What To Know
- Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and XP-Pen Star G960S offer a sleek and compact design, making them ideal for both travel and home use.
- The H320M features a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip, while the G960S boasts a smooth, glossy finish.
- However, the H320M still offers a good value for its price, providing a solid drawing experience for beginners or users on a budget.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners navigating the vast landscape of options. The Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and XP-Pen Star G960S are two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment, each boasting features that cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the nuances of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and XP-Pen Star G960S offer a sleek and compact design, making them ideal for both travel and home use. The H320M features a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip, while the G960S boasts a smooth, glossy finish. In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed, offering a sense of durability. The H320M’s slightly thicker profile might feel a bit bulky compared to the G960S, which is flatter and more portable.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the tablet’s drawing surface, while resolution dictates the tablet’s sensitivity to pen movements. The Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M offers a 6.3 x 4-inch active area with a resolution of 4000 LPI (Lines Per Inch), while the XP-Pen Star G960S boasts a larger 7.9 x 5.4-inch active area with a resolution of 5080 LPI. This translates to a smoother drawing experience with the G960S, especially for those who prefer a larger workspace. The H320M’s smaller active area might be more suitable for users who prioritize portability or have limited desk space.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets come equipped with passive pens that don’t require batteries or charging. The H320M’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and precise control. The G960S, on the other hand, offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is still adequate for most digital art applications. The H320M’s higher pressure sensitivity provides greater control over line thickness and brush strokes, resulting in a more expressive drawing experience.
Buttons and Features
The Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M features four customizable buttons on the pen, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions. The XP-Pen Star G960S, however, lacks pen buttons but compensates with six customizable express keys on the tablet’s surface. These keys can be programmed to perform various actions, such as undo, redo, or switching between brushes. Both tablets offer a side switch on the pen for switching between left and right-handed use.
Compatibility and Software
Both the H320M and G960S are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also support various popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. Both tablets come with driver software that allows for customization of pen pressure, express keys, and other settings.
Price and Value
The Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Star G960S. This price difference is largely due to the H320M’s smaller active area and lower pressure sensitivity. However, the H320M still offers a good value for its price, providing a solid drawing experience for beginners or users on a budget. The G960S, with its larger active area and higher resolution, is a more premium option that justifies its slightly higher price point.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?
Ultimately, the choice between the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and XP-Pen Star G960S depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M:
- Pros: More affordable, compact design, higher pressure sensitivity, pen buttons
- Cons: Smaller active area, lower resolution
XP-Pen Star G960S:
- Pros: Larger active area, higher resolution, customizable express keys
- Cons: Lower pressure sensitivity, no pen buttons
If you prioritize portability, budget, and higher pressure sensitivity, the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M is a great choice. If you prefer a larger drawing area, higher resolution, and customizable express keys, the XP-Pen Star G960S is the better option.
Choosing the Right Tablet: Considerations for Your Needs
Before making a decision, consider these factors:
- Budget: Both tablets offer good value for their price, but the H320M is more budget-friendly.
- Active area: The G960S’s larger active area might be more comfortable for some users.
- Pressure sensitivity: The H320M’s higher pressure sensitivity provides more nuanced control.
- Features: Both tablets offer customizable buttons and express keys, but the G960S has more of them.
- Software compatibility: Both tablets are compatible with most popular drawing software.
Wrapping Up: Your Creative Journey Begins
The choice between the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and XP-Pen Star G960S boils down to your individual needs and preferences. Both tablets offer a solid drawing experience, providing a gateway for aspiring artists to explore the world of digital art. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a budget-friendly option or a seasoned artist seeking a larger workspace and higher resolution, these tablets can be the perfect companions for your creative journey.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
A: While these tablets are primarily designed for use with computers, some models might offer limited compatibility with select Android devices. However, using them with smartphones is not generally recommended due to the lack of proper support and drivers.
Q: Do I need special software to use these tablets?
A: While both tablets come with driver software for customization, you can use them with most popular drawing software without any additional software.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The H320M’s lower price point and higher pressure sensitivity might be more appealing to those starting out, while the G960S’s larger active area could be beneficial for learning digital art.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, these tablets can be used for photo editing, but they are not specifically designed for that purpose. They might not offer the same level of precision and control as dedicated photo editing tablets.
Q: Is there a warranty on these tablets?
A: Both Huion and XP-Pen offer warranties on their products. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific warranty details and terms.