What To Know
- On the other hand, the Star G640 adopts a more traditional design with a textured surface and a slightly thicker profile.
- The Star G640, however, includes the XP-Pen Passive Stylus, a slightly heavier pen with a more traditional design and a single button.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a larger active area and a more traditional design, the XP-Pen Star G640 is a solid contender.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the abundance of options available. Two popular contenders, the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the **XP-Pen Star G640**, both offer compelling features and affordable price points, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. This comprehensive comparison aims to break down their key differences and help you determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Deco Fun XS and Star G640 boast compact and portable designs, making them ideal for travel or limited workspace setups. The Deco Fun XS, with its sleek, minimalist design, features a smooth, black surface and rounded edges, offering a comfortable grip. On the other hand, the Star G640 adopts a more traditional design with a textured surface and a slightly thicker profile.
While both tablets are lightweight and durable, the Deco Fun XS edges out in terms of build quality. Its premium plastic construction feels more robust and less prone to scratches compared to the Star G640’s slightly less refined plastic finish.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area, which refers to the tablet’s drawing surface, is a crucial factor influencing your drawing experience. The Deco Fun XS offers a smaller active area of 6.5 x 4 inches, while the Star G640 boasts a larger 6.3 x 3.9 inches active area.
In terms of resolution, the Deco Fun XS boasts a higher resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), providing greater precision and detail in your strokes. The Star G640, on the other hand, offers a resolution of 4000 LPI, which is still respectable but slightly lower than the Deco Fun XS.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Features
Both tablets feature 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring smooth transitions between light and heavy strokes. This level of sensitivity allows for greater control and nuance in your drawings.
The Deco Fun XS comes bundled with the XP-Pen Passive Pen, a lightweight and comfortable pen with two programmable buttons. The Star G640, however, includes the XP-Pen Passive Stylus, a slightly heavier pen with a more traditional design and a single button. Both pens offer a comfortable grip and a natural drawing experience, but the Deco Fun XS’s pen offers greater customization with its two buttons.
Compatibility and Drivers
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems, making them readily accessible to a wide range of users. The included drivers provide a seamless user experience, allowing you to customize settings like pressure sensitivity, pen buttons, and screen calibration.
Software and Features
Both tablets offer basic drawing software that comes pre-installed, allowing you to get started right out of the box. However, these software options are relatively limited in terms of features and functionality. For more advanced users, it’s recommended to explore other professional drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Autodesk Sketchbook.
Performance and User Experience
The Deco Fun XS, with its higher resolution and slightly larger active area, offers a more precise and responsive drawing experience. The pen glides smoothly across the surface, translating your strokes accurately onto the screen. The Star G640, while still offering a decent drawing experience, may feel slightly less responsive and precise due to its lower resolution.
Price and Value
The Deco Fun XS and Star G640 are both competitively priced, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets. The Deco Fun XS typically retails for a slightly higher price than the Star G640, but its superior features and build quality justify the price difference.
Final Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize precision, responsiveness, and a premium build quality, the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS is the ideal choice. Its higher resolution, comfortable pen, and compact design make it a fantastic option for artists seeking a seamless and enjoyable drawing experience.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a larger active area and a more traditional design, the XP-Pen Star G640 is a solid contender. It offers a decent drawing experience and a good value for the price.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Artistic Journey
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right drawing tablet is to consider your individual needs and preferences. Do you prioritize precision and responsiveness, or are you looking for a budget-friendly option with a larger active area? By carefully evaluating the features and specifications of each tablet, you can find the perfect tool to help you unleash your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What are the main differences between the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the XP-Pen Star G640?
A: The Deco Fun XS offers a higher resolution, a slightly larger active area, a more comfortable pen with two programmable buttons, and a premium build quality. The Star G640, on the other hand, is more affordable, has a slightly larger active area, and comes with a more traditional pen.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners, but the Deco Fun XS’s higher resolution and responsive pen may provide a smoother learning curve.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my phone or tablet?
A: These tablets are primarily designed for use with computers, but some models may offer limited compatibility with certain Android devices.
Q: What software do I need to use these tablets?
A: You can use the included basic drawing software or explore other professional drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Autodesk Sketchbook.
Q: What are the pros and cons of each tablet?
A:
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS:
Pros:
- Higher resolution
- More precise and responsive drawing experience
- Comfortable pen with two programmable buttons
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- Smaller active area
- Slightly more expensive
XP-Pen Star G640:
Pros:
- Larger active area
- More affordable
- Traditional pen design
Cons:
- Lower resolution
- Less responsive drawing experience