At a Glance
- Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Veikk Voila L and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation**.
- The Artist 12 2nd Generation, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a black and silver color scheme.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Voila L and Artist 12 2nd Generation come equipped with capable pens.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Veikk Voila L and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation**. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. But which one emerges as the ultimate champion? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles
The Veikk Voila L and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation adopt distinct design philosophies. The Voila L boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a black, matte finish. Its compact size and lightweight design make it portable and easy to transport. The Artist 12 2nd Generation, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a black and silver color scheme. It’s slightly larger than the Voila L and feels more substantial.
Both tablets come with adjustable stands that allow you to tilt the display for a comfortable drawing angle. However, the Voila L’s stand is more compact and less stable compared to the Artist 12 2nd Generation’s sturdier stand.
In terms of build quality, both tablets are well-constructed and feel durable. The Voila L’s plastic casing feels slightly less premium than the Artist 12 2nd Generation’s metal frame, but both tablets are sturdy enough for everyday use.
Active Area and Resolution: A Close Call
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to your pen input. The Veikk Voila L offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation provides a slightly larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area. This difference might seem negligible, but it can be noticeable, especially for artists who prefer a more spacious drawing surface.
Resolution refers to the number of pressure sensitivity levels the tablet can detect. The Voila L boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Artist 12 2nd Generation also offers 8192 levels. Both tablets deliver a smooth and responsive pen experience, making it easy to create nuanced strokes and subtle variations in line weight.
Pen Performance: Precision and Responsiveness
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Voila L and Artist 12 2nd Generation come equipped with capable pens. The Voila L’s pen features a comfortable, ergonomic design and a responsive tip that accurately translates your pen movements to the screen. It also includes side buttons that can be customized for various functions.
The Artist 12 2nd Generation’s pen also boasts a comfortable grip and accurate tracking. It includes two side buttons and a battery-free design, eliminating the need for charging. Both pens offer a natural, pen-on-paper feel, making them suitable for a wide range of drawing styles.
Display and Color Accuracy: A Visual Showdown
The Veikk Voila L comes without a display, meaning you’ll need to rely on your computer monitor for visual feedback. This can be a drawback for artists who prefer a more direct drawing experience. The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation, on the other hand, features a built-in 11.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. This allows for a more immersive and intuitive workflow, as you can see your strokes directly on the screen.
The Artist 12 2nd Generation’s display offers decent color accuracy with a 72% NTSC color gamut. While it’s not as wide as professional-grade displays, it’s more than adequate for most artistic purposes. The Voila L’s reliance on your computer monitor means its color accuracy depends entirely on your monitor’s capabilities.
Software and Compatibility: A Seamless Workflow
Both the Veikk Voila L and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also work with popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
The Voila L comes with a driver that allows you to customize pen settings, calibrate the tablet, and configure shortcut keys. The Artist 12 2nd Generation also includes a driver with similar functionality. Both tablets offer a smooth and reliable user experience, making it easy to integrate them into your existing workflow.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Veikk Voila L is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for artists who are just starting out or on a tight budget. The Artist 12 2nd Generation, while slightly more expensive, offers a more feature-rich experience with its built-in display and additional features.
Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a basic, affordable drawing tablet, the Voila L is a solid choice. If you prioritize a more immersive drawing experience with a built-in display, the Artist 12 2nd Generation is a worthy investment.
Unveiling the Final Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?
Choosing between the Veikk Voila L and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation depends on your priorities and budget.
The Veikk Voila L excels in:
- Affordability: It’s a budget-friendly option for beginners and artists on a tight budget.
- Portability: Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport.
- Basic functionality: It provides a solid drawing experience with accurate pen tracking and pressure sensitivity.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation shines in:
- Immersive drawing experience: Its built-in display offers a more direct and intuitive workflow.
- Enhanced features: It offers additional features such as a sturdier stand and a battery-free pen.
- Color accuracy: Its display provides decent color accuracy for most artistic purposes.
If you’re on a limited budget and prioritize affordability and portability, the Veikk Voila L is a great option. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more and desire a more immersive drawing experience with a built-in display, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation is the clear winner.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both the Veikk Voila L and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation are suitable for beginners. The Voila L is more affordable, while the Artist 12 2nd Generation offers a more immersive drawing experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and preferences.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: For professional artists who prioritize color accuracy and a more immersive workflow, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation is a better choice. However, the Veikk Voila L can still be a valuable tool for professional artists who need a portable and affordable drawing tablet for sketching or quick ideation.
Q: Can I use the Veikk Voila L with an iPad?
A: No, the Veikk Voila L is designed for use with Windows and macOS computers. It’s not compatible with iPads.
Q: Does the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation come with a screen protector?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation comes with a screen protector pre-installed.
Q: Are there any differences between the first and second generation XP-Pen Artist 12?
A: The second generation XP-Pen Artist 12 features a number of improvements over the first generation, including a battery-free pen, a more responsive display, and a sturdier stand.