Screen or screenless - which drawing tablet is right for you?

If you can't decide between a screenless drawing tablet or drawing on a screen with a pen display, hopefully these five points will help you make a better decision. Each has its pros and cons but it definitely depends on your unique situation.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:53 - Learning Curve
1:54 - Pricing
2:45 - Portability
4:13 - Desk Space
5:22 - Posture
6:27 - Conclusion
The screenless tablet used in this video is the XPPEN Deco MW:
shrsl.com/3phbt
The display tablet in this video is the XPPEN Artist 12 2nd Gen:
shrsl.com/41agl
This video is not sponsored but purchasing through the above affiliate links goes a long way to helping support the channel.
You can also read my written post on whether a screen or screenless drawing tablet is right for you here:
drawyourweapon.com/pen-displa...
Music very quietly used: Lobo Loco - Pilgrim
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lo...

[@Jerry_quesoso]

Been really digging the use of pen tablets lately, not only because they're cheaper but also offer better ergonomics without much effort on the set-up. Essentially making them a worthwhile investment on the long run. Only wish they stop making the bezels on the sides smaller on both kinds tho, having that extra surface for your hand to rest on whenever you're menuing is so nice.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Right! I feel the same about the bezels on the side. I actually really liked that about the Intuos 3 for example. Hitting the smaller elements along the edges of the display can get a bit tricky sometimes with the newer tablets.

[@doesfireburn8532]

My second tablet was a wacom cintiq 16 and worked on it for 5 years. After my laptop died i had to get a budget pc to keep going but there were problems with the cords and plugs. My tablet needed a hyper specific cable and port combination that wasnt possible. Not wanting to spend another 100 euros for the wacom link i bought instead a wacom intuos. And i was pleasantly suprised on the ergonomics and how easy it was for me to adapt to it. I learned that day that money cant buy skill. You earn it. Also considering the costs a 80 euro tablet doesnt hurt as much as a 1900 euro tablet.if it breaks that is. That also was a life lesson

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

This comment right here! Thanks for this. 100%. Great lesson to learn. It's so easy to get sucked into the shiny new displays that come out... that's for sure. But in this economy?! Nah, hand me that old Intuos 3 and I'm happy!

[@doesfireburn8532]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff for sure 👍

[@reddprimeclips]

I prefer my display pen when doing work in Clip Paint, but my screenless tablet when working in Illustrator... It is strange and a pain!

[@CVerse]

I like how my huion tablet lets me switch between screen and screen less for this reason

[@J.J.J.J.J.J.J]

Very helpful video to decide which gift to get :)

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Great. I'm glad it helped :-)

[@sugoidxth]

good stuff. keep going.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Thanks:-)

[@TaTa-xd5yt]

Great video. Another thing to add is drawings turn out slanted on pen displays. I have tried all kind of tablets by now and prefer a large screenless.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Thanks for the comment, Ta Ta. Interesting how does it happen for you that drawings come out slanted on pen displays? Is it the same on laminated displays too? I haven't experienced this so I'm curious.

[@GabePickles3837]

I’m honestly thinking of going back to my Deco Pro MW because my Innovator 16 sadly doesn’t have a textured screen and I also have a problem to where my hand blocks the screen when I’m drawing. I probably don’t have this problem when I use my iPad, but I certainly do on my Innovator.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I really enjoyed Deco Pro and had high hopes for the Innovator, but haven’t had a chance to test it. So interesting that you feel that your hand gets in the way on the innovator but not on the iPad. it is a good point to bring up though, especially on smaller displays. I like having the full view of my display too, but for now have only worked on smaller pen displays.

