What To Know
- Ultimately, the choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
- Both the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and enjoyable drawing experience.
- Whether you opt for the premium Wacom Intuos Pro Small or the affordable XP-Pen Star G960, either tablet can help you unleash your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960. Both offer compelling features and affordability, making them attractive to artists, designers, and hobbyists alike.
This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a premium feel thanks to its black plastic construction. The tablet is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and set up. The XP-Pen Star G960, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a textured black plastic surface. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the Intuos Pro Small, but still manageable for travel.
Active Area and Resolution
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small offers a smaller active area of 6.0″ x 3.75″, while the XP-Pen Star G960 provides a larger active area of 8.7″ x 5.4″. This translates to more drawing space on the G960, which can be beneficial for artists who prefer a wider canvas. As for resolution, the Intuos Pro Small offers a higher resolution of 5080 LPI compared to the G960’s 4000 LPI. This means the Intuos Pro Small can detect finer pen movements, resulting in smoother lines and more precise details.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets feature pressure-sensitive pens that allow for natural and responsive drawing. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small’s pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the XP-Pen Star G960 comes with 8192 levels as well. This level of sensitivity provides a wide range of line weights and brush strokes, enabling artists to create nuanced and expressive artwork.
Features and Functionality
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small comes with a range of features, including customizable express keys, multi-touch functionality, and compatibility with various creative software. The XP-Pen Star G960 offers a more basic set of features, with customizable side buttons on the pen and limited multi-touch support.
Compatibility and Software
Both tablets offer excellent compatibility with popular creative software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. However, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small enjoys a wider range of compatibility with other software and operating systems.
Price and Value
The XP-Pen Star G960 is significantly more affordable than the Wacom Intuos Pro Small. This price difference is primarily due to the features and build quality offered by each tablet. While the Intuos Pro Small might be considered a premium option, the G960 provides excellent value for its price point.
Wacom Intuos Pro Small vs XP-Pen Star G960: Which One to Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of who might prefer each tablet:
- Wacom Intuos Pro Small: Ideal for professionals and serious artists who prioritize precision, responsiveness, and a premium experience. The smaller active area might be a drawback for some.
- XP-Pen Star G960: A great option for beginners, hobbyists, or those on a budget. The larger active area and affordability make it a compelling choice.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and enjoyable drawing experience. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small stands out with its superior build quality, precision, and feature set, making it a top choice for professionals. However, the XP-Pen Star G960 provides exceptional value for its price, making it an excellent option for beginners and those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative.
The Final Word: Finding Your Perfect Drawing Companion
Choosing the right drawing tablet is a personal decision based on your individual needs, budget, and drawing style. Whether you opt for the premium Wacom Intuos Pro Small or the affordable XP-Pen Star G960, either tablet can help you unleash your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and the XP-Pen Star G960?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro Small offers a smaller active area, higher resolution, and a premium build quality with more features, while the XP-Pen Star G960 provides a larger active area, more affordable price, and basic functionality.
Q: Is the Wacom Intuos Pro Small worth the extra cost?
A: If you’re a professional artist or serious hobbyist who values precision, responsiveness, and a premium experience, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small is worth the extra cost. However, if you’re a beginner or on a budget, the XP-Pen Star G960 offers excellent value.
Q: What are some alternatives to the Wacom Intuos Pro Small and XP-Pen Star G960?
A: Other popular drawing tablets include the Wacom Cintiq 16, XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro, and Huion Kamvas Pro 13.
Q: Is the XP-Pen Star G960 good for beginners?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Star G960 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordability, large active area, and user-friendly design.
Q: Which tablet is better for drawing and painting?
A: Both tablets are suitable for drawing and painting. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small might be better for fine detail work, while the XP-Pen Star G960 offers a larger canvas for broader strokes.