Highlights
- But if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable tablet to elevate your digital art, the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are strong contenders.
- The Deco Pro MW and the Star G960S Plus both offer a comfortable pen design with a textured grip, providing a secure hold during extended drawing sessions.
- The Deco Pro MW takes customization a step further with the addition of a touch bar, which can be programmed to control various functions, such as zooming, scrolling, or brush size adjustments.
Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can feel overwhelming, especially with the wide array of options available. But if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable tablet to elevate your digital art, the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are strong contenders. Both offer excellent value for money, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This detailed comparison will help you decide which tablet is the ideal match for your artistic journey.
Key Features: A Side-by-Side Look
Let’s start by outlining the core features of each tablet to understand their strengths and weaknesses:
XP-Pen Deco Pro MW:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 Levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Pen: Battery-free, with 8192 pressure sensitivity and tilt support
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A
- Additional Features: 8 customizable shortcut keys, 1 touch bar, pen holder
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- Active Area: 8.7 x 5.4 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 Levels
- Report Rate: 266 PPS
- Pen: Battery-free, with 8192 pressure sensitivity and tilt support
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Additional Features: 8 customizable shortcut keys, pen holder
Size Matters: Active Area and Work Flow
The first significant difference lies in the active area. The Deco Pro MW boasts a larger 10 x 6.25-inch drawing surface, offering ample space for detailed drawings and intricate artwork. This expansive area allows for more natural hand movements and reduces the need for constant cursor repositioning, especially for larger projects.
The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, features a smaller 8.7 x 5.4-inch active area. While still generous, it might feel cramped for those who prefer a wider canvas or work on detailed projects frequently. However, its compact size makes it highly portable and ideal for artists on the go.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your workflow and preferred style. If you primarily work on detailed illustrations, intricate designs, or large-scale projects, the Deco Pro MW‘s larger active area will be a boon. But if portability and compactness are priorities, the Star G960S Plus might be a better fit.
The Pen: A Vital Tool for Precision and Control
Both tablets utilize a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, ensuring precise line control and natural brush strokes. This level of sensitivity allows for nuanced pressure changes, resulting in smoother transitions and more lifelike artwork.
The Deco Pro MW and the Star G960S Plus both offer a comfortable pen design with a textured grip, providing a secure hold during extended drawing sessions. The pressure sensitivity and tilt support make both pens responsive and accurate, allowing you to create expressive lines and strokes with ease.
Shortcut Keys and Customization: Efficiency and Control
The Deco Pro MW and the Star G960S Plus both include 8 customizable shortcut keys, allowing you to assign frequently used commands and tools for faster workflow. This feature is particularly useful for artists who regularly switch between brushes, colors, or other tools.
The Deco Pro MW takes customization a step further with the addition of a touch bar, which can be programmed to control various functions, such as zooming, scrolling, or brush size adjustments. This touch bar adds another layer of control and efficiency to your workflow, making it a valuable asset for artists who appreciate fine-tuned adjustments.
Performance and Connectivity: Seamless Workflow
Both tablets deliver smooth and responsive performance, thanks to their high report rates and low latency. The Deco Pro MW boasts a 233 PPS report rate, while the Star G960S Plus offers a slightly higher 266 PPS, ensuring near-instantaneous response to pen movements. This responsiveness translates to a more natural and intuitive drawing experience, minimizing lag and ensuring precise line control.
Connectivity-wise, the Deco Pro MW offers both USB-C and USB-A ports, providing flexibility for different computer setups. The Star G960S Plus relies solely on USB-C connectivity, which is becoming increasingly common but might limit compatibility with older devices.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are both competitively priced, offering excellent value for their features. The Deco Pro MW generally carries a slightly higher price tag, reflecting its larger active area and the addition of the touch bar. However, the Star G960S Plus remains an affordable and capable option for those seeking a compact and budget-friendly tablet.
Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize a larger drawing surface and advanced customization options, the Deco Pro MW might be worth the extra investment. But if portability and affordability are key factors, the Star G960S Plus offers a compelling combination of features and price.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Artistic Journey
Choosing between the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boils down to your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right decision:
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW if:
- You need a larger active area for detailed drawings and large-scale projects.
- You appreciate the added customization options of the touch bar.
- You are willing to pay a slightly higher price for advanced features.
Choose the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus if:
- You prioritize portability and compactness.
- You are on a tighter budget.
- You don’t require the added functionality of a touch bar.
Final Thoughts: A Journey of Artistic Expression
Both the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that can enhance your digital art experience. They offer a balance of affordability, features, and performance, making them ideal choices for both beginners and seasoned artists. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and artistic style.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Are these tablets compatible with Mac and Windows computers?
A: Yes, both the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Q: Do these tablets require any software installation?
A: Both tablets come with drivers that need to be installed for proper functionality. The drivers can be downloaded from the XP-Pen website.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
A: While these tablets are primarily designed for use with computers, some models might offer limited compatibility with Android devices via USB-C connection.
Q: Can I customize the pen buttons?
A: Yes, both tablets allow you to customize the side buttons on the pen to perform specific actions within your drawing software.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets I should consider?
A: Besides the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, other popular drawing tablets include the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and the Wacom Intuos Pro. However, these tablets often come with a higher price tag.