[@skm6777]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff I have to agree that hand blocking is more common on a pen display than an iPad, because with the iPad, you just sweep the image you’re working on to one side, or turn it with your fingers. With a pen display, you have to go through more effort to move the work around, which is why I now use a KD100 with a rotary dial, just so I can easily rotate the canvas. I gave up on using the iPad simply because of the back-and-forth between my Mac and tablet, whereas I don't have that issue with a pen display. But I always want to try to learn to use a pen tablet after watching videos like this.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@skm6777 Great point there. I think the general UI design on iPad as well really makes that experience smoother too. I want to test out that KD100 sometime… maybe do a battle of the controllers XD Have you tried using your iPad as a drawing display tablet with your Mac? I’ve got a video on the channel about Astropad which enables that really well, and offers more than you’ll get from SideCar.

[@robotechnovels]

I want to thank you with all heart for this video. I'm trying to become a bit more focused in my life and attend to many of my "great starts" in life that I left in the dust. I have an XP-Pen Deco Pro MW from a couple of Black Fridays ago....NEVER OPENED! I was thinking of getting a Pen display and just going with a screen. Being today Black Friday I was actually looking at the Artist 12. And all day I have been weighing the pros and cons from research. In my searches your video came up and it made me realize; I'm not looking to be the next Rembrandt of drawing. I am a a complete beginner and the DECO is perfect for my needs. I am looking to learn and have fun with sketching/drawing. I am subscribed to Skillshare and am looking at course to take. I really want to put the time and work in it while enjoying the process. I am even going to gift wrap the DECO to give myself for Christmas. You definitely got a follow from me and I look forward to the creative journey ahead! Thank you again for the informative video and best to you!

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey Robotech Guy. That's awesome. Thank you very much for that comment! Great to hear that you'll be picking up that Deco Pro MW ad regifting it to yourself! I loved my Deco Pro for the 2 years that I used it. Great design, and was a big step up from my first drawing tablet. So I'm sure it will serve you well as you start out and grow your skills. Once you feel comfortable with the tablet and getting some of the basics down, come join us in the @magma_com Classroom study sessions. I host one most Mondays, but we have other hosts starting with us this month too. They're very relaxed sessions and everyone is at a different level, but we just chat and put in the time to study new subjects.

[@usaagima_8519]

I have a screenless digital tablet: One by Wacom. It's really cheap and kinda small tablet, but I've been using this tablet for the past 5 years, although I would love having a screen tablet for speedart and producing content

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Nice. Glad to hear that One by Wacom is still going strong after a few years. I'm curious, why would you need a screen tablet for speed art and producing content? What can the display tablet do that a screenless one can't for you?

[@budgietail]

awwww this is so off topic but I bought a bamboo tablet when it first came out and I bought a new MacBook and the bamboo drivers don't work anymoreeeee cherish that tablet while you can

[@JohnFekoloid]

When you pic up the pen to draw how do you get the line to start at an exact point on the screen?

[@thecoffeesloth]

Another great video, recently found you (today) and have been watching a few of your vids as they are really helpful and to the point Subbed! 😊

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Thanks! Got more videos coming now that my main work slows down for the holidays. Have a few units to review here

[@sorra300-]

I own an x pen with screen but recently found a wacom tablet screenless large for 45 dollars. Might sell my screen and learn to draw screenless.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Nice! Which XPPEN tablet are you using and what model of Wacom did you find? I have a few reviews of older Wacom tablets on the channel.

[@gregjo3808]

Super great video! Questions here: 1) How to hook up my IPad Pro to my windows pc? And, 2) I’m thinking of getting a screen display (Huion Kamvas 22 or 24 plus or XP pen 22R or 24 pro) Do you know if I can scale the UI up to 300% or higher to make the menu, toolbar, brushes, panels larger? I have much difficulty seeing small icon and fonts. Thanks for any help.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey there. Thanks for the comment. 1) So you can use an app like EasyCanvas or Astropad to turn your iPad Pro into a drawing tablet for your Windows PC. EasyCanvas has the benefit of being able to extend. Astropad can only mirror on it's own but it is MUCH more customizable. I have a review of Astropad on the channel, another that compares it with EasyCanvas (old), and am working on a dedicated EasyCanvas video. 2) in theory, if you adjust the resolution of the bigger display, your UI should scale to match that. So for example, setting a 4k display to 2k resolution with increase the UI.

