In the realm of digital creativity, drawing tablets with screens have revolutionized artistic expression. No longer confined to paper and pencil, artists now harness the power of digital pens directly on the screen and providing a plethora of digital tools for precise editing. The market has seen an influx of budget-friendly display tablets in recent years, making it an opportune time for graphic designers, digital artists, illustrators, and animators to enhance their creative endeavors without breaking the bank. Let’s embark on a buyer’s guide to find the best cheap drawing tablet with screen.
Tips for choosing a cheap drawing tablet with screen
These are the aspects that I consider the most important to take into account when choosing which drawing tablet we want to buy
Choosing the Right Size for a Graphics Tablet
Drawing tablets vary in size, ranging from compact 10” tablets to expansive 20” devices, presenting a challenge for those navigating the selection process. For users on the move, a smaller tablet within the 10”-15” range is recommended. Portable and lightweight, these tablets easily fit into daypacks, catering to constant travelers. Conversely, larger tablets, spanning 16”-20”, elevate the creative experience, offering a more immersive platform for digital painting and sketching. The expanded size ensures clearer visibility of work, minimizing the need for frequent zooming during the editing process.
Selecting the Appropriate Drawing Surface
The tablet’s size directly influences the drawing area, the active screen space where strokes are detected and displayed. While a spacious drawing area may seem enticing, quality should not be sacrificed for quantity. The active drawing area’s effectiveness is determined by various tablet features that impact drawing quality, ensuring a balanced consideration of both size and performance.
The Role of Shortcut Keys in a Graphics Tablet
Shortcut keys, or hotkeys, enhance efficiency by providing quick access to frequently used tools during drawing. Modern tablets seamlessly integrate these shortcuts, streamlining the creative process. Customizable hotkeys offer flexibility, allowing users to tailor shortcuts based on individual preferences. While some tablets auto-assign shortcuts based on tool usage, the freedom to customize ensures adaptability to diverse projects with varying tool requirements.
Appropriate Connectivity for a Display Tablet
Connectivity options influence a tablet’s usability. Some tablets require a wired connection to a PC or monitor via USB, limiting movement but ensuring a stable connection. Wireless options, such as Bluetooth, eliminate cables, offering more freedom to move and inspiring creativity. However, Bluetooth connectivity is bound by range limitations, requiring users to stay within a certain distance to maintain a signal.
Optimal Pressure Sensitivity Levels for a Graphics Tablet
Pressure sensitivity, measured in levels ranging from 512 to 8192, determines stroke thickness when using a digital pen. Higher sensitivity values result in subtler strokes, offering artists control over line thickness based on applied pressure. Tablets with varied pressure levels empower artists to tailor stroke contrast to project requirements, with a common baseline sensitivity of at least 2048.
In the realm of affordable drawing tablets with screens, understanding these key factors will guide users toward a device that aligns with their unique creative needs.
Reviews of Budget-Friendly Drawing Tablets with Screens
Huion Kamvas Pro 12
The Huion Kamvas Pro 12 stands as an excellent alternative to the Wacom Cintiq, offering a myriad of features at an affordable price of around $200. Distinguished by its anti-glare glass layer, this tablet showcases robust durability, capable of withstanding rigorous use without compromising performance. Boasting an 11.6” display, it ensures detailed and distortion-free visuals with auto-toned colors. The HD screen provides unmatched clarity, complemented by four customizable shortcut keys and touch bar options for enhanced navigation. The PW507 digital pen, with 8192 pressure sensitivity levels and 60-degree tilt specifications, adds a natural feel to the drawing experience. Compact, lightweight, and compatible with various operating systems, the Huion Kamvas Pro 12 is an ideal choice for on-the-go creatives.
Wacom DTC133W0A One Digital Drawing Tablet
The Wacom One Digital Drawing Tablet caters to beginners seeking to enhance their digital art skills. Featuring a medium-sized 13.3” screen, it offers the perfect canvas for amateurs. The tablet’s natural-surface friction provides a paper-like feel, facilitating a seamless transition to digital art. With minimal parallax and a responsive time of 26ms, the Wacom One ensures accurate and smooth drawing. Offering limited free access to graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint Pro, it provides ample tools for skill development. While not a standalone tablet, the Wacom One offers multiple connectivity options, including USB and HDMI, providing flexibility for different devices.
Huion KAMVAS 20 Drawing Tablet
For artists who prefer larger screens, the Huion KAMVAS 20 Drawing Tablet excels with its expansive 19.5” display. The adjustable stand, ranging from 20-80 degrees, allows users to find the perfect drawing angle. The IPS display ensures a wide range of viewing angles, minimizing parallax for a seamless drawing experience. With a fast response time of 25ms, the tablet eliminates lag, providing instant stroke display. Although not a standalone tablet, it offers versatile connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, VGA, and DP cables. Paired with a battery-free PW507 stylus, boasting 8192 pressure sensitivity levels, the Huion KAMVAS 20 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
XP Pen Artist 13.3 Pro
The XP Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is a budget-friendly option equipped with a 13” full HD display supporting 123% sRGB color space. The laminated screen minimizes parallax, while the tablet’s design ensures durability and scratch resistance. Seven shortcut buttons, along with a red dial, provide easy access to various tools, enhancing the drawing experience. The tablet features a battery-free passive stylus with 8192 pressure sensitivity levels for accurate pen tracking. Ergonomic and comfortable, the stylus allows for uninterrupted drawing. With its thoughtful design and shortcut keys, the XP Pen Artist 13.3 Pro offers an enjoyable digital art experience.
Conclusion
For amateur graphic designers seeking to refine their digital art skills, affordable drawing tablets provide a gateway into the digital art space. The reviewed tablets with built-in screens offer a soft landing for those embarking on their digital art journey. Keep an eye on these budget-friendly options when making your choice.