Quick notes
- The dial on the tablet offers a unique feature, allowing for quick and precise adjustments of brush size, zoom, and other parameters in your drawing software.
- Both the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offer excellent value for money and provide a solid foundation for digital art creation.
- The Q620M’s unique dial feature sets it apart for artists who appreciate quick and precise adjustments, while the G960S Plus provides a larger drawing area and more customizable shortcut keys.
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 Inspiroy Dial Q620M and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**. Both tablets offer compelling features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M: The Q620M boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel or limited workspace, while the included pen holder keeps your stylus within reach. The dial on the tablet offers a unique feature, allowing for quick and precise adjustments of brush size, zoom, and other parameters in your drawing software.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus adopts a more traditional design with a smooth, glossy finish. It’s slightly larger than the Q620M, offering a more spacious drawing area. The tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys, providing easy access to frequently used functions. While lacking a dial, it compensates with a dedicated pressure-sensitive side button on the pen for added control.
Drawing Area and Resolution
Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M: The Q620M offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area with 5080 LPI resolution. This provides a decent drawing space and accurate line rendering for most creative tasks.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus boasts a larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area with a higher 5080 LPI resolution. This translates to a more spacious canvas and finer detail in your drawings.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M: The Q620M comes with a battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allows for a natural and responsive drawing experience with varying line thickness and brush strokes.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus also features a battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Both tablets offer a similar level of responsiveness and accuracy in pen pressure detection.
Software and Compatibility
Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M: The Q620M is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. It comes with Huion’s driver software, which allows for customizable pen settings and shortcut key assignments.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus is also compatible with Windows and macOS. It comes with XP-Pen’s driver software, offering similar customization options for pen settings and shortcut keys.
Additional Features and Considerations
Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M: The Q620M’s unique dial feature adds a layer of convenience and efficiency to your workflow. It allows for quick and precise adjustments of brush size, zoom, and other parameters without having to navigate menus or use keyboard shortcuts.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus compensates for the lack of a dial with eight customizable shortcut keys, providing easy access to frequently used functions. The pen’s dedicated side button offers additional control for precise actions.
Choosing the Right Tablet: Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M vs XP-Pen Star G960S Plus
Both the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offer excellent value for money and provide a solid foundation for digital art creation. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M:
- Pros: Compact size, unique dial feature for quick adjustments, affordable price.
- Cons: Smaller drawing area, fewer shortcut keys.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Pros: Larger drawing area, eight customizable shortcut keys, pressure-sensitive side button on pen.
- Cons: No dial feature, slightly higher price.
The Verdict: A Draw?
Both the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that offer great value for the price. The Q620M’s unique dial feature sets it apart for artists who appreciate quick and precise adjustments, while the G960S Plus provides a larger drawing area and more customizable shortcut keys. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your personal preferences and workflow.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While these two tablets are strong contenders in the budget-friendly category, it’s important to explore other options that might better suit your specific needs. Consider factors such as:
- Drawing area size: Do you need a larger canvas for detailed work or prefer a compact tablet for travel?
- Pen pressure sensitivity: How much variation in line thickness and brush strokes do you need?
- Shortcut keys and customization: How many buttons and features do you need for efficient workflow?
- Budget: What is your price range for a drawing tablet?
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What is the best drawing tablet for beginners?
A: Both the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are great options for beginners. They offer a balance of affordability, features, and ease of use.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: While both tablets are capable of professional-level work, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus might be a better choice for professionals due to its larger drawing area and more customizable shortcut keys.
Q: What is the difference between the Huion Q620M and the Q620?
A: The Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M is the updated version of the Q620, featuring a new design, a more responsive pen, and the addition of a dial for quick adjustments.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my phone or iPad?
A: Both the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with phones or iPads.
Q: What is the warranty on these tablets?
A: Both Huion and XP-Pen offer a one-year warranty on their drawing tablets.
By considering your individual needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the drawing tablet that best suits your creative journey. Whether you opt for the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M or the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, both tablets offer a fantastic entry point into the world of digital art creation.