What To Know
- Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the popular contenders like the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the XP-Pen Artist 12.
- The XP-Pen Artist 12 comes equipped with the PA2 pen, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, matching the Intuos Pro L in this regard.
- While this might seem like a drawback, it allows for a more natural drawing experience as your hand and eyes are not obstructed by a screen.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the popular contenders like the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the XP-Pen Artist 12. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Wacom Intuos Pro L: The Wacom Intuos Pro L boasts a sleek and minimalist design, reflecting its premium positioning. The tablet’s surface is made of a textured, anti-glare material that provides a comfortable drawing experience. Its large active area of 13.3″ x 8.3″ offers ample space for intricate drawings and creative freedom. The sturdy build quality and elegant design make it a visually appealing and reliable companion for digital artists.
XP-Pen Artist 12: The XP-Pen Artist 12 takes a more functional approach to design. While not as sleek as the Intuos Pro L, it still offers a solid build quality. The tablet’s active area is 11.6″ x 6.5″, slightly smaller than the Intuos Pro L, but still suitable for most drawing tasks. The presence of eight customizable express keys and a touch ring adds functionality and ease of use.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Wacom Intuos Pro L: Wacom is renowned for its superior pen technology, and the Intuos Pro L doesn’t disappoint. The Pro Pen 2 boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing exceptional accuracy and responsiveness. The pen features a comfortable grip, low latency, and a near-frictionless surface, making it feel natural and intuitive to use.
XP-Pen Artist 12: The XP-Pen Artist 12 comes equipped with the PA2 pen, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, matching the Intuos Pro L in this regard. The PA2 pen provides a comfortable grip and decent responsiveness, though it might not feel as refined as the Pro Pen 2. The pen lacks the tilt sensitivity feature found in the Pro Pen 2, which may be a significant factor for some artists.
Software and Compatibility
Wacom Intuos Pro L: Wacom offers a comprehensive software suite that complements the Intuos Pro L. The intuitive Wacom Driver provides seamless integration with various creative applications. The tablet also comes with a free subscription to Clip Studio Paint Pro, a powerful drawing software. The Intuos Pro L enjoys wide compatibility with Windows, macOS, and even Chrome OS.
XP-Pen Artist 12: XP-Pen provides its own driver software for the Artist 12, which offers basic customization options and functionality. While it doesn’t come with bundled software like the Intuos Pro L, it still enjoys good compatibility with Windows and macOS.
Display and Viewing Experience
Wacom Intuos Pro L: The Intuos Pro L is a drawing tablet, not a display tablet. This means it doesn’t have a built-in screen for viewing your work. While this might seem like a drawback, it allows for a more natural drawing experience as your hand and eyes are not obstructed by a screen.
XP-Pen Artist 12: The XP-Pen Artist 12 is a display tablet, meaning it features a built-in screen. The 11.6-inch full HD display offers a vibrant and immersive drawing experience. This allows you to see your work directly on the tablet’s surface, eliminating the need for constant switching between the screen and the tablet.
Price and Value
Wacom Intuos Pro L: The Wacom Intuos Pro L is priced at a higher end, reflecting its premium features and brand reputation. While it represents a significant investment, the superior pen technology, build quality, and software offerings justify the price for many professional artists.
XP-Pen Artist 12: The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers a significantly more affordable option compared to the Intuos Pro L. Its lower price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious artists and beginners. However, the absence of certain features and the slightly less refined pen technology might be a trade-off for some users.
Wacom Intuos Pro L: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior pen technology with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.
- Large active area for ample drawing space.
- Sleek and minimalist design with excellent build quality.
- Comprehensive software suite with bundled Clip Studio Paint Pro.
- Wide compatibility with various operating systems.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to the XP-Pen Artist 12.
- Lacks a built-in display.
XP-Pen Artist 12: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Built-in display for a direct drawing experience.
- Eight customizable express keys and a touch ring for enhanced functionality.
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise control.
- Good compatibility with Windows and macOS.
Cons:
- Pen lacks tilt sensitivity.
- Smaller active area compared to the Intuos Pro L.
- Software suite is less comprehensive than Wacom’s offerings.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet
The choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the XP-Pen Artist 12 ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Wacom Intuos Pro L if:
- You prioritize superior pen technology and responsiveness.
- You need a large active area for intricate drawings.
- You value a premium build quality and a sleek design.
- You’re willing to invest in a high-quality tablet.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 12 if:
- You’re on a budget and looking for an affordable option.
- You prefer a display tablet for a direct drawing experience.
- You need a tablet with customizable express keys and a touch ring.
- You’re a beginner or casual artist.
Beyond the Comparison: A Final Thought
While both tablets offer compelling features, it’s important to consider your specific workflow and artistic style. If you’re a professional artist or someone who values precision and responsiveness, the Wacom Intuos Pro L excels. However, if you’re a beginner or someone looking for a more affordable option with a display, the XP-Pen Artist 12 is a great choice. Ultimately, the best drawing tablet is the one that best suits your individual needs and artistic journey.
What People Want to Know
1. Is the Wacom Intuos Pro L compatible with Mac?
Yes, the Wacom Intuos Pro L is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
2. Does the XP-Pen Artist 12 come with a pen stand?
Yes, the XP-Pen Artist 12 includes a pen stand for storing the pen and nibs.
3. Is the Wacom Intuos Pro L suitable for beginners?
While the Wacom Intuos Pro L is a great tablet, its higher price point might not be suitable for all beginners. The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers a more affordable entry point for new users.
4. Can I use the XP-Pen Artist 12 with a phone?
No, the XP-Pen Artist 12 is designed for use with computers and not compatible with mobile devices.
5. What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a display tablet?
A drawing tablet is a device that allows you to draw on a surface and have your strokes appear on a separate computer screen. A display tablet, like the XP-Pen Artist 12, features a built-in screen, allowing you to see your work directly on the tablet’s surface.