Essential Information
- The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation, on the other hand, sports a more traditional design with a larger active area and a black and red color scheme.
- The Huion pen features a comfortable grip and two side buttons, while the XP-Pen pen offers a more traditional design with a single side button.
- While the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation offer compelling features and affordability, the best drawing tablet for you might not be limited to these two options.
The world of digital art is constantly evolving, with new drawing tablets emerging to cater to the needs of artists of all levels. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. Both offer compelling features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black and silver color scheme. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it portable, perfect for artists on the go. The tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys and a dial for intuitive control over various functions.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation, on the other hand, sports a more traditional design with a larger active area and a black and red color scheme. It offers a more robust build quality, feeling solid and durable. This tablet comes with six customizable shortcut keys and a touch ring for navigation.
Active Area and Resolution
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 offers a 10.6-inch active area with a 5080 LPI resolution. This provides ample space for drawing and a decent level of detail. The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation, however, takes the lead with a larger 11.6-inch active area and a higher 5080 LPI resolution. This translates to a more immersive drawing experience and greater precision.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize battery-free, pressure-sensitive pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This ensures smooth and responsive strokes, allowing for a natural drawing experience. The Huion pen features a comfortable grip and two side buttons, while the XP-Pen pen offers a more traditional design with a single side button.
Display and Color Reproduction
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 is a tablet-only device, meaning it doesn’t come with a display. Artists need to connect it to a computer monitor to view their artwork. The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation, however, features a built-in 11.6-inch full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 72% NTSC color gamut. This provides a more immersive and convenient drawing experience, especially for artists who prefer to work directly on the screen.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets offer standard connectivity options, including USB-C ports for power and data transfer. They are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems and work seamlessly with various popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Software and Drivers
Huion provides its own software and drivers for customizing the tablet’s settings and configuring the shortcut keys and dial. XP-Pen also offers its own software and drivers, which include features like pen calibration, shortcut key customization, and screen rotation.
Price and Value
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 is generally more affordable than the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation offers a more premium experience with its larger active area, built-in display, and additional features.
The Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You prefer a compact and portable tablet.
- You’re comfortable working with a separate monitor.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation if:
- You need a larger active area for drawing.
- You prefer the convenience of a built-in display.
- You’re willing to spend a bit more for premium features.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Competition
While the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation offer compelling features and affordability, the best drawing tablet for you might not be limited to these two options. Consider exploring other models from these brands and other reputable manufacturers to find the perfect fit for your artistic journey.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q1: Is the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 compatible with iPad?
No, the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 is designed for use with Windows and macOS computers and is not compatible with iPad.
Q2: Does the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation have a screen protector?
The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation does not come with a screen protector, but you can purchase one separately.
Q3: Can I use the shortcut keys and dial on the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 with any software?
The shortcut keys and dial can be customized to work with most drawing software, but some programs may not have specific support for these features.
Q4: What is the pen pressure sensitivity like on the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation?
The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which provides a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
Q5: Is there a warranty included with these tablets?
Both the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation come with a standard manufacturer‘s warranty, typically for a period of one year.