[Beginners Guide] Pen Display vs Pen Tablet - Which is Better?

Ready to dive into digital art but unsure where to start? This guide is for you. Whether you're an absolute beginner with zero drawing experience, a traditional artist transitioning to digital tools, or someone inspired by manga and eager to create, we will break down the pros and cons of pen displays and pen tablets to help you choose the right tool. Let's turn your passion into action!

No matter your situation as a beginner, the key point is, "How do you start digital drawing?" Firstly, you should have the required hardware. There are two types: pen displays and pen tablets.

1. What Are Pen Displays and Pen Tablets?

Pen Display:

Simply speaking, it is a screen-based drawing device. Draw directly on the display for a paper-like experience. A pen display commonly has a compatible pen (stylus), which ensures you can write or draw on this screen. You can see the lines or patterns you draw on the screen using a pen display.

Pen Tablet:

A pen tablet is a screenless drawing device that is a budget-friendly alternative to pen displays. While high-end pen displays can cost up to $400, most pen tablets are priced between $40 and $150, making them an excellent choice for beginners. However, using a pen tablet requires adjusting hand-eye coordination. You draw on the tablet's surface while watching a separate monitor. This learning curve may initially feel unnatural, but it improves with practice.

2. Pen Display vs. Pen Tablet - How to Choose Based on Your Need?

The answer differs for different beginners. If you are very new to drawing, you can learn to draw on paper. You can use a characteristic that you like. Keep practicing. When you get used to drawing something, it's time to consider buying a pen display or a pen tablet.

Is your budget under $100?

Pen tablets are not only budget-friendly but can protect your spine. You don't have to look down when drawing. Multiple pen tablets are on the market, so you have many choices. In this place, you recommend the ugee M708. It is designed for beginners and features a battery-free stylus, eight customized shortcuts, and a scroll wheel, efficiently binding your operation to the computer. You can start and focus on your creative process without distractions, significantly improving drawing efficiency.

Do you struggle with hand-eye coordination?

On the other hand, a pen display is more straightforward to draw. Hold the pen and look down at the screen; drawing on a pen display is like drawing on paper. If you have an iPad, there is an app called Procreate. It is an art studio for iOS. There are multiple brushes and beautiful samples, and the illustration is funny using this app. If you're an Android user, ugee UE12 is suitable. It is compatible with popular operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Android, and Chrome.

In short, The answer differs for different beginners:

• Budget-Conscious Beginners: Start with a pen tablet. Master basic skills before upgrading.

• Comfort Seekers: Opt for a pen display if replicating traditional drawing feels crucial.

• Health Considerations: Pen tablets encourage better posture (avoid neck strain from looking down).

3. Must-Check Specifications When Buying Pen Display or Pen Tablet

The parameters are also different for a pen display and a pen tablet. But there is a common element: the stylus. Whether you choose a pen display or a tablet, the stylus is related to whether you draw comfortably.

Pressure Sensitivity

It refers to the sensitivity of the pen's response to the force applied when writing. Typical pressure sensitivity levels include 2048 levels, 4096 levels, 8192 levels, and 16384 levels---8192+ levels are recommended for nuanced shading (e.g., ugee U-Pencil).

Tip: Higher levels matter more for subtle differences that it can detect.

Size & Ergonomics

Choose the one that suits you according to the size of your desk or computer desk and the size of your hand: 6-8 inches for small hands and 10+ inches for detailed work.

Caution: The larger the tablet/display, the larger the drawing movement area. Your arms will get tired after drawing for a long time.

Surface Texture

To beginners, there is another crucial aspect to consider. The feel of the tablet/screen surface mainly comes from the material and craftsmanship of the film layer on the drawing area of the tablet/screen.

Choose a matted one if you want a feeling similar to pen and paper. However, the pen nib will wear out faster, which means it will consume more pen nibs. A finer surface will be slippery, and the pen nib will be more wear-resistant.

Tip: Test your grip style before buying - some pens suit palm resters, others work for hover artists.

4. Top Picks for Beginners

5. Final Tips Based on Your Goals

• Casual/Hobby Use: Pen tablet + free software (Krita, Medibang).

• Professional Path: Pen display + computer + Adobe Photoshop.

• On-the-Go Creation: iPad + Apple Pencil (if budget allows).

Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!