Highlights
- The Veikk Creator VK640 comes bundled with a battery-free pen that offers a comfortable grip and a natural drawing feel.
- The XP-Pen Artist 12 also includes a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of responsiveness and control.
- The Artist 12 is also compatible with a wide range of drawing software, making it a versatile choice for digital artists.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the Veikk Creator VK640 and the XP-Pen Artist 12. Both tablets offer impressive features at an affordable price, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison aims to dissect their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Veikk Creator VK640 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black and silver color scheme. Its compact size makes it ideal for portability, and its lightweight construction adds to its travel-friendliness. The tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys on the side, offering quick access to essential functions.
The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a larger, rectangular footprint. Its matte black finish provides a professional aesthetic. It includes eight customizable buttons on the side, similar to the VK640. The Artist 12’s larger size might be a concern for those with limited desk space, but it offers a more expansive drawing area.
Both tablets are well-built and feel sturdy in hand. They offer a comfortable drawing experience, thanks to their ergonomic design and smooth, textured surface. However, the VK640’s smaller size might feel cramped for users accustomed to larger drawing areas.
Drawing Area and Resolution
The Veikk Creator VK640 features a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, offering ample space for drawing and sketching. Its 5080 LPI resolution ensures accurate linework and smooth transitions. The VK640’s 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide a natural, responsive feel, making it suitable for intricate details and nuanced strokes.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 also sports a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, matching the VK640 in terms of drawing space. However, it offers a slightly higher 5080 LPI resolution, resulting in even sharper lines and smoother transitions. The Artist 12 also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, matching the VK640’s responsiveness.
Both tablets deliver a smooth and precise drawing experience, thanks to their comparable active areas and high resolutions. The Artist 12’s slightly higher resolution might be appreciated by those seeking the utmost accuracy and detail in their artwork.
Pen Performance and Features
The Veikk Creator VK640 comes bundled with a battery-free pen that offers a comfortable grip and a natural drawing feel. Its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity allow for precise control over line thickness and brush strokes. The pen features two customizable buttons for shortcuts, enhancing workflow efficiency.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 also includes a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of responsiveness and control. It features a more traditional pen design, with a comfortable grip and a balanced weight. The Artist 12’s pen also has two customizable buttons, offering flexibility and convenience.
Both pens deliver a responsive and accurate drawing experience, making it difficult to choose a clear winner in this category. The VK640’s pen might feel slightly lighter in hand, while the Artist 12’s pen might appeal to users who prefer a more traditional feel.
Software and Compatibility
The Veikk Creator VK640 is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems. It comes bundled with Veikk’s own driver software, which allows for customization of pen settings, shortcut keys, and other features. The tablet also supports popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 also offers broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Android. It comes with XP-Pen’s driver software, which provides similar customization options as the VK640. The Artist 12 is also compatible with a wide range of drawing software, making it a versatile choice for digital artists.
Both tablets offer seamless compatibility with major operating systems and software, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free workflow.
Pricing and Value
The Veikk Creator VK640 is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Artist 12, offering excellent value for money. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists and beginners.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 is typically priced slightly higher than the VK640, reflecting its slightly more advanced features and build quality. However, it still offers great value for its price, providing a premium drawing experience at a reasonable cost.
Ultimately, the choice between the VK640 and Artist 12 boils down to your budget and specific needs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent performance, the VK640 is an excellent choice. If you’re willing to spend a little more for slightly enhanced features and build quality, the Artist 12 might be a better fit.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
While the VK640 and Artist 12 share many similarities, there are some subtle differences that might sway your decision:
- Pen Tilt Sensitivity: The Artist 12 offers pen tilt sensitivity, allowing for more nuanced brush strokes and shading effects. This feature is absent in the VK640.
- Screen Display: The Artist 12 is available in a version with a built-in screen, offering a more immersive drawing experience. The VK640 is only available as a standalone tablet.
- Driver Software: While both tablets offer customizable driver software, XP-Pen’s driver is generally considered to be more user-friendly and feature-rich.
- Warranty: The Artist 12 comes with a longer warranty period compared to the VK640, providing greater peace of mind.
The Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Match
Choosing between the Veikk Creator VK640 and XP-Pen Artist 12 depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
The Veikk Creator VK640 excels in its affordability, portability, and ergonomic design. It’s a great choice for budget-minded artists, beginners, and those who value a compact and lightweight tablet.
The XP-Pen Artist 12, on the other hand, offers a slightly more premium experience with its higher resolution, pen tilt sensitivity, and longer warranty. It’s a suitable option for artists seeking a balance between performance and value, especially those who prioritize accuracy and detail in their artwork.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your needs and budget. Carefully consider your priorities, explore the features of both tablets, and choose the one that will empower you to create your best artwork.
Popular Questions
Q1: Which tablet has better pressure sensitivity?
Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of responsiveness and control.
Q2: Does the XP-Pen Artist 12 have pen tilt sensitivity?
Yes, the XP-Pen Artist 12 offers pen tilt sensitivity, allowing for more nuanced brush strokes and shading effects. The Veikk Creator VK640 does not have this feature.
Q3: Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Veikk Creator VK640’s affordability and user-friendly design make it an attractive option for those starting their digital art journey.
Q4: What is the difference between the Artist 12 and the Artist 12 Pro?
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro features a built-in screen, offering a more immersive drawing experience. The standard Artist 12 is a standalone tablet.
Q5: Are these tablets compatible with Mac computers?
Yes, both the Veikk Creator VK640 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 are compatible with macOS.