What To Know
- While the Deco Pro SW relies on a screenless design, the Artist 16 2nd Gen allows you to draw directly on the screen, providing a more intuitive and natural drawing experience.
- If you’re a professional artist or someone who prioritizes a large drawing surface and a natural drawing experience, the Artist 16 2nd Gen is an excellent choice.
- However, if you’re a beginner, value portability, or are on a tight budget, the Deco Pro SW offers a compelling alternative.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW. Both tablets offer impressive features and cater to different needs, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two drawing tablets, helping you determine which one best suits your artistic journey.
A Closer Look at the Contenders:
XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation: This tablet boasts a large 15.6-inch display, making it an excellent choice for artists who prioritize screen real estate. It features a laminated screen, eliminating parallax and offering a more natural drawing experience. The Artist 16 2nd Gen also comes with a battery-free pen that provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring precise control and responsiveness.
XP-Pen Deco Pro SW: This tablet is a more compact offering with a 10.6-inch active area. It focuses on portability and affordability, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer a smaller drawing surface. The Deco Pro SW also features a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, but its screenless design means you’ll be drawing directly on the tablet surface.
Screen vs. Screenless: The Key Difference
The most significant differentiator between these two tablets is the presence of a screen in the Artist 16 2nd Generation. While the Deco Pro SW relies on a screenless design, the Artist 16 2nd Gen allows you to draw directly on the screen, providing a more intuitive and natural drawing experience.
Drawing Experience: A Comparative Analysis
XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation: The Artist 16 2nd Gen’s laminated screen eliminates parallax, ensuring your pen tip is directly aligned with the on-screen cursor. This eliminates the frustration of seeing a lag between your pen strokes and the digital representation, fostering a more natural and precise drawing experience.
XP-Pen Deco Pro SW: The Deco Pro SW’s screenless design necessitates relying on your computer monitor for visual feedback. This can lead to a slight disconnect between your hand movements and the on-screen output, which might be noticeable for artists accustomed to drawing directly on a screen. However, the Deco Pro SW’s smaller size and portability offer a more compact and travel-friendly option.
Features and Specifications: A Detailed Breakdown
XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation:
- Display: 15.6-inch IPS LCD with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Active Area: 13.5 x 8 inches
- Pen: Battery-free stylus with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Report Rate: 266 PPS
- Connections: HDMI and USB-C
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
XP-Pen Deco Pro SW:
- Active Area: 10.6 x 6.25 inches
- Pen: Battery-free stylus with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Connections: USB-C
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation:
Pros:
- Large screen with laminated display for a natural drawing experience
- Accurate and responsive pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity
- Multiple connection options for versatility
- Suitable for professional artists and those seeking a larger drawing area
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to the Deco Pro SW
- Less portable due to its larger size
XP-Pen Deco Pro SW:
Pros:
- Affordable and portable
- Compact design suitable for travel
- Accurate pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity
- Great for beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly option
Cons:
- Screenless design requires reliance on a separate monitor
- Smaller active area compared to the Artist 16 2nd Gen
- Limited connection options
Choosing the Right Tablet: Making the Decision
The choice between the XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a professional artist or someone who prioritizes a large drawing surface and a natural drawing experience, the Artist 16 2nd Gen is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a beginner, value portability, or are on a tight budget, the Deco Pro SW offers a compelling alternative.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
While the screen vs. screenless debate is crucial, other factors might influence your decision. These include:
- Drawing Style: If you primarily work with intricate details or require precise line work, the Artist 16 2nd Gen’s larger screen and laminated display might be more suitable.
- Budget: The Deco Pro SW is significantly more affordable than the Artist 16 2nd Gen.
- Portability: If you need a tablet for travel or on-the-go sketching, the Deco Pro SW’s compact size makes it an ideal choice.
The Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Drawing Companion
Both the XP-Pen Artist 16 2nd Generation and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW are excellent drawing tablets that cater to different needs. The Artist 16 2nd Gen offers a premium drawing experience with a large screen and precise pen, making it suitable for professional artists. The Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly and portable option, ideal for beginners or those who prioritize compactness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences, budget, and artistic goals.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What software is compatible with these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and more.
Q: Do these tablets include pressure sensitivity?
A: Yes, both the Artist 16 2nd Gen and the Deco Pro SW feature a battery-free stylus with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Q: What is the difference between laminated and non-laminated screens?
A: Laminated screens eliminate the gap between the glass and the display, reducing parallax and providing a more natural drawing experience. Non-laminated screens have a noticeable gap, which can cause a slight lag between your pen strokes and the on-screen cursor.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The Deco Pro SW is a great choice for beginners due to its affordability and portability. However, the Artist 16 2nd Gen’s larger screen can also be beneficial for learning and exploring different drawing techniques.
Q: Can I use these tablets with a Mac?
A: Yes, both the Artist 16 2nd Gen and the Deco Pro SW are compatible with macOS.