What To Know
- The Wacom Intuos Pro S boasts a resolution of 5080 LPI (lines per inch), while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW has a resolution of 5080 LPI.
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW’s pen, the PA2, also provides a comfortable grip and customizable buttons, but it lacks the same level of precision and tilt support as the Pro Pen 2.
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, provides excellent value for money, offering a spacious active area, high pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with a wide range of software at a more affordable price.
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 S and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW. Both offer excellent features for digital artists and designers, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the Wacom Intuos Pro S vs XP-Pen Deco Pro SW, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design & Build Quality
Both tablets boast sleek and modern designs, but there are subtle differences that set them apart. The Wacom Intuos Pro S sports a minimalist aesthetic with a matte black finish and rounded edges. It’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for portability. On the other hand, the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW features a more angular design with a glossy black finish. It’s slightly larger than the Intuos Pro S and feels more substantial in hand.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel robust and durable. The Wacom Intuos Pro S features a sturdy plastic construction, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW utilizes a slightly more premium feeling metal frame. Both tablets have a comfortable textured surface that provides good grip and prevents slipping.
Active Area & Resolution
The active area refers to the surface of the tablet that responds to pen input. The Wacom Intuos Pro S offers a smaller active area of 6.25″ x 3.9″ compared to the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW’s 10″ x 6.25″ active area. This difference is significant for artists who prefer a larger workspace or work with intricate details. The larger active area on the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW allows for more natural hand movements and a more immersive drawing experience.
Resolution is another crucial factor that affects the accuracy and precision of your strokes. The Wacom Intuos Pro S boasts a resolution of 5080 LPI (lines per inch), while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW has a resolution of 5080 LPI. Both tablets offer excellent resolution, ensuring smooth and accurate linework.
Pressure Sensitivity & Pen Technology
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial feature for digital artists, allowing them to create nuanced strokes with varying line weights and textures. Both tablets offer impressive pressure sensitivity levels. The Wacom Intuos Pro S boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW offers 8192 levels as well. This high level of pressure sensitivity enables precise control and natural brush response.
Both tablets also include pressure-sensitive pens with customizable buttons. The Wacom Pro Pen 2, included with the Intuos Pro S, offers a more refined and responsive experience with excellent pen tip feel and tilt support. The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW’s pen, the PA2, also provides a comfortable grip and customizable buttons, but it lacks the same level of precision and tilt support as the Pro Pen 2.
Software & Compatibility
The Wacom Intuos Pro S comes bundled with a suite of software, including Wacom‘s proprietary software, Wacom Desktop Center, and a selection of creative apps such as Clip Studio Paint, Corel Painter Essentials, and Autodesk Sketchbook. This bundled software makes the Intuos Pro S a more attractive option for beginners who are just starting out.
The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW doesn’t come with any bundled software, but it’s compatible with a wide range of popular drawing programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. XP-Pen also offers its own driver software, which provides customizable settings and allows for pen calibration.
Price & Value
The Wacom Intuos Pro S is generally priced higher than the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW. While the price difference may seem significant, the Wacom Intuos Pro S offers a more premium experience with its high-quality pen, bundled software, and reputation for reliability. The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, provides excellent value for money, offering a spacious active area, high pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with a wide range of software at a more affordable price.
Which Tablet Is Right For You?
The choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Wacom Intuos Pro S if:
- You prioritize a premium pen experience with excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt support.
- You want bundled software to help you get started with digital art.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for a reliable and well-established brand.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW if:
- You need a large active area for comfortable drawing.
- You’re on a budget and value for money is important.
- You already have your preferred drawing software and don’t need bundled apps.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling combination of features and affordability. The Wacom Intuos Pro S stands out with its premium pen and bundled software, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW excels with its larger active area and competitive price. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
What You Need to Know
Q: What are the main differences between the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW?
A: The main differences lie in the active area size, pen technology, bundled software, and price. The Intuos Pro S offers a smaller active area but a higher-quality pen with tilt support, bundled software, and a higher price tag. The Deco Pro SW boasts a larger active area, a more affordable price, but lacks the same level of pen precision and bundled software.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro S might be a better choice for beginners due to its bundled software and user-friendly interface. However, the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW is still a viable option, especially if you’re on a budget.
Q: Can I use both tablets with my iPad?
A: No, both the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW are designed for use with computers, not iPads.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets I should consider?
A: Yes, there are many other excellent drawing tablets available, including the Wacom One Creative Pen Display, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, and the Huion Kamvas Pro 13. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different options before making a decision.