Highlights
- Both the Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S Plus boast a sleek and modern design.
- The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, opts for a slightly larger and more traditional design with a wider active area.
- However, the Star G960S Plus offers a larger active area, a slightly more premium build quality, and a dedicated dial, which might justify the higher price tag for some users.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for artists, designers, and creatives alike. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S Plus boast a sleek and modern design. The Deco Pro SW features a compact and minimalist aesthetic with a thin profile, making it easy to transport. Its textured surface provides a comfortable grip, while the eight customizable shortcut keys offer easy access to essential functions. The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, opts for a slightly larger and more traditional design with a wider active area. It also includes eight customizable shortcut keys and a dedicated dial for precise control.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel robust and durable. The Deco Pro SW’s plastic construction feels solid and well-built, while the Star G960S Plus’s aluminum frame adds a touch of premium feel. However, the Deco Pro SW’s smaller size might make it slightly less stable on your desk compared to the Star G960S Plus.
Active Area and Pen Pressure Sensitivity
The active area is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet. The Deco Pro SW offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, which is sufficient for most drawing tasks. The Star G960S Plus, however, boasts a larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area, providing more space for intricate details and larger-scale projects.
Both tablets offer impressive pen pressure sensitivity, with the Deco Pro SW featuring 8192 levels and the Star G960S Plus offering 4096 levels. This means both tablets accurately translate the pressure you apply to the pen to the screen, resulting in natural and nuanced strokes.
Pen Technology
The included pens are another key aspect to consider. The Deco Pro SW comes with a battery-free pen that features tilt support and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with two customizable buttons for added functionality. The Star G960S Plus also includes a battery-free pen with tilt support, but it offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. Both pens provide a responsive and accurate drawing experience.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both the Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S Plus connect to your computer via USB cable, making them easy to set up and use. They are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems, offering wide compatibility for different devices.
Software and Drivers
XP-Pen provides dedicated software and drivers for both tablets, enabling customization and configuration of features like shortcut keys, pen settings, and more. The software is user-friendly and straightforward, allowing for easy customization to suit your preferences.
Price and Value
In terms of price, the Deco Pro SW is generally more affordable than the Star G960S Plus. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. However, the Star G960S Plus offers a larger active area, a slightly more premium build quality, and a dedicated dial, which might justify the higher price tag for some users.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Deco Pro SW if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You prefer a compact and portable design.
- You don’t require a large active area.
Choose the Star G960S Plus if:
- You have a larger budget.
- You need a larger active area for intricate details or larger-scale projects.
- You value a premium build quality and the added functionality of a dedicated dial.
Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that offer impressive features and affordability. The Deco Pro SW excels in its compact size, affordability, and user-friendly design, making it a great choice for beginners and casual users. The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, boasts a larger active area, a premium build quality, and a dedicated dial, making it a more suitable option for professional artists and designers who require more space and precision.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. What is the difference between the Deco Pro SW and the Star G960S Plus?
The main difference lies in the active area and build quality. The Deco Pro SW is smaller and more affordable, while the Star G960S Plus offers a larger active area and a premium aluminum frame.
2. Can I use these tablets with my iPad?
No, these tablets are designed for use with computers and Android devices. They are not compatible with iPads.
3. What type of pen does each tablet come with?
Both tablets come with battery-free pens that feature tilt support and pressure sensitivity. The Deco Pro SW’s pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Star G960S Plus’s pen offers 4096 levels.
4. Are these tablets suitable for professional use?
Yes, both tablets offer features and performance that meet the demands of professional artists and designers. However, the Star G960S Plus might be a better choice for professional use due to its larger active area and premium build quality.
5. What software is included with these tablets?
XP-Pen provides dedicated software and drivers for both tablets, enabling customization and configuration of features like shortcut keys, pen settings, and more.
