What To Know
- Both the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Star G960S boast a sleek and minimalist design, making them visually appealing additions to any workspace.
- These keys can be programmed to perform a wide range of functions, similar to the keydial on the KD200.
- Ultimately, the choice between the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Star G960S depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Star G960S boast a sleek and minimalist design, making them visually appealing additions to any workspace. The KD200 features a black, textured surface, while the G960S opts for a smooth, white finish. Both tablets are lightweight and compact, ensuring portability.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The KD200’s textured surface provides a better grip, preventing accidental slips, while the G960S’s smooth surface feels more premium. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the tablet’s drawing surface, while the resolution determines the tablet’s sensitivity and precision. The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 offers a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches compared to the XP-Pen Star G960S’s 9 x 5.625 inches. This translates to more room for drawing and navigating, particularly for those who prefer a larger workspace.
In terms of resolution, the KD200 boasts a higher resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch) compared to the G960S’s 4000 LPI. This translates to finer detail and more precise control over the pen strokes. However, the difference in resolution might not be noticeable for casual users.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets feature pressure-sensitive pens, allowing for varying line widths and pressure levels. The KD200’s pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the G960S provides 8192 levels as well. This high level of pressure sensitivity ensures a natural and responsive drawing experience.
The pens on both tablets are comfortable to hold and feature a comfortable grip. Both pens also include side buttons that can be customized for various functions.
Extra Features
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 stands out with its unique keydial feature, which allows for quick access to shortcuts and customizable functions. The keydial can be programmed to control various aspects of your drawing software, such as brush size, opacity, and more. This feature can significantly enhance workflow efficiency, especially for professionals who rely on frequent shortcuts.
The XP-Pen Star G960S, on the other hand, includes eight customizable express keys on the side of the tablet. These keys can be programmed to perform a wide range of functions, similar to the keydial on the KD200.
Compatibility and Drivers
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also support most popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. Both manufacturers provide user-friendly drivers that allow for customization of pen settings, express keys, and other features.
Price and Value
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are both budget-friendly drawing tablets, offering excellent value for their price. The KD200 is typically priced slightly higher than the G960S, but its keydial feature adds significant value for users who rely on shortcuts.
Final Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Star G960S depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
Choose the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 if:
- You value a larger active area for drawing and navigating.
- You frequently use shortcuts and want a dedicated keydial for customization.
- You prioritize a textured surface for better grip.
Choose the XP-Pen Star G960S if:
- You prefer a smooth, premium finish.
- You’re comfortable with customizable express keys instead of a keydial.
- You’re looking for a slightly more affordable option.
Beyond the Basics: A Deeper Look
While both tablets offer a solid foundation for digital art, exploring their strengths and weaknesses can help you make a more informed decision.
Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200:
- Pros: Large active area, keydial for enhanced workflow, textured surface for better grip.
- Cons: Slightly higher price compared to the G960S.
XP-Pen Star G960S:
- Pros: Sleek and minimalist design, smooth finish, affordable price point.
- Cons: Smaller active area compared to the KD200, no dedicated keydial.
Moving Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent choices in the budget category, the world of drawing tablets offers a wide array of options to suit different needs and budgets.
For those seeking a larger active area and a more premium build quality, consider exploring tablets from brands like Wacom, XP-Pen, and Huion in the mid-range price segment. If you prioritize portability and affordability, there are also excellent options available in the entry-level category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: The terms “drawing tablet” and “graphics tablet” are often used interchangeably. They both refer to input devices that allow you to control a computer cursor using a pen or stylus. The primary difference lies in their intended use. Drawing tablets are specifically designed for creating digital art, while graphics tablets are more versatile and can be used for tasks such as photo editing, graphic design, and even writing.
Q: Do I need a drawing tablet if I have a touchscreen laptop?
A: While a touchscreen laptop offers some drawing capabilities, a dedicated drawing tablet provides a more precise and natural drawing experience. The pressure sensitivity of a drawing tablet pen allows for varying line widths and pressure levels, creating a more realistic and expressive feel.
Q: What are the best drawing tablets for beginners?
A: The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and XP-Pen Star G960S are both excellent choices for beginners. They offer a balance of features and affordability, making them ideal for learning the fundamentals of digital art. Other budget-friendly options include the Wacom One Creative Pen Display and the XP-Pen Artist 12.
Q: Should I choose a drawing tablet or a drawing monitor?
A: The choice between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor depends on your budget and workflow preferences. Drawing monitors offer a more immersive and direct drawing experience, as you can see your artwork directly on the screen. However, they are typically more expensive than drawing tablets. Drawing tablets are more affordable and portable, making them ideal for beginners or those with limited space.
Q: What is the best drawing software for beginners?
A: There are many excellent drawing software options available for beginners. Some popular choices include:
- Krita: Free and open-source software with a wide range of features.
- MediBang Paint: Free and user-friendly software with a variety of brushes and tools.
- Clip Studio Paint: Powerful software with a wide range of features and a focus on manga and comics.
- Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard software with a comprehensive set of tools for digital art.
Choosing the right drawing software depends on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your workflow and artistic style.