What To Know
- The Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, boasts a larger and heavier build with a metal frame, offering a more robust feel.
- The Deco L’s pen features a traditional design with a single button, while the Deco Pro SW’s pen has two buttons, providing more customization options for shortcuts and commands.
- While both the Deco L and Deco Pro SW offer excellent features and performance, the Deco Pro SW emerges as the winner for its larger active area, robust build, and enhanced pen capabilities.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular contenders from XP-Pen, the Deco L and the Deco Pro SW, often leave artists wondering which one fits their needs best. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Deco L and Deco Pro SW boast a sleek and modern design, but their build quality varies slightly. The Deco L features a compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for portability. Its plastic construction, while sturdy, might not feel as premium as the Deco Pro SW.
The Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, boasts a larger and heavier build with a metal frame, offering a more robust feel. Its larger size provides ample drawing space, but it might not be as convenient for travel.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area of a drawing tablet determines the actual drawing space. The Deco L offers a smaller active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, while the Deco Pro SW boasts a larger 10 x 6.25 inches active area. This means you have more room to work with on the Deco Pro SW, offering a more natural drawing experience for larger projects.
Both tablets offer a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), providing a responsive and accurate drawing experience. However, the Deco Pro SW’s larger active area allows for greater precision and detail in your artwork.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Features
Both the Deco L and Deco Pro SW offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and pressure variations. The accompanying pens are also equipped with tilt support, enabling you to create natural brush strokes and shading effects.
The Deco L’s pen features a traditional design with a single button, while the Deco Pro SW’s pen has two buttons, providing more customization options for shortcuts and commands.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets connect to your computer via USB cable, ensuring a reliable and stable connection. They are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
Software and Drivers
Both the Deco L and Deco Pro SW come with XP-Pen’s proprietary driver software, offering customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, and screen calibration. The software provides a user-friendly interface for configuring your tablet to your preferences.
Price and Value
The Deco L is generally priced lower than the Deco Pro SW, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the Deco Pro SW offers a more premium experience with its larger active area, robust build quality, and additional pen features, justifying its higher price point.
Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The choice between the Deco L and Deco Pro SW depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Deco L if:
- You prioritize portability and affordability.
- You primarily work on smaller projects.
- You don’t require extensive pen customization options.
Choose the Deco Pro SW if:
- You need a larger drawing area.
- You value a premium build quality.
- You want more pen customization options.
- You frequently work on larger and more detailed projects.
The Final Verdict: Beyond the Drawing Surface
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet is the one that best suits your workflow and artistic style. While both the Deco L and Deco Pro SW offer excellent features and performance, the Deco Pro SW emerges as the winner for its larger active area, robust build, and enhanced pen capabilities. However, if budget and portability are your top priorities, the Deco L remains a solid choice.
Beyond the Drawing Surface: Exploring the Artistic Journey
Choosing a drawing tablet is just the beginning of your artistic journey. It’s essential to explore different software, experiment with various techniques, and find your own unique style. Remember, the most important tool in your artistic arsenal is your creativity and passion.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What are the dimensions of the Deco L and Deco Pro SW?
A: The Deco L measures 11.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches, while the Deco Pro SW measures 14.2 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches.
Q: Do both tablets come with a screen protector?
A: Yes, both tablets come with a screen protector to protect the drawing surface from scratches and wear.
Q: Are there any alternative drawing tablets to consider?
A: Yes, there are many other drawing tablets available, including the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, Wacom Intuos Pro, and Huion Kamvas Pro 13. These tablets offer different features and price points, so it’s important to research and compare them based on your specific needs.
Q: Can I use the Deco L and Deco Pro SW with my smartphone?
A: Currently, both tablets are designed for use with computers and do not have mobile connectivity.