What To Know
- The larger active area and higher resolution of the Deco Pro M provide a more immersive drawing experience, allowing for greater detail and precision.
- Both the Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Pro M are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of affordability and functionality.
- The HS64 excels in its budget-friendly price and textured surface, while the Deco Pro M shines with its larger active area, higher resolution, and advanced features.
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 category are the Huion HS64 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro M. Both offer compelling features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Pro M share a sleek and minimalist design, making them aesthetically pleasing additions to any workspace. Both tablets boast a compact footprint, ideal for portability. The HS64 comes with a textured surface, providing a more tactile feel during drawing. Conversely, the Deco Pro M features a smooth surface, which some artists may find more comfortable.
Huion HS64:
- Pros: Textured surface for enhanced grip, lightweight design.
- Cons: Less premium feel compared to the Deco Pro M.
XP-Pen Deco Pro M:
- Pros: Sleek and modern design, premium build quality.
- Cons: Smooth surface may not provide enough grip for some users.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the tablet’s drawing surface, while resolution determines the precision and responsiveness of the pen input. In this regard, the XP-Pen Deco Pro M takes the lead.
Huion HS64:
- Active Area: 6.3 x 3.9 inches
- Resolution: 4000 LPI
XP-Pen Deco Pro M:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
The larger active area and higher resolution of the Deco Pro M provide a more immersive drawing experience, allowing for greater detail and precision. This is particularly beneficial for artists who work on larger canvases or require intricate details in their artwork.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens, enabling artists to create varying line widths and shades based on the pressure applied. However, there are subtle differences in their pen technology.
Huion HS64:
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Pen Features: Passive pen with no battery or charging required.
XP-Pen Deco Pro M:
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Pen Features: Passive pen with no battery or charging required, side buttons for customization.
The Deco Pro M’s pen includes two customizable side buttons, offering greater control and efficiency for artists who rely on shortcuts. Both tablets offer a high level of pressure sensitivity, ensuring accurate and responsive strokes.
Software and Compatibility
Both Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Pro M are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also work seamlessly with popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. However, the Deco Pro M boasts a slightly more robust software suite.
Huion HS64:
- Software: Driver software for basic customization.
XP-Pen Deco Pro M:
- Software: Driver software with advanced customization options, including pen pressure calibration and shortcut mapping.
The Deco Pro M’s software provides greater flexibility and control over the tablet’s functionality, catering to more advanced users.
Price and Value
Both tablets are highly affordable, making them excellent options for budget-conscious artists. However, the Deco Pro M offers a better value proposition due to its larger active area, higher resolution, and more advanced features.
Huion HS64:
- Price: More affordable option.
XP-Pen Deco Pro M:
- Price: Slightly more expensive, but offers better value for the price.
Which Tablet Is Right for You?
The best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Huion HS64 if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You prefer a textured drawing surface.
- You primarily work with smaller canvases.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Pro M if:
- You’re looking for a larger active area and higher resolution.
- You need customizable pen buttons for shortcuts.
- You appreciate a premium build quality with advanced software.
The Final Verdict: A Symphony of Strengths
Both the Huion HS64 and XP-Pen Deco Pro M are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of affordability and functionality. The HS64 excels in its budget-friendly price and textured surface, while the Deco Pro M shines with its larger active area, higher resolution, and advanced features. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone?
A: Both tablets are primarily designed for desktop use and are not compatible with smartphones.
Q: Do these tablets come with a screen protector?
A: Neither tablet comes with a screen protector. They are both made of durable materials, so a screen protector is not strictly necessary.
Q: What is the difference between the Deco Pro M and the Deco Pro M2?
A: The Deco Pro M2 is a newer model with improved pen technology and a more ergonomic design. It also features a larger active area compared to the original Deco Pro M.
Q: Are there any alternatives to these tablets?
A: Yes, there are many other drawing tablets available in the market, such as the Wacom Intuos series, the XP-Pen Artist series, and the Huion Kamvas series. These tablets offer a wider range of features and price points to cater to different needs.
Q: How do I choose the right drawing tablet for me?
A: Consider your budget, desired active area, resolution, pen technology, and software compatibility. It’s also helpful to read reviews and compare features before making a purchase.