What To Know
- Two popular contenders in the small tablet market are the Veikk Voila L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.
- The Veikk Voila L offers a generous active area of 10 x 6 inches, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small has a smaller active area of 8.
- The Xencelabs Pen Small, on the other hand, has a sleek, minimalist design with a comfortable grip and a side button for customization.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the small tablet market are the Veikk Voila L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both offer excellent features and performance, but which one emerges as the winner? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Veikk Voila L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boast sleek and minimalist designs. The Veikk Voila L features a black, rectangular tablet with rounded edges and a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, comes in a stylish grey color with a smooth, glossy finish.
In terms of build quality, both tablets are sturdy and well-constructed. The Veikk Voila L has a slightly thicker profile compared to the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, but it feels solid and durable. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, despite its thin design, is surprisingly robust and feels premium in hand.
Active Area and Pressure Sensitivity
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to pen input. The Veikk Voila L offers a generous active area of 10 x 6 inches, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small has a smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches. The larger active area of the Veikk Voila L provides more space for drawing and allows for more natural hand movements. However, the smaller size of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small might be more appealing for users with limited desk space.
Both tablets offer excellent pressure sensitivity, with the Veikk Voila L boasting 8192 levels and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offering 8,192 levels. This high level of pressure sensitivity allows for precise control over line thickness and brush strokes, resulting in a more natural and expressive drawing experience.
Pen Features and Performance
The pens included with both tablets are highly responsive and comfortable to use. The Veikk Voila L’s pen features a textured grip for better control and a built-in eraser on the top. The Xencelabs Pen Small, on the other hand, has a sleek, minimalist design with a comfortable grip and a side button for customization.
Both pens offer excellent performance, with low latency and accurate tracking. The Veikk Voila L’s pen has a slightly higher reporting rate of 266 PPS compared to the Xencelabs Pen Small’s 233 PPS, but the difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use.
Software and Compatibility
The Veikk Voila L is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is also compatible with ChromeOS. Both tablets come with driver software that allows for customization of pen settings, shortcuts, and other features.
The Xencelabs driver software is known for its user-friendly interface and advanced customization options, including the ability to create custom pen profiles and assign shortcuts to the pen buttons. The Veikk Voila L’s driver software is relatively basic but offers sufficient functionality for most users.
Pricing and Value
The Veikk Voila L is generally priced lower than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. This makes the Veikk Voila L a more budget-friendly option, especially for beginners or users on a tight budget. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a more premium experience with its sleek design, advanced software, and high-quality pen.
The Verdict: Choosing the Best Tablet for You
Choosing between the Veikk Voila L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Veikk Voila L if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You need a large active area for drawing.
- You prefer a textured pen grip.
Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small if:
- You value a sleek and premium design.
- You prefer a smaller tablet for limited desk space.
- You want advanced software customization options.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Factors
While the Veikk Voila L and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are excellent choices, it’s important to consider other factors that might influence your decision:
- Your drawing style: If you primarily work with line art or sketching, the smaller active area of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small might be sufficient. However, if you prefer working with large canvases or detailed drawings, the Veikk Voila L’s larger active area would be more suitable.
- Your budget: The Veikk Voila L is a more affordable option, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a premium experience at a higher price point.
- Your experience level: Beginners might find the Veikk Voila L’s basic driver software and straightforward design easier to use, while experienced artists might appreciate the advanced customization options offered by the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.
The Final Word: A Powerful Tool for Creative Expression
Both the Veikk Voila L and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are excellent drawing tablets that can enhance your creative workflow. They offer responsive pens, accurate tracking, and customizable features that cater to a wide range of artists and designers. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: Drawing tablets and graphics tablets are essentially the same thing. They are both input devices that use a pen to control a cursor on a computer screen. The terms are often used interchangeably.
Q: Can I use a drawing tablet for photo editing?
A: Yes, you can use a drawing tablet for photo editing. Many photo editing software programs support pen input, allowing you to use the tablet for tasks such as retouching, selecting areas, and applying brush effects.
Q: How do I choose the right size for a drawing tablet?
A: The best size for a drawing tablet depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have limited desk space or prefer a more compact setup, a small tablet might be a good choice. However, if you work with large canvases or prefer more natural hand movements, a larger tablet would be more suitable.
Q: Can I use a drawing tablet with my iPad?
A: No, drawing tablets are designed for use with computers, not iPads. iPads have their own dedicated drawing apps and support Apple Pencil for input.
Q: What is the best drawing tablet for beginners?
A: There are many good drawing tablets for beginners. The Veikk Voila L is a great option due to its affordability and easy-to-use features. Other popular choices include the XP-Pen Artist 12 and the Huion Kamvas 13.