What To Know
- The included Pro Pen 2 features a unique design with a textured grip and an eraser on the top, offering a comfortable and versatile drawing experience.
- The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a compelling alternative to the Wacom Intuos Pro M, particularly for artists seeking a more versatile and customizable experience.
- Similar to the Intuos Pro M, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a pen tablet and requires a separate monitor.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range category are the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium. Both offer impressive features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
The Wacom Intuos Pro M: A Legacy of Innovation
Wacom has been a dominant force in the digital art space for decades, and the Intuos Pro M continues this legacy. It boasts a reputation for reliability, precision, and a comfortable drawing experience.
Key Features:
- Pressure Sensitivity: The Intuos Pro M offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and responsive feel to your strokes.
- Pen Technology: The included Pro Pen 2 features a unique design with a textured grip and an eraser on the top, offering a comfortable and versatile drawing experience.
- Active Area: The Medium size offers a spacious drawing area, perfect for detailed work and larger canvases.
- ExpressKeys and Touch Ring: The customizable ExpressKeys and Touch Ring allow for quick access to shortcuts and adjustments, enhancing your workflow.
- Software Compatibility: The Intuos Pro M seamlessly integrates with various creative software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
Pros:
- Excellent pressure sensitivity: The 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide a natural and responsive drawing experience.
- Comfortable pen: The Pro Pen 2 offers a comfortable grip and a textured surface for precise control.
- Wide software compatibility: The tablet works seamlessly with most popular creative software.
- Customizable ExpressKeys and Touch Ring: The customizable buttons and ring offer quick access to shortcuts and adjustments.
Cons:
- Higher price point: Compared to the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, the Intuos Pro M comes at a higher price.
- Limited driver options: The Wacom driver offers limited customization options compared to the Xencelabs driver.
- No built-in screen: The Intuos Pro M is a pen tablet, meaning you need to use it with a separate monitor.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium: A Rising Star
Xencelabs has emerged as a strong contender in the digital art market, offering high-quality drawing tablets at competitive prices. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a compelling alternative to the Wacom Intuos Pro M, particularly for artists seeking a more versatile and customizable experience.
Key Features:
- Pressure Sensitivity: The Pen Tablet Medium boasts 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, similar to the Intuos Pro M.
- Pen Technology: The included Pen features a comfortable grip, a customizable side button, and a built-in eraser.
- Active Area: The Medium size provides a generous drawing area, offering ample space for creative expression.
- ExpressKeys and Touch Bar: The customizable ExpressKeys and Touch Bar provide quick access to shortcuts and settings, streamlining your workflow.
- Driver Customization: The Xencelabs driver offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the tablet to your specific needs.
Pros:
- Affordable price: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is more affordable than the Wacom Intuos Pro M.
- Versatile pen: The pen features a customizable side button and a built-in eraser, offering greater versatility.
- Extensive driver customization: The Xencelabs driver allows for extensive customization, providing greater control over the tablet’s functionality.
- Improved pen ergonomics: The Xencelabs pen is designed for comfort and ease of use, with a more balanced weight distribution.
Cons:
- Limited software compatibility: The Xencelabs driver is not as widely compatible with all creative software as the Wacom driver.
- No built-in screen: Similar to the Intuos Pro M, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a pen tablet and requires a separate monitor.
Choosing the Right Tablet: A Detailed Comparison
To make the best decision for your artistic endeavors, let’s compare the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium side by side:
| Feature | Wacom Intuos Pro M | Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium |
| — | — | — |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Pen Technology | Pro Pen 2 | Customizable Pen |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 8,192 levels | 8,192 levels |
| Active Area | Medium | Medium |
| ExpressKeys | Customizable | Customizable |
| Touch Ring | Yes | No |
| Touch Bar | No | Yes |
| Driver Customization | Limited | Extensive |
| Software Compatibility | Wide compatibility | Limited compatibility |
Wacom Intuos Pro M: When to Choose
The Wacom Intuos Pro M is an excellent choice for artists who:
- Prioritize a proven track record: Wacom has a long history of producing reliable and high-quality drawing tablets.
- Value wide software compatibility: The Intuos Pro M works seamlessly with a wide range of creative software.
- Prefer a familiar and comfortable experience: The Pro Pen 2 and the Intuos Pro M’s design are familiar to many artists.
- Are willing to pay a premium for quality: The Intuos Pro M is a premium product with a higher price tag.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium: When to Choose
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is an ideal choice for artists who:
- Seek a more affordable option: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a competitive price point.
- Desire greater driver customization: The Xencelabs driver offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the tablet to your needs.
- Prefer a more versatile pen: The Xencelabs pen features a customizable side button and a built-in eraser.
- Are willing to experiment with a new brand: Xencelabs is a newer company, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality drawing tablets.
Beyond the Features: The User Experience
While features are important, the user experience plays a crucial role in your overall satisfaction with a drawing tablet. Both the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offer a comfortable and responsive drawing experience. Ultimately, the best way to determine which tablet suits you is to try them out yourself.
The Verdict: It Depends!
Choosing between the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a proven track record, wide software compatibility, and a familiar experience, the Wacom Intuos Pro M is a solid choice. However, if you seek a more affordable option, greater driver customization, and a versatile pen, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a compelling alternative.
The Final Word: Embracing Your Artistic Journey
No matter which drawing tablet you choose, the most important thing is to find a tool that inspires you and helps you bring your creative visions to life. Both the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium are capable devices that can elevate your artistic journey.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium might be slightly more beginner-friendly due to its more affordable price and user-friendly driver.
Q: How do I choose the right size tablet?
A: The Medium size is a good choice for most artists. If you work on smaller canvases or prefer a more compact setup, you can consider a smaller size.
Q: Can I use these tablets with a smartphone or iPad?
A: Both tablets are designed for use with a computer and cannot be directly connected to a smartphone or iPad.
Q: What are the differences in pen technology?
A: The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is known for its precision and responsiveness. The Xencelabs pen offers a customizable side button and a built-in eraser, providing greater versatility.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets can be used by professional artists. The Wacom Intuos Pro M has a stronger reputation in the professional market, but the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers excellent performance and features at a more affordable price.