The market for graphics tablets is constantly evolving, and it is difficult for a novice artist, illustrator, or designer to understand the diversity of the lineup from Wacom and Huion manufacturers. What choice to make between the two models, how to choose the best Huion tablet, and what are the features of Wacom and Huion models? Find answers to these questions before buying.
Where to Start the Choice
Starting with the three “pillars” of your talents, tasks, and money is always a good idea. There is no need to bring a graphics tablet if long-term growth is anticipated. Manufacturers will upgrade their product lines in 1,5-2 years, and you’ll want to buy something new and more functional. Don’t think about the apps that the tablets can run, either.
All current tablets have frequently updated software that supports them, so the main need for their drivers is to write more buttons and enhance their functionality. Many experts finally give up using the mouse and just use tablets to work on operating systems and specialized applications.
Most contemporary tablets may be used with either the left or the right hand. Only inexpensive or outdated devices do not offer this feature. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware that the work area is always less than the actual dimensions of the apparatus. Therefore, the primary consideration when selecting a graphics tablet should be the intended use.
For instance, the affordable WACOM Intuos range is exclusively for aspiring designers and artists. It allows for the digital manipulation of pictures, such as photographs and illustrations, and the creation of comics, characters, and other artistic images. Compared to Chinese competitors like Huion in terms of functionality, the Japanese brand’s goods are not much behind and occasionally even outperform WACOM.
But here, it is worth considering such nuances as the sensitivity of the pen tilt angle relative to the tablet, which is an advantage of WACOM. This option is indispensable for professional use.
Wacom
WACOM continues to be the market leader due to the expected quality, functionality, and community built over the years.
Three versions and five positions make up the cutting-edge Wacom Intuos line: the Intuos Small, Intuos Small with Bluetooth, and the Intuos Medium with Bluetooth. Peculiarities:
- All Intuos Small models and positions are 200 x 160 x 8.8 mm.
- All Intuos Medium models and positions measure 264 x 200 x 8.8 mm.
- The pen has 4096 degrees of pressure sensitivity, and the Pen 4K is wireless, with no batteries. It has a compartment for tips and tweezers for changing directions. It is equipped with two customizable side switches.
- Four customizable keys.
The Wacom Intuos Pro series has five models: Intuos Pro Small, Intuos Pro Medium, Intuos Pro Large, Intuos Pro Paper Edition M, and Intuos Pro Paper Edition L. It is a professional range. It’s difficult to understand why there are so many jobs when everything could have been done in three and looked more streamlined. However, marketing is ruthless. Peculiarities:
- Intuos Pro Small: Dimensions — 320 x 208 mm, Grip Pen, gel pen not supported.
- Intuos Pro Medium: 338 x 219 mm, Pro Pen 2, supports Gel Flip Pen.
- Intuos Pro Large: 430 x 287 mm, Pro Pen 2, supports Gel Flip Pen.
Huion
Huion manufactures a wide range of models for any task and budget. There are loads of great models, but the best huion tablet, in our opinion, is the Kamva 24 pro.
At the same time, the quality of products is always on top. All models have programmable keys. This tablet has, the first in the entire model range, a pen that does not require recharging. Also, this tablet has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Features:
- Extreme mobility: Thin as your cell phone, lighter than a magazine. It is highly portable; you can take it anywhere.
- Stylish and comfortable: The compact work area of 6.3×3.9 inches is ideal for retouching, drawing, and 3D graphics. The entire upper surface is covered with the same material. The smooth paper-like texture, colorless design, and rounded corners give this tablet a soft look.
- Exceptional performance: Provides professional performance with a 233PPS data transfer rate, high screen resolution, and 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity.
Conclusion
You are welcome to buy whatever graphics tablet you choose. Manufacturers will introduce different versions from which you may pick as your knowledge and tasks advance, expanding the needs for the gadget along with them. Also, keep in mind that while extra bells and whistles make life simpler, they are typically ignored even by pros.
Consider the characteristics of the user’s job, duties, and needs to decide on the model. Then, before making a purchase, carefully consider the device’s technical specifications, including the format (remember that the working area’s size is several centimeters smaller than the entire panel), the active area’s resolution (the higher this indicator, the better), the stylus’s features (it’s crucial for a professional that using a pen to draw feels natural and similar to drawing on paper), and the deciding factor — the number of pressure sensors (accuracy and pen control).
