Overview
- If you’re a budding artist or a seasoned professional looking for a reliable and affordable tablet, the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the XP-Pen Star G960S are two strong contenders.
- The Star G960S comes at a slightly higher price point but offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and a more feature-rich pen.
- The choice between the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the XP-Pen Star G960S ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. If you’re a budding artist or a seasoned professional looking for a reliable and affordable tablet, the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the XP-Pen Star G960S are two strong contenders. Both tablets offer impressive features and value for money, but which one comes out on top? This in-depth comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: This compact tablet boasts a sleek and minimalist design, making it perfect for portability. Weighing in at just 250 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. The Deco Fun XS features a textured surface that provides a comfortable drawing experience. However, its smaller size might feel restrictive for users who prefer a larger working area.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S adopts a more traditional design with a larger active area. It’s slightly heavier than the Deco Fun XS but still manageable. The tablet’s surface is smooth and offers a good grip. The overall build quality of both tablets is solid and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Active Area and Resolution
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS offers a smaller active area of 6.3 x 3.9 inches, which might be limiting for detailed artwork. The resolution is 4000 LPI (Lines Per Inch), providing adequate precision for most drawing tasks.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S boasts a larger active area of 9.6 x 6.3 inches, offering ample space for creative expression. It also features a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, delivering superior accuracy and responsiveness.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS comes bundled with a passive pen that offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allows for precise line variations and nuanced shading. However, the pen lacks buttons for shortcuts or customization.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S features an active pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, similar to the Deco Fun XS. The pen also includes two customizable buttons for shortcuts and a side switch for easy switching between pen and eraser functions.
Connectivity and Compatibility
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: Both tablets connect to your computer via USB cable. The Deco Fun XS is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Chromebook operating systems.
XP-Pen Star G960S: Similar to the Deco Fun XS, the Star G960S connects via USB cable and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Chromebook.
Software and Drivers
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS comes with XP-Pen’s driver software, which allows for customization of pen settings, shortcut buttons, and calibration. The software is user-friendly and provides a smooth drawing experience.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S also includes XP-Pen’s driver software, offering similar features to the Deco Fun XS. The software is compatible with popular drawing applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
Price and Value
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS is generally priced lower than the Star G960S, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. Its compact size and decent performance make it a great entry-level drawing tablet.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S comes at a slightly higher price point but offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and a more feature-rich pen. It’s a good value proposition for users who prioritize space and precision.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS vs XP-Pen Star G960S: A Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | XP-Pen Deco Fun XS | XP-Pen Star G960S |
| — | — | — |
| Design | Compact and minimalist | Traditional and larger |
| Active Area | 6.3 x 3.9 inches | 9.6 x 6.3 inches |
| Resolution | 4000 LPI | 5080 LPI |
| Pen Technology | Passive pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity | Active pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity and buttons |
| Connectivity | USB cable | USB cable |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Chromebook | Windows, macOS, Chromebook |
| Software | XP-Pen driver software | XP-Pen driver software |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
The Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The choice between the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the XP-Pen Star G960S ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a portable and affordable tablet with decent performance, the Deco Fun XS is a solid choice. However, if you need a larger working area, higher resolution, and a more feature-rich pen, the Star G960S offers a superior experience.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Considerations
While the features discussed above provide a good foundation for comparison, there are other factors to consider:
- Ergonomics: The Deco Fun XS’s smaller size might feel cramped for some users, while the Star G960S offers a more comfortable and spacious drawing surface.
- Pen Feel: The Deco Fun XS’s passive pen might feel less responsive compared to the active pen of the Star G960S.
- Software Features: Both tablets come with XP-Pen’s driver software, but the Star G960S offers additional features like customizable pressure sensitivity curves and shortcut buttons.
The Final Word: Embracing Your Artistic Journey
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that fits your workflow and budget. Both the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the XP-Pen Star G960S offer excellent value for money and are capable of delivering impressive results. By carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can choose the tablet that will fuel your creative journey.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners, but the Deco Fun XS‘s lower price point makes it more accessible. Its compact size and user-friendly software can be beneficial for learning the basics of digital art.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The Star G960S is a better choice for professional artists due to its larger active area, higher resolution, and feature-rich pen. It provides the precision and responsiveness required for intricate details and complex artwork.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my iPad?
A: No, these tablets are designed for use with computers running Windows, macOS, or Chromebook operating systems. They are not compatible with iPad or other tablets.
Q: What is the difference between passive and active pens?
A: A passive pen relies on the tablet’s sensor to detect pressure, while an active pen has its own internal sensor and battery. Active pens typically offer more features, such as buttons and side switches.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets worth considering?
A: Yes, there are many other drawing tablets available from different brands, such as Wacom, Huion, and Gaomon. It’s recommended to research and compare different models to find the best fit for your needs.