Quick summary
- Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular options like the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium.
- The Wacom Intuos Pro L features a resolution of 5080 lpi (lines per inch), while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a slightly higher resolution of 5080 lpi.
- The Wacom Intuos Pro L is slightly more expensive than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, but it offers a more established brand name and a wider range of bundled software.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular options like the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium. Both tablets offer excellent features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium boast sleek and modern designs, emphasizing functionality and user comfort. The Wacom Intuos Pro L features a minimalist design with a textured surface for a secure grip. It comes in both black and silver color options, allowing you to choose the best fit for your workspace.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, on the other hand, boasts a more angular design with a smooth, glossy surface. Its unique design includes a dedicated Express Keys bar on the side, offering customizable shortcuts for improved workflow. Both tablets are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for both home and studio use.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the drawing surface where your pen strokes are registered. The Wacom Intuos Pro L boasts a generous active area of 13.2″ x 8.2″, providing ample space for detailed drawings and intricate designs. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a slightly smaller active area of 11.6″ x 7.3″, still spacious enough for most creative tasks.
In terms of resolution, both tablets offer impressive performance. The Wacom Intuos Pro L features a resolution of 5080 lpi (lines per inch), while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a slightly higher resolution of 5080 lpi. These resolutions ensure accurate and precise pen tracking, allowing for smooth and natural drawing experiences.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial aspect of any drawing tablet, as it allows for varying line thickness and brush strokes based on the pressure applied. Both the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offer excellent pressure sensitivity, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This high level of sensitivity ensures accurate and nuanced strokes, allowing you to create realistic and detailed drawings.
Both tablets come with their respective pens, each with unique features. The Wacom Pro Pen 2, included with the Wacom Intuos Pro L, features a pressure-sensitive tip, side buttons, and an eraser. The Xencelabs Pen, on the other hand, boasts a comfortable design with a replaceable nib, side buttons, and a dedicated eraser button. Both pens offer a natural and responsive drawing experience, catering to different user preferences.
Express Keys and Customizable Features
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offer customizable features to enhance your workflow. The Wacom Intuos Pro L includes eight customizable Express Keys on the tablet’s surface, allowing you to assign shortcuts for frequently used functions. It also features a touch ring for navigating menus and adjusting brush sizes.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium takes customization a step further with its dedicated Express Keys bar. This bar offers 17 customizable buttons, providing ample options for shortcuts and hotkeys. The tablet also features a radial menu, accessible by pressing a button on the pen, for quick access to various tools and settings.
Software and Compatibility
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offer excellent software compatibility. The Wacom Intuos Pro L comes bundled with a suite of software, including Wacom‘s own software, as well as popular creative applications like Corel Painter Essentials and Clip Studio Paint. The tablet also seamlessly integrates with popular drawing applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium also offers wide software compatibility, working flawlessly with popular creative applications. The tablet’s driver software provides customizable settings for pen pressure, pen tilt, and other preferences.
Pricing and Value
The Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium fall into similar price ranges, offering excellent value for their features. The Wacom Intuos Pro L is slightly more expensive than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, but it offers a more established brand name and a wider range of bundled software. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with a unique design and a dedicated Express Keys bar.
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 Wacom Intuos Pro L if:
- You prioritize a larger active area for detailed drawings and intricate designs.
- You prefer a more established brand name with a wider range of bundled software.
- You value a minimalist design with a textured surface for a secure grip.
Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium if:
- You prioritize a dedicated Express Keys bar for improved workflow and customization.
- You prefer a unique, angular design with a smooth, glossy surface.
- You seek a more affordable option with excellent features and performance.
The Final Verdict: Beyond the Comparison
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The choice ultimately comes down to individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a larger active area and a wider range of bundled software, the Wacom Intuos Pro L is a great option. However, if you value a dedicated Express Keys bar for improved workflow and customization, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a compelling choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are suitable for beginners, as they offer intuitive interfaces and user-friendly software. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium‘s dedicated Express Keys bar might be more appealing for beginners, as it allows for easy customization and shortcuts.
Q: Can I use either tablet for professional work?
Absolutely! Both tablets offer the performance and features required for professional-level artwork. They can handle complex drawings, illustrations, and graphic design tasks with ease.
Q: Which tablet is better for digital painting?
Both tablets excel in digital painting, offering accurate pressure sensitivity and responsive pen technology. The choice depends on your personal preference for design and features.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my Mac or PC?
Yes, both tablets are compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems. They offer drivers and software that ensure seamless integration with your chosen device.
Q: What are the main differences between the two tablets?
The main differences lie in the active area size, design, and customizable features. The Wacom Intuos Pro L offers a larger active area and a minimalist design, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium boasts a dedicated Express Keys bar and a unique angular design.