[@MagioMatt]

Thank you for the video, I've been looking for a digital tablet to simply get a foot in the door for digital art. I decided to get a screenless tablet. Do you have any reccomendations for a good digital art software?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hi there. Nice. Which tablet did you decide to get? So for computer software… Krita is a good, free option. Depending on which brand of tablet you bought, there might be a free software license with it. Clip studio paint offers a decent trial period if you want to give that a shot too. For digital painting, Rabelle 5 is currently on sale for $30 on Humble Bundle. I think version 6 too from Rabelle website. I have not tested this out myself yet but have heard good things. I primarily work in Magma these days but that is mainly because I work with them. it’s browser-based and lets you draw with other people on the canvas.

[@kaizzeart6659]

I have both, a cheap gaomon and a fancy wacom. I prefer gaomon cos I get to view my art on my 4k monitor lol

[@dominatesym3513]

It is so weird, I have an iPad Pro newest edition but I find myself flowing better when I am using my 60$ Huion Screenless tablet, I think it's mainly because of the posture and Photoshop on PC is unmatched, while I do love procreate. I would love to use my iPad more but I just find myself going back to PC with the Screenless Huion. If anyone was struggling with the posture maybe if you can recommend a stand or a way to avoid having bad posture while drawing on the iPad.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Haha, I know what you mean. Posture is really a huge factor here. Check out the Hoverbar Duo 2 stand for the iPad Pro. I'm using something similar. It's really sturdy and makes a big difference from using the the ipad is a folding case that gives it such a shallow angle. Hoverbar Duo link: shrsl.com/4bdhs (this is an affiliate link btw) In terms of using your PC software, you can also connect your iPad to the computer as regular pen display. I use that configuration pretty much every day at the moment. Software to do this: EasyCanvas (cheap and limited) or Astropad (costs more, but highly customizable and designed with artists in mind). Astropad is running a BlackFriday special at the moment for annual sub which I'm quite tempted to pick up. I have a video about it here too if you want to take a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJrZhI1_bbWoerc

[@jennydowde9996]

Thank you for all your videos, They are really helpful, However, I am still trying to decide on whether to get a screenless or a display tablet. I was petty much decided on a pen display from Huion which is in my price range but if I needed a repair I'd have to send it back to the country of origin and since I'm in Australia, that's a deal breaker due to shipping costs. So my question is are Huion or XPen reliable in your opinion? I know they won't last forever but I'd llike it to last for some years before it stops working or has a repair issue. Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey there. Glad the videos have been helpful. And definitely understand that concern about shipping cost if there is a problem. So I used the first gen Deco Pro S for about 2 years ( I did need to order a replacement pen), the Deco MW for 1 year (pen button started misbehaving, possibly damaged during my own travels) and the Artist 12 2nd Gen for 1 year. All were still working well before I passed it on to a friend or sold them. Huion I've only tested the Giano and spent limited time with it, but I'm pretty confident that one will last too. So with these brands, I'd look into their more recent releases, let's say from within the last 2 years because the quality and features gap between them and Wacom really isn't all that wide anymore.

[@jennydowde9996]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Thank you! I still have a lot to think about but will take your advice and look at the latest models of XPPen and Huion before making my decision.

[@kyu7337]

Really informative video. Wondering if pen display can also be used as screenless at times?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey/ Good question. And yes, some are capable of that. The Artist 12 2nd Gen from XPPEN for example.

