What to know
- The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a slightly thicker frame and a black and silver color scheme.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both Xencelabs and XP-Pen have put considerable effort into delivering a natural and responsive experience.
- If you prioritize a compact and minimalist design with a premium feel, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is an excellent choice.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range category are the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12. Both tablets offer excellent features and performance, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both tablets boast a sleek and modern design, but there are subtle differences that set them apart. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small features a minimalist design with a black, rectangular body and a thin profile. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel and limited desk space. The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a slightly thicker frame and a black and silver color scheme. It’s slightly larger than the Xencelabs, but still manageable for most users.
In terms of build quality, both tablets are well-constructed and feel sturdy. The Xencelabs boasts a premium feel with its aluminum body and smooth, matte finish. The XP-Pen Artist 12, while not quite as luxurious, still offers solid construction and a comfortable grip.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the drawing surface of the tablet, while the resolution dictates the level of detail and accuracy. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boasts a generous 8.5 x 5.3-inch active area, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. Its 5080 LPI resolution ensures precise linework and smooth transitions.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers a slightly smaller active area of 10 x 6 inches, but its 5080 LPI resolution matches that of the Xencelabs. While the smaller active area may limit some users’ creative freedom, it’s still sufficient for most digital art applications.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both Xencelabs and XP-Pen have put considerable effort into delivering a natural and responsive experience. The Xencelabs Pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering excellent control and nuance in your strokes. It also boasts low latency and a comfortable, balanced design.
The XP-Pen Artist 12’s pen also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of control. However, some users have reported a slightly higher latency compared to the Xencelabs pen.
Buttons and Customization
Both tablets offer customizable buttons and express keys to enhance your workflow. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small features eight customizable buttons on the pen itself, allowing for quick access to frequently used tools and commands. It also includes two side buttons on the tablet for additional shortcuts.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers six customizable buttons on the pen and eight express keys on the tablet. While this provides more options for customization, some users may find the layout less intuitive than the Xencelabs.
Driver Software and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS, and their drivers offer a range of customization options. The Xencelabs driver is known for its simplicity and ease of use, allowing you to quickly configure the pen and tablet settings. It also includes features like pressure curve adjustment and customizable buttons.
The XP-Pen Artist 12’s driver is more feature-rich, offering advanced settings like pen calibration and customizable shortcut keys. However, some users find it slightly more complex to navigate.
Summary: The Verdict
Choosing between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12 comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a compact and minimalist design with a premium feel, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is an excellent choice. Its responsive pen, customizable buttons, and user-friendly driver make it a great option for both beginners and experienced artists.
For those who prefer a larger active area and a more feature-rich driver, the XP-Pen Artist 12 is a solid contender. Its affordability and wide range of customization options make it an attractive option for budget-minded artists.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Artist 12 are great for beginners. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small’s simplicity and user-friendly driver make it a great choice for those new to drawing tablets. However, the XP-Pen Artist 12’s affordability and wide range of customization options can also be appealing to beginners.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets are capable of handling professional-level work. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small’s premium feel, responsive pen, and customizable buttons make it a great choice for professionals who prioritize precision and control. The XP-Pen Artist 12’s larger active area and advanced driver features can also be useful for professional artists.
Q: Which tablet is better for drawing and sketching?
A: Both tablets are excellent for drawing and sketching. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small‘s compact size and responsive pen make it ideal for detailed work. The XP-Pen Artist 12’s larger active area can be beneficial for larger sketches and compositions.
Q: Which tablet is better for photo editing?
A: Both tablets are suitable for photo editing. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small‘s pressure sensitivity and low latency make it great for precise brushwork and retouching. The XP-Pen Artist 12’s larger active area can be helpful for navigating large images.
Q: Which tablet is better for gaming?
A: While both tablets can be used for gaming, they are not specifically designed for it. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small’s compact size and responsive pen might be more suitable for precision gaming, while the XP-Pen Artist 12’s larger active area could be better for broader movements.
