Overview
- 3 Pro’s pen features a more ergonomic design with a textured grip, providing a comfortable and secure hold.
- The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus’s pen offers a comfortable grip, but it lacks the textured surface found on the Artist 13.
- 3 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are compatible with a wide range of software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison delves into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design with a slim profile. Its 13.3-inch display, featuring a laminated screen, provides a seamless drawing experience with minimal parallax. The tablet’s stand is adjustable, enabling you to find the perfect viewing angle.
In contrast, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus adopts a more traditional approach with a larger, 10-inch drawing area. Its display is not laminated, leading to a noticeable gap between the pen tip and the cursor. The stand, while adjustable, is less sophisticated than the Artist 13.3 Pro’s.
Both tablets feature a durable build quality, but the Artist 13.3 Pro’s slim design and laminated screen give it an edge in terms of aesthetics and user experience.
Display and Screen Technology
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro stands out with its 13.3-inch full HD IPS display, offering vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The laminated screen minimizes parallax, creating a more natural and responsive drawing experience. The display also boasts a 72% NTSC color gamut, ensuring accurate color reproduction for artists and designers.
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus features a 10-inch HD display with a 72% NTSC color gamut. While the color accuracy is comparable to the Artist 13.3 Pro, the smaller screen size and non-laminated display can be limiting for some users. The parallax issue is also more prominent, affecting precision and immersion during drawing.
For those who prioritize a larger screen and a more natural drawing experience, the Artist 13.3 Pro’s laminated display is a clear advantage. However, if budget is a major concern, the Star G960S Plus’s smaller display might be sufficient.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allows for a wide range of line thicknesses and brush strokes, offering a more natural and expressive drawing experience. The pens are also equipped with side buttons, enabling users to customize shortcuts and enhance their workflow.
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro’s pen features a more ergonomic design with a textured grip, providing a comfortable and secure hold. The pen also boasts a lower latency, resulting in smoother and more responsive strokes.
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus’s pen offers a comfortable grip, but it lacks the textured surface found on the Artist 13.3 Pro’s pen. The latency is also slightly higher, leading to a less responsive drawing experience.
In terms of pen technology, the Artist 13.3 Pro’s pen offers a superior experience with its ergonomic design, lower latency, and textured grip.
Software Compatibility and Features
Both the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are compatible with a wide range of software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. They also offer customizable shortcut buttons and pressure sensitivity settings for a personalized workflow.
The Artist 13.3 Pro includes a built-in screen protector, while the Star G960S Plus requires a separate purchase. Both tablets come with a free drawing glove to prevent hand fatigue and a pen holder for convenient storage.
Price and Value
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is typically priced higher than the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. However, its superior display, pen technology, and build quality justify the price difference. The Star G960S Plus offers a more budget-friendly option, but it compromises on certain features and performance.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and priorities. If you are willing to invest in a premium drawing experience, the Artist 13.3 Pro is a solid investment. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Star G960S Plus provides a decent alternative.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boils down to your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro if:
- You prioritize a larger and more immersive drawing experience.
- You value a laminated screen with minimal parallax.
- You seek a more comfortable and responsive pen.
- You are willing to invest in a premium drawing tablet.
Choose the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You prefer a more compact and portable tablet.
- You are comfortable with a non-laminated screen and slightly higher latency.
Beyond the Basics: A Look at Other Options
While the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent choices, other drawing tablets in the market may cater to your specific needs. Consider exploring options from Wacom, Huion, and other reputable brands to find the perfect fit for your drawing journey.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. However, the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro’s larger screen and more responsive pen might offer a smoother learning curve.
Q: Can I use these tablets with a Mac?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor?
A: A drawing tablet is a pressure-sensitive input device that translates pen movements to a computer screen. A drawing monitor, like the Artist 13.3 Pro, has a built-in display, allowing you to draw directly on the screen.
Q: What is the recommended software for these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Q: How do I choose the right drawing tablet for me?
A: Consider your budget, screen size preference, pen technology requirements, and software compatibility. Research different models and read reviews to make an informed decision.