[@JohnFekoloid]

Just one question. When thr pen is above the tablet, does the mouse cursor move? Or must it always make contact with the tablet to move the cursor

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

That's a good question to ask. All of the tablets I've used so far that require being plugged into the computer will move the cursor while hovering above the tablet. When you touch down with the pen on the tablet, it is essentially a click or click and hold action

[@mukagedek4010]

I use screenless tablet for like 4 years for doing commission and work (like 4-7 hours in front of pc). I was thinking to upgrade to display tablet, but people keep complains about the bad posture and hand damage. makes me hesitate to buy one. is it happened to you? actually, this screenless tablet is still good to go. there's no problem for work. I use both wacom intuos for my computer and xp pen deco for mobile with my laptop.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I definitely notice a difference for myself using a display versus a screenless tablet and think the screenless options are much better for my posture. I think there are a combination of factors in my case though from not having a permanent and properly set up desk space while traveling to also using a smaller display. It definitely helps to have a good stand for the display if you go that route so that you aren't bending over. I'd say stick with your screenless tablets while they are still serving you well. Save your cash and/or put it to courses to level up rather than buy an equipment upgrade for now.

[@mukagedek4010]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff oh you all right. thanks!

[@DaVinzky]

no screen is the best.

[@jeofthevirtuoussand]

To me . A screen on a drawing tablet is only worth it if that said screen support tactile input . (To grab and tilt the canvas without any shortcut .) Just like procreate on ipad . I learned too late that the screen doesn't make me any more creative or competent. Since the majority of drawing tablets don't support tactile input . It's a no-no for me

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I know what you mean! It takes me a while to get into a screen tablet that doesn't work quite the same way as an iPad for example. That said,Waxom recently released the Wacom One 13 Touch which is one of the only entry level pen displays that has touch input. I'll have a review on that soon. You could also use an iPad or Galaxy tab with your computer. I use this configuration pretty much every day.

[@NAYOBULL]

ive been using a mouse for awhile and I know I draw way faster using a pen but im not sure, I want to get something with a screen that hooks up to my computer. something that works like a montior rather than a smart tablet.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Sure. You'll be much more comfortable with a pen than a mouse. Both Huion and XPPEN have affordable display options. If you want the multi-touch functionality, you might want to look into the Wacom One 13 Touch. It's a bit more of a spend because of that multitouch support. Here's my review of it: drawyourweapon.com/tablet-review-wacom-one-13-touch/ (still need to make a video) One thing I point out in that review is that it might even make more sense to get a standalone tablet but it really depends on your situation.

[@NAYOBULL]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff yeah might get a standalone tablet cause it will come more natrually. I have a smaller screenless tablet but I can't seem to get used to it.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@NAYOBULL understandable...it can take quite some time to get used to. Some things to keep in mind - a pen display that connects to your computer: you can get bigger screen for the same price you'd spend on a standalone tablet like an iPad. - iPad and galaxy tab will be limited in size. Bigger sizes cost a lot. - iPad and galaxy tab will need additional software to use as a drawing tablet with computer. - if you want to work in Blender it's probably better to get a regular pen display. You can get iPad but then need Astropad to customize properly for blender. This is an additional cost to consider. - if you go with Galaxy Tab, you cannot customize the pen button for what it does on your computer. - if you don't need compact portability of standalone tablet, rather go with regular pen display like Wacom One or XPPEN Artist series

[@NAYOBULL]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Thank you so much for helping out, I want to level up my art but im just very new to digital art. I think il look at the xppen artist series as they seem to have a good reputation.

[@jotsu4491]

screenless is way more comfortable to me. I have a Pc and i can draw for hours without having any pain in my neck or back.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hundred percent agree... Even though I'm using a screenless tablet a lot less these days

[@user-ds4jw6wp9m]

thom yorke teachin art

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Haha, that is quite the compliment!! Thank you 😄

[@swivelkeyring3512]

kinda sucks because i have gone through the learning curve part and now display tablet is cheap enough for me to buy

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Haha, I know what you mean. They really have gotten more affordable. But don't ditch that screenless. Seriously, I think it's the better option most of the time. Which one have you got?