What To Know
- The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus takes the drawing experience to the next level by offering enhanced features and a larger active area.
- However, if you prefer to work on larger canvases or need more space for detailed work, the G960S Plus’s expanded active area provides a more comfortable and immersive drawing experience.
- The XP-Pen Star G960S is a more affordable option, while the G960S Plus comes with a slightly higher price tag.
Are you looking for a reliable and affordable drawing tablet to enhance your digital art? The XP-Pen Star G960S and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are popular choices, but choosing between them can be tricky. Both offer excellent features, but they differ in key aspects like pressure sensitivity, active area, and included accessories. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which drawing tablet best suits your needs and budget.
Unveiling the Similarities: A Foundation of Excellence
Before diving into the differences, let’s acknowledge the common ground. Both the XP-Pen Star G960S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus share several impressive features:
- Affordable Price Point: Both tablets are incredibly budget-friendly, making them accessible to aspiring artists and hobbyists.
- Compact Design: Their compact size makes them portable and easy to transport, perfect for artists on the go.
- Intuitive Interface: Both models offer a user-friendly interface, making them easy to set up and use.
- Excellent Compatibility: They are compatible with Windows, Mac, and even Android devices, giving you flexibility across platforms.
- Durable Construction: Both tablets are built with durable materials, ensuring they can withstand everyday use.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Entry-Level Champion
The XP-Pen Star G960S is a fantastic entry-level drawing tablet that delivers exceptional value for its price. It boasts a 6.5 x 4-inch active area and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for a natural and responsive drawing experience.
Key Features of the XP-Pen Star G960S:
- 8192 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity: This allows for precise control over line thickness and brush strokes, resulting in more expressive art.
- 6.5 x 4-inch Active Area: Provides ample space for comfortable drawing, making it suitable for a range of artistic tasks.
- Lightweight and Portable: Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, perfect for travel or taking your art on the go.
- Includes a Stylus: The XP-Pen Star G960S comes with a battery-free stylus, offering a comfortable and responsive drawing experience.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: A Step Up in Performance
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus takes the drawing experience to the next level by offering enhanced features and a larger active area.
Key Features of the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
- 10 x 6.25-inch Active Area: The larger active area provides more space for drawing, allowing for greater freedom and detail in your artwork.
- 8192 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity: Similar to the G960S, it offers precise control over line thickness and brush strokes, delivering a natural and responsive drawing experience.
- Improved Stylus: The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus comes with an improved stylus that features eight side buttons, offering more customization and shortcuts for your workflow.
- Includes a Glove: The package includes a drawing glove, helping to prevent accidental strokes and ensure a smoother drawing experience.
The Battle of the Active Areas: Size Matters
One of the most significant differences between the two models is the active area. The XP-Pen Star G960S offers a 6.5 x 4-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boasts a larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area.
For beginners or artists who primarily focus on smaller drawings, the G960S’s active area is more than sufficient. However, if you prefer to work on larger canvases or need more space for detailed work, the G960S Plus’s expanded active area provides a more comfortable and immersive drawing experience.
The Stylus Showdown: Features and Functionality
Both models come with battery-free styluses, but the G960S Plus’s stylus offers additional features.
The G960S Plus stylus includes eight side buttons, offering more customization and shortcuts for your workflow. This allows you to assign specific functions to each button, such as undo, redo, brush selection, or zooming, streamlining your drawing process. The G960S stylus, on the other hand, has only two buttons.
Accessories: The Extras that Enhance Your Experience
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus comes with a drawing glove, a valuable addition for artists who experience hand fatigue or accidental strokes. The glove helps to reduce friction and ensure a smoother drawing experience. The G960S does not include a glove.
Choosing the Right Tablet: Factors to Consider
To make an informed decision, consider these factors:
- Your Budget: The XP-Pen Star G960S is a more affordable option, while the G960S Plus comes with a slightly higher price tag.
- Active Area: If you prefer a larger drawing space, the G960S Plus is the better choice.
- Stylus Features: The G960S Plus’s stylus with eight side buttons offers more customization and shortcuts for your workflow.
- Drawing Glove: The G960S Plus includes a drawing glove, which can be helpful for preventing accidental strokes and improving comfort.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?
The best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a beginner or have a limited budget, the XP-Pen Star G960S is an excellent choice. It offers a great balance of features and affordability.
For artists who need more space for their creations or prefer a stylus with additional features, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is the way to go. Its larger active area and improved stylus make it a more powerful and versatile drawing tool.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the XP-Pen Ecosystem
Both the XP-Pen Star G960S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are part of XP-Pen’s extensive range of drawing tablets. XP-Pen offers a wide variety of models, catering to different budgets and needs. If you are looking for a tablet with a larger active area, more pressure sensitivity levels, or even a screen, XP-Pen has a model that will suit you.
Unleash Your Artistic Potential: The Power of Drawing Tablets
Drawing tablets have revolutionized digital art, offering a more natural and intuitive way to create. Whether you are a professional artist, a hobbyist, or simply looking to explore your creative side, a drawing tablet can help you bring your artistic vision to life.
What You Need to Know
Q: What software can I use with these drawing tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of software, including popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Q: Do I need a special computer for these tablets?
A: No, both tablets are compatible with most modern computers. They can be used with Windows, Mac, and even Android devices.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: The terms “drawing tablet” and “graphics tablet” are often used interchangeably. They refer to the same type of device, which allows you to control a computer cursor using a stylus.
Q: Is there a warranty on these tablets?
A: Yes, both the XP-Pen Star G960S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus come with a one-year warranty.
Q: Can I use these tablets for other tasks besides drawing?
A: Yes, these tablets can be used for a variety of tasks, including photo editing, graphic design, animation, and even handwriting recognition.