Main points
- Two popular contenders in the compact tablet arena are the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Deco Mini7.
- The Deco Mini7 also includes a passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a comparable drawing experience to the Inspiroy Ink H320M.
- Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Deco Mini7 are excellent entry-level drawing tablets that offer a balance of affordability and functionality.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners navigating the vast world of digital art. Two popular contenders in the compact tablet arena are the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Deco Mini7. Both offer a blend of affordability and functionality, making them attractive options for artists, designers, and hobbyists alike. But which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The Inspiroy Ink H320M boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black and white color scheme. Its compact size makes it ideal for portability, and the textured surface provides a comfortable grip. The tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys on the side, offering quick access to frequently used functions. However, some users might find the keys slightly crowded.
XP-Pen Deco Mini7: The Deco Mini7 adopts a similar compact design with a black and red color scheme. It features a textured surface for better grip and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Unlike the Inspiroy Ink H320M, the Deco Mini7 lacks dedicated shortcut keys, relying instead on software-based customization for hotkeys. This can be a drawback for users who prefer physical buttons.
Active Area and Resolution
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The Inspiroy Ink H320M offers a 6.3 x 4-inch active area, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. It boasts a 4000 LPI resolution, ensuring accurate line rendering and smooth transitions.
XP-Pen Deco Mini7: The Deco Mini7 surpasses the Inspiroy Ink H320M with a slightly larger 7 x 4.375-inch active area, offering more room for creative expression. It also features a higher 5080 LPI resolution, delivering even more precise linework and detail.
Pen Features and Pressure Sensitivity
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The Inspiroy Ink H320M comes bundled with a passive pen that doesn’t require batteries or charging. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and natural brush effects. The pen features a comfortable grip and two programmable buttons for shortcuts.
XP-Pen Deco Mini7: The Deco Mini7 also includes a passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a comparable drawing experience to the Inspiroy Ink H320M. However, the Deco Mini7’s pen lacks the programmable buttons, relying solely on software-based customization for shortcuts.
Driver and Software Compatibility
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The Inspiroy Ink H320M is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. Huion provides user-friendly drivers for seamless integration with various drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
XP-Pen Deco Mini7: The Deco Mini7 also enjoys broad compatibility with Windows and macOS. XP-Pen offers its own driver software, which provides customization options for pen settings, pressure sensitivity, and shortcut keys.
Pros and Cons of Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Eight customizable shortcut keys
- Affordable price point
- Good pressure sensitivity (8192 levels)
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
Cons:
- Smaller active area compared to the Deco Mini7
- Lower resolution than the Deco Mini7
- Passive pen lacks programmable buttons
Pros and Cons of XP-Pen Deco Mini7
Pros:
- Larger active area for more drawing space
- Higher resolution for more detail and accuracy
- Sleek and modern design
- Affordable price point
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
Cons:
- No dedicated shortcut keys
- Passive pen lacks programmable buttons
Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The choice between the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Deco Mini7 ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M if:
- You prioritize portability and a compact design.
- You prefer physical shortcut keys for quick access to functions.
- You’re on a tight budget.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Mini7 if:
- You need a larger active area for more creative freedom.
- You prioritize high resolution for detailed artwork.
- You’re comfortable with software-based customization for shortcut keys.
The Verdict: A Close Contest
Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Deco Mini7 are excellent entry-level drawing tablets that offer a balance of affordability and functionality. The Deco Mini7 edges out the Inspiroy Ink H320M with its larger active area, higher resolution, and sleek design. However, the Inspiroy Ink H320M remains a solid option for users seeking a compact tablet with physical shortcut keys. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
The Final Word: Beyond the Canvas
While the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and XP-Pen Deco Mini7 are excellent contenders in the compact drawing tablet market, remember that the most important factor is your personal artistic journey. Explore both options, experiment with different software, and discover the tablet that truly inspires your creativity. The world of digital art awaits, and the right tool can unlock a universe of possibilities.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Are these tablets compatible with smartphones?
A: Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Deco Mini7 are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with smartphones.
Q: What software can I use with these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, Krita, and more.
Q: Do these tablets require any special drivers?
A: Yes, both Huion and XP-Pen provide drivers for their respective tablets, which are necessary for proper functionality and customization.
Q: Are there any alternatives to these tablets?
A: Yes, other popular compact drawing tablets include the XP-Pen Artist 12, the Wacom One Creative Pen Display, and the Huion Kamvas Pro 13.