Quick summary
- The Wacom Intuos Pro S takes a more premium approach, opting for a stylish and modern design with a brushed aluminum finish.
- Its Pro Pen 2, a premium pen with a rubber grip, features side buttons and a pressure-sensitive eraser, providing a more versatile and intuitive workflow.
- The H1161 offers a compelling value proposition with its large active area and affordable price, while the Intuos Pro S delivers a premium experience with its advanced features and software suite.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular options like the Huion Inspiroy H1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro S. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them popular choices for artists, designers, and illustrators. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision for your creative journey.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion Inspiroy H1161 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a smooth finish. Its compact size makes it ideal for portability, while its textured surface provides a comfortable grip during extended drawing sessions.
The Wacom Intuos Pro S takes a more premium approach, opting for a stylish and modern design with a brushed aluminum finish. The tablet feels robust and well-built, exuding a sense of quality that complements its higher price tag. However, its smaller size compared to the H1161 might feel cramped for some users.
Active Area and Resolution
The Huion Inspiroy H1161 offers a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for creative expression. Its 5080 LPI resolution delivers precise cursor control, ensuring that your strokes are captured with accuracy.
The Wacom Intuos Pro S features a slightly smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, which might be limiting for users who prefer a larger working space. However, it boasts a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, matching the H1161 in terms of precision.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
Both tablets excel in pressure sensitivity, offering a natural and responsive drawing experience. The Huion Inspiroy H1161 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for subtle variations in line thickness and brush strokes. Its pen, the PW100, is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with two customizable buttons for shortcuts.
The Wacom Intuos Pro S takes pressure sensitivity to the next level with 4096 levels, offering a more nuanced and responsive experience. Its Pro Pen 2, a premium pen with a rubber grip, features side buttons and a pressure-sensitive eraser, providing a more versatile and intuitive workflow.
Features and Software
The Huion Inspiroy H1161 comes with basic software support, including drivers for Windows and macOS. It also includes a free version of OpenCanvas, a beginner-friendly drawing software.
The Wacom Intuos Pro S offers a more comprehensive software package, including Wacom‘s signature software suite, which includes:
- Wacom Drivers: For seamless integration with your computer.
- Wacom Desktop Center: For customizing pen settings, assigning shortcuts, and managing your tablet’s functionality.
- Wacom Inkspace: For capturing and organizing your creative ideas, sketches, and notes.
- Bonus Software: Access to a curated selection of creative software, including Clip Studio Paint, Corel Painter Essentials, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Pros and Cons
Huion Inspiroy H1161:
Pros:
- Large active area for comfortable drawing
- Affordable price point
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Lightweight and comfortable pen
Cons:
- Basic software support
- No pressure-sensitive eraser on the pen
Wacom Intuos Pro S:
Pros:
- Premium design and build quality
- 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Pro Pen 2 with pressure-sensitive eraser
- Comprehensive software suite
Cons:
- Smaller active area
- Higher price tag
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
The Huion Inspiroy H1161 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious artists who prioritize a large active area and comfortable drawing experience. Its affordability and solid performance make it a great entry-level option.
The Wacom Intuos Pro S is the ideal choice for professional artists and designers who demand a premium experience. Its advanced features, including the Pro Pen 2 and comprehensive software suite, provide a powerful and versatile tool for creative exploration.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Huion Inspiroy H1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro S are capable drawing tablets that cater to different needs and price points. The H1161 offers a compelling value proposition with its large active area and affordable price, while the Intuos Pro S delivers a premium experience with its advanced features and software suite. The final decision comes down to your individual preferences and budget.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Huion Inspiroy H1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro S are excellent choices, the world of drawing tablets offers a wide range of options. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider exploring tablets from brands like XP-Pen, XP-Pen Artist, and GAOMON. These brands often offer competitive features and price points, providing more choices for your creative journey.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: Drawing tablets and graphics tablets are essentially the same thing. The terms are often used interchangeably, referring to devices that allow you to draw, paint, and interact with your computer using a stylus.
Q: Can I use a drawing tablet with my smartphone or tablet?
A: Some drawing tablets, like the Huion Inspiroy H1161, are compatible with Android devices via USB OTG. However, most drawing tablets are primarily designed for use with computers.
Q: What software should I use with my drawing tablet?
A: There are many great drawing software options available, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook. Choose the software that best suits your needs and workflow.
Q: How do I calibrate my drawing tablet?
A: Most drawing tablets come with calibration software that allows you to adjust the tablet’s settings to ensure accurate cursor control. Refer to your tablet’s user manual for specific instructions on calibration.
Q: Can I use a drawing tablet for gaming?
A: While some drawing tablets can be used for gaming, they are not specifically designed for that purpose. Dedicated gaming mice and controllers offer a better experience for gaming.
