Quick notes
- The Huion Inspiroy H420X and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are two popular options in the realm of small drawing tablets.
- It features a comprehensive driver software that provides a wide range of customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, tablet settings, and even color profiles.
- The Pen Tablet Small offers a premium drawing experience with exceptional precision, responsiveness, and a comfortable pen.
Are you an artist, designer, or creative professional looking for a reliable and affordable drawing tablet to enhance your workflow? The Huion Inspiroy H420X vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a common dilemma faced by many. Both tablets offer a compelling set of features at different price points, making it difficult to choose the right one. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both tablets, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
The Huion Inspiroy H420X and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are two popular options in the realm of small drawing tablets. They share a similar footprint and cater to artists who prioritize portability and affordability. However, they differ in their design, pressure sensitivity, driver software, and overall user experience. This blog post will break down these differences, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet to help you determine the best fit for your creative journey.
Design and Build Quality
Huion Inspiroy H420X: The H420X sports a sleek and minimalist design with a black plastic body. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, offering a solid feel under the hand. The tablet surface is smooth and provides a comfortable drawing experience. It comes with eight customizable shortcut keys located on the left side of the tablet, offering quick access to frequently used commands.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boasts a more premium design with a sleek aluminum body. It feels incredibly lightweight and durable, adding a touch of sophistication to your workspace. The tablet surface is textured and provides a more natural drawing experience, mimicking the feel of paper. The tablet lacks physical buttons but offers a customizable pen with two side buttons for shortcuts.
Active Area and Resolution
Huion Inspiroy H420X: The H420X offers a relatively small active area of 6.3 x 4 inches, which might feel cramped for some users. It has a resolution of 4000 LPI, providing decent precision for linework and detail.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Pen Tablet Small boasts a slightly larger active area of 7.1 x 4.4 inches, offering more space for creative expression. It features a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, resulting in superior precision and responsiveness.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Huion Inspiroy H420X: The H420X comes bundled with a passive pen that requires a battery for operation. It boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing excellent responsiveness to subtle pressure variations. The pen feels comfortable to hold and offers a natural drawing experience.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Pen Tablet Small pairs with an active pen that does not require a battery. It offers a higher pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels, providing even greater responsiveness to pressure variations. The pen feels lightweight and balanced, offering a comfortable and precise drawing experience.
Driver Software and Compatibility
Huion Inspiroy H420X: The H420X is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. It comes with driver software that offers basic customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, and tablet settings. The driver software is relatively simple and straightforward to use.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Pen Tablet Small is also compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. It features a comprehensive driver software that provides a wide range of customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, tablet settings, and even color profiles. The driver software is user-friendly and offers a more advanced experience.
Overall User Experience
Huion Inspiroy H420X: The H420X delivers a solid drawing experience with decent precision and pressure sensitivity. Its affordable price point and eight customizable shortcut keys make it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the smaller active area and basic driver software might not be ideal for professional users.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Pen Tablet Small offers a premium drawing experience with exceptional precision, responsiveness, and a comfortable pen. Its larger active area, advanced driver software, and active pen make it an excellent choice for professional artists and designers. However, it comes at a higher price point compared to the H420X.
The Verdict: Which One to Choose?
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Huion Inspiroy H420X: If you’re a beginner artist on a tight budget, the H420X offers an excellent value proposition. Its affordable price point, comfortable pen, and decent pressure sensitivity are ideal for learning the basics of digital art.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: If you’re a professional artist or designer seeking a premium drawing experience, the Pen Tablet Small is a worthy investment. Its larger active area, exceptional precision, comfortable pen, and advanced driver software are designed to elevate your workflow to the next level.
Beyond the Comparison: Other Factors to Consider
While the H420X and Pen Tablet Small are excellent options, other factors can influence your decision. Consider the following:
- Software Compatibility: Ensure the tablet is compatible with your preferred drawing software.
- Active Area Size: Choose a tablet with an active area that suits your drawing style and preferences.
- Pen Technology: Decide whether you prefer a passive pen (requires a battery) or an active pen (battery-free).
- Pressure Sensitivity: Opt for a tablet with a high level of pressure sensitivity for greater control and responsiveness.
- Driver Software: Consider the driver software’s features and customization options.
Final Thoughts: A Creative Journey Begins
Choosing the right drawing tablet is crucial for unleashing your creative potential. The Huion Inspiroy H420X and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offer compelling features and cater to different needs and budgets. By carefully considering your requirements and preferences, you can make an informed decision and embark on a fulfilling creative journey.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a passive and an active pen?
A: A passive pen requires a battery to function, while an active pen is battery-free. Passive pens rely on electromagnetic resonance to detect pen movements, while active pens use a built-in sensor.
Q: Is the Huion Inspiroy H420X suitable for professional use?
A: While the H420X is a good value tablet, its smaller active area and basic driver software might not be ideal for professional users who require advanced features and precision.
Q: Does the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come with a screen?
A: No, the Pen Tablet Small is a pen tablet, not a drawing monitor. It does not have a built-in screen.
Q: Can I use the Huion Inspiroy H420X with an iPad?
A: No, the H420X is designed for use with Windows and macOS computers. It is not compatible with iPads.
Q: What is the recommended drawing software for beginners?
A: Krita, Autodesk Sketchbook, and MediBang Paint are popular and free drawing software options for beginners.