Graphic Tablet Vs Drawing Tablet are two very different devices. Drawing tablets are designed for artists who want to draw digitally, while graphic tablets are intended for those who want to edit photos or create digital art. So, which one is right for you? It depends on what you want to use it for.
What is a Drawing Tablet?
Drawing tablets are also known as pen displays and can be used independently without the need to connect to a computer. You can connect them to your computer to transfer the image to a program that allows you to edit it or touch upon them.
Drawing tablets can be used independently, unlike a graphic tablet that requires you to connect to a computer.
Drawing tablets are generally more expensive than graphics tablets because they can be used almost anywhere.
Apart from the touchscreen that allows you to draw, there are many other features and software you can use on your own. And you should know how to use a Drawing tablet to make the most of their features
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Super accurate designs
- Very affordable
- It feels as natural as drawing on paper
- There are many shortcut keys
Cons:
- Screen not available
- The chunkier side
What is a Graphics Tablet?
A graphic tablet is a device that allows you to draw with a special pen and a tablet.
We have already mentioned that a graphic tablet does not come with a screen.
You cannot use them without a computer, tablet or similar device that has a screen. A graphic tablet gives you only the ability to draw on it, but you cannot track your lines. It would help if you had a screen to see the result of what you are removing.
You could say that using a graph tablet to draw is more challenging than drawing on a tablet. However, you can still see the screen and view what you remove.
This could not be considered a major setback as it is easy to get used to the new way of drawing and doesn’t require any training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Real-time design view
- Shorter learning curve
- Multifunctional
- OS-based versions can be selected if you require additional specifications
Cons:
- It is evident that Stylus latency has occurred
- It might heat up a little more
Graphic Tablet versus Drawing Tablet: Detailed Comparison
Display/Working Area
A wide variety of screens and displays can be displayed on drawing tablets. These tablets are also known as Monitor tablets or Pen Displays. They have full HD and even Full HD screens with LCD or IPS options.
The highest-end models with 1920 x 1080 pixels native resolution offer 72% NTSC and over 90% sRGB colors gamuts for exceptional color fidelity.
They can produce decent accuracy levels and can be used well for creating simple stuff such as icons and headers. Graphics pads, another name for graphic tablets, are almost screen-free. They offer hardened work surfaces in square inches.
They are more precise than tablets when drawing precision, but they lack a screen.
You get a fully functional screen, and drawing tablets are the best. Although graphic tablets are more accurate, I prefer the actual screen.
Stylus & Sensitivity
Some pen displays and drawing tablets come with active pens that may need to be charged. In most cases, however, an EMR pen will work just fine.
The generic stylus performance works well with standard designs, regardless of what you get. The screen can make stylus sensitivity a little tired.
Graphic tablets come with more precise stylus pens, have better grips and are insanely accurate. Drawing pens can reach pressure levels up to 4000+, but most graphic tablets allow you to go as high as 8192, making it possible for all your designs to come alive. These pens are self-charging, so the battery is not an issue.
Stylus pens that are associated with graphic tablets have additional features, such as advanced palm rejection support and a more responsive surface to work on.
Graphic tablets are the best when it comes to performance and stylus, thanks to their better pressure sensitivity, responsiveness and overall drawing quality.
Design, Connectivity and Compatibility
Graphic tablets are a lot more sturdy than standard drawing tablets in construction. Graphic tablets are expected to have a plastic-clad chassis. However, they tend to be heavier due to the more significant form factor and the absence of a wear-prone display.
The Wacom Intuous Pro is one of the most popular graphics tablets. It measures 13.2×8.5×0.3 inches. This is much thicker than the standard drawing tablets. There are many options when it comes to bulk.
Both drawing and graphic tablets have USB and HDMI ports. They both require a host computing device to connect to them.
You might also find variants that offer wireless connectivity if you look. However, the majority of drawing tablets have Bluetooth connectivity.
However, I am biased towards graphic variants due to the built-in shortcut keys and elusive dials and other handy on-device characteristics.
The operating system is OS-agnostic, meaning that almost all drawing and graphic tablets are compatible with both Windows and Mac-powered devices.
Although the back and forth scale tipping, there are few options when the entire category is being evaluated.
While drawing tablets are portable and easy to use, graphic tablets are more robust and offer additional physical attributes. The drawing tablet is my choice.
Drawing Accuracy
Here’s the category that will help you get out of any bind if it is already there. The best choice for complex designs is the graphic tablet. Its strengths are:
It’s a one-dimensional work area.
- Minimal design components.
- Intuitive, technologically equipped stylus pen.
Tablets can draw the screen, taking the “tri” out of the complex. However, they are not easy to learn, and the learning curve is steep. Although drawing tablets are more accurate than graphic tablets, both have long learning curves. It is possible to take some time to get used to the graphic tablet without a screen.
Graphic tablets outperform pen displays, despite having a steeper learning curve. However, the design accuracy is more than enough to make up the difference.
Pricing
You can choose a high-end graphic tablet and then compare it to a lower-cost pen display in some instances. But it’s usually the opposite. Graphic tablets can be more affordable than similar drawing tablets, despite their accuracy and design-specific perks.
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a powerful, feature-packed drawing tablet costs $1,200. However, the reliable XPen Deco graphic tablet has a passive, charging stylus and costs around 100 dollars. It’s quite a price difference, isn’t it?
I’ll choose a drawing tablet over a graphic tablet when I have to pinch cash. It all depends on what you need.
Learning Curve
When you consider all the advanced editing and drawing options available with graphic or drawing tablets, it is clear that there is a steep learning curve. It’s easy to use, even if it’s your first time using one of these devices.
However, there are slight differences in how fast you can learn to use a drawing tablet and a graphic tablet.
A drawing tablet has a screen to see exactly what you are drawing. It’s easy to learn how to use the special pen and apply pressure to remove different line thicknesses.
It shouldn’t take more than a few days to master it. You can practice it for several days before you can use it.
However, learning how to use a graph tablet can be challenging because the screen is not below your pen.
You would typically place a tablet on the table in front of you. Your computer screen will then be at your level.
It may be a challenge at first as you have to look at the screen while drawing on a tablet placed on the table.
However, drawing this art is easy to master. Most people can draw beautiful art right away. You will need to take some time to master this technique, but you can still use it immediately, just like with the drawing tablet.
Graphic Tablet Vs. Drawing Tablet: FAQs
Can I Use Any Stylus With Graphics Tablets and Drawing Tablets?
You will need to use the included stylus or compatible one for most graphics tablets. A drawing tablet will allow you to choose from various styluses, while a drawing tablet can be used with your hand.
What Professions Use Graphics Tablets and Drawing Tablets?
Any work that involves drawing can use these input devices, such as animators and architects, engineers, graphic designers, and architects. These devices allow for detailed designs that are more accurate and less stressful.
Can I use a regular tablet as a drawing tablet?
A regular tablet can be used as a drawing tablet. However, you will need to install the right software to access as many features as possible. Although you can often find free software, premium software requires that you pay for access to all features.
Regular tablets are not made with drawing in mind and may not be as easy to use.
Conclusion
There is no clear winner for a graphic tablet and drawing tablet. It depends on your needs and preferences. A graphic tablet might be a better option if you need a tablet for general use. If you need a tablet specifically for drawing, a drawing tablet might be a better option.
