At a Glance
- The Wacom Intuos Pro Small comes bundled with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, a high-precision pen with excellent responsiveness and tilt sensitivity.
- While it provides a decent drawing experience, it lacks the advanced features found in the Wacom Pro Pen 2.
- Whether you’re a professional illustrator, a casual hobbyist, or a student exploring creative avenues, finding the right tablet is crucial for a fulfilling artistic journey.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders often come up in conversations: the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960. Both offer compelling features and affordability, but which one truly stands out? This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of each tablet, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different artists.
Design and Build Quality
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a premium feel thanks to its textured surface and sturdy build. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel and limited workspace. On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960 adopts a more traditional design, with a plastic construction that feels less premium. However, it offers a larger active area, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer more space to work with.
Pressure Sensitivity and Accuracy
Both tablets excel in pressure sensitivity, offering a smooth and natural drawing experience. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small utilizes Wacom’s renowned EMR technology, providing 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for incredibly precise strokes. The XP-Pen Star G960, equipped with its own proprietary technology, offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity as well. While both tablets exhibit excellent accuracy, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small is known for its exceptional responsiveness and fine control, making it a favorite among professional artists.
Pen Features and Functionality
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small comes bundled with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, a high-precision pen with excellent responsiveness and tilt sensitivity. It features a comfortable grip and a customizable side switch for shortcuts. The XP-Pen Star G960, on the other hand, includes the XP-Pen Passive Pen, a more basic pen with limited functionality. While it provides a decent drawing experience, it lacks the advanced features found in the Wacom Pro Pen 2.
Software Compatibility and Drivers
Both tablets offer wide software compatibility, working seamlessly with various popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. Wacom’s drivers are known for their stability and advanced customization options, including pen pressure curves and customizable buttons. XP-Pen drivers, while functional, are less sophisticated and may require some tweaking to achieve optimal performance.
Price and Value for Money
The XP-Pen Star G960 emerges as the clear winner in terms of affordability. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small, while more expensive, offers a premium experience with its advanced technology and superior pen features. Ultimately, the value for money depends on your individual needs and budget.
Overall Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?
The choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 ultimately boils down to your specific requirements and preferences.
Choose the Wacom Intuos Pro Small if:
- You prioritize precision and accuracy for professional-level artwork.
- You value a premium build quality and a comfortable drawing experience.
- You are willing to invest in a high-quality tablet with advanced features.
Choose the XP-Pen Star G960 if:
- You are on a tight budget and seeking a cost-effective option.
- You need a larger active area for comfortable drawing.
- You are a beginner or casual artist who doesn’t require advanced pen features.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are excellent options, it’s worth exploring other alternatives depending on your specific needs.
- For professional artists: Consider the Wacom Cintiq series, which offers a more immersive drawing experience with a screen-based display.
- For budget-conscious users: Explore other XP-Pen tablets like the Artist 12 Pro, which offers a larger active area and a more advanced pen.
- For travelers: Look into the Huion Inspiroy series, which offers compact and portable drawing tablets.
Final Thoughts: A Drawing Tablet for Every Artist
The world of drawing tablets is diverse, offering a solution for every artist. Whether you’re a professional illustrator, a casual hobbyist, or a student exploring creative avenues, finding the right tablet is crucial for a fulfilling artistic journey. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and preferences, you can select the perfect drawing companion to unleash your creativity.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use the Wacom Intuos Pro Small with my iPad?
A: No, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small is designed for use with computers only. It uses EMR technology, which requires a specific electromagnetic field present in computers.
Q: What are the differences between the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro Medium offers a larger active area compared to the Small version, providing more space for drawing. It also comes with a different pen, the Wacom Pro Pen 3D, which is designed for 3D modeling.
Q: Does the XP-Pen Star G960 come with a screen protector?
A: No, the XP-Pen Star G960 does not include a screen protector. You may need to purchase one separately to protect the tablet’s surface.
Q: Is the XP-Pen Star G960 compatible with Mac computers?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Star G960 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q: Can I customize the buttons on the Wacom Intuos Pro Small?
A: Yes, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small allows you to customize the buttons on the tablet and the side switch on the pen using Wacom’s driver software.
