes a more comprehensive driver with advanced customization options. It also features a customizable side button that can be programmed to perform various actions.

Veikk Studio VK1200:

• Pros: Basic driver with customization options, supports various drawing programs.
• Cons: Limited software features compared to the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pros: Comprehensive driver with advanced customization options, customizable side button, supports various drawing programs.
• Cons: No significant drawbacks in this category.

Price and Value

The Veikk Studio VK1200 is generally priced lower than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for artists looking for a functional drawing tablet. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a more premium experience with its robust build quality, higher pressure sensitivity, and advanced software features.

Veikk Studio VK1200:

• Pros: Budget-friendly price, good value for money.
• Cons: May lack some features found in higher-priced tablets.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

• Pros: Premium build quality, advanced features, comfortable pen design.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to the Veikk Studio VK1200.

Choosing the Right Tablet for You

Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget.

• Veikk Studio VK1200: If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize a large active area, the Veikk Studio VK1200 is a solid choice. It offers a functional drawing experience with decent pressure sensitivity and a comfortable pen.
• Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: If you value a premium build quality, advanced software features, and a comfortable pen design, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a worthwhile investment. Its higher pressure sensitivity and customizable side button make it a versatile option for artists of all skill levels.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Tablets

The Veikk Studio VK1200 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are both excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The Veikk VK1200 stands out as a budget-friendly option with a large active area, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small excels in premium build quality, advanced features, and a comfortable pen design. The choice ultimately comes down to your budget, desired features, and personal preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: What are the main differences between the Veikk Studio VK1200 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small?

A1: The main differences lie in build quality, pressure sensitivity, software features, and price. The Veikk VK1200 is a more budget-friendly option with a large active area, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a premium build, higher pressure sensitivity, and advanced software features at a higher price point.

Q2: Which tablet is better for beginners?

A2: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Veikk VK1200 is a good starting point due to its affordability, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a more premium experience with its advanced features and comfortable pen design.

Q3: Do these tablets come with a pen stand?

A3: Both tablets come with a pen stand that allows you to store the pen safely when not in use.

Q4: Are these tablets compatible with Mac computers?

A4: Yes, both tablets are compatible with Mac computers. They come with drivers that support both Windows and macOS operating systems.

Q5: Are there any other drawing tablets worth considering in this price range?

A5: Yes, there are other good drawing tablets in the same price range as the Veikk Studio VK1200 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Some popular options include the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro.