XP Pen Artist 12 vs XP Pen Star G960S: Which Reigns Supreme in the World of Drawing Tablets?

What To Know

Both the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S have 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a responsive and nuanced drawing experience.
However, the Artist 12, while slightly more expensive, offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and more shortcut keys, making it a compelling choice for professionals and those who demand a more refined drawing experience.
However, if you’re on a budget and the smaller active area and fewer shortcut keys don’t pose a significant issue, the XP-Pen Star G960S offers excellent value for its price.

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

In This Article

A Closer Look at the Contenders: XP-Pen Artist 12 vs XP-Pen Star G960S
Active Area: Size Matters
Resolution: Sharpening the Lines
Pressure Sensitivity: The Feel of the Pen
Shortcut Keys: Streamlining Your Workflow

A Closer Look at the Contenders: XP-Pen Artist 12 vs XP-Pen Star G960S

Both the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are drawing tablets designed for artists, designers, and anyone looking to enhance their digital creativity. They share some similarities, such as their affordability and compatibility with both Windows and macOS. However, they also have distinct differences that cater to different user profiles.

XP-Pen Artist 12:

Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
Resolution: 5080 LPI
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Pen: Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
Features: Includes 8 customizable shortcut keys, a pen holder, and a USB cable.
Price: Generally falls in the mid-range price bracket.

XP-Pen Star G960S:

Active Area: 9 x 6 inches
Resolution: 4000 LPI
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Pen: Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
Features: Offers 6 customizable shortcut keys, a pen holder, and a USB cable.
Price: Typically positioned as a more budget-friendly option.

Active Area: Size Matters

The active area is the tablet’s surface where your pen movements are registered. A larger active area provides more space for drawing and allows for more natural hand movements. The XP-Pen Artist 12 boasts a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, compared to the 9 x 6 inches of the XP-Pen Star G960S. This difference might seem subtle, but it can significantly impact your drawing experience, particularly if you prefer a more spacious canvas or work with intricate details.

Resolution: Sharpening the Lines

Resolution refers to the tablet’s ability to detect pen movements. Higher resolution translates to more precise and detailed drawing. The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers a higher resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch) compared to the XP-Pen Star G960S’s 4000 LPI. This means the Artist 12 can capture more subtle pen movements, resulting in smoother lines and more accurate drawings.

Pressure Sensitivity: The Feel of the Pen

Pressure sensitivity determines how the pen responds to the pressure applied. A higher pressure sensitivity level allows for a wider range of line thicknesses and brush strokes, mimicking the experience of traditional art mediums. Both the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S have 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a responsive and nuanced drawing experience.

Shortcut Keys: Streamlining Your Workflow

Shortcut keys are a valuable addition to any drawing tablet, enabling quick access to commonly used tools and functions. The XP-Pen Artist 12 provides 8 customizable shortcut keys, while the XP-Pen Star G960S offers 6. This difference might be crucial depending on your workflow and the number of shortcuts you frequently utilize.

Pen Design: Comfort and Accuracy

Both tablets feature battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pens are designed for comfortable use and offer precise control over your digital strokes. However, there might be subtle differences in the pen’s design and ergonomics, which could influence your personal preference.

Price Point: Balancing Value and Features

The XP-Pen Star G960S is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Artist 12. This makes the Star G960S a more budget-friendly option, especially for beginners or those on a tighter budget. However, the Artist 12, while slightly more expensive, offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and more shortcut keys, making it a compelling choice for professionals and those who demand a more refined drawing experience.

Making the Right Choice: Which Tablet Suits You?

The choice between the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a spacious active area, higher resolution, and more shortcut keys, the XP-Pen Artist 12 might be the better option. However, if you’re on a budget and the smaller active area and fewer shortcut keys don‘t pose a significant issue, the XP-Pen Star G960S offers excellent value for its price.

Beyond the Specs: The User Experience Matters

While technical specifications are crucial, the user experience is equally important. Consider factors like the tablet’s surface texture, pen ergonomics, and software compatibility. Reading reviews from other users can provide valuable insights into the overall user experience of each tablet.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Creativity

Both the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are capable drawing tablets that can enhance your creative workflow. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and artistic aspirations.