XP-Pen Deco 03 review
XP-Pen Deco 03: 10 x 6-Inch Wireless Tablet with Programmable Hotkeys and a Dial
The price tag for the XP-Pen Deco 03 tablet makes it a serious competitor for other popular brands. This tablet offers wireless connection, and professional pen parameters. Besides, its design looks unique, with a red zoom dial in the top left corner.
I tested the Deco 03 model in Photoshop for photo editing, in PaintTool SAI and SketchBook for drawing. Generally, I enjoyed the quick response to the pressure and customizable keys. At the same time, the simplified design made me spend some time getting used to it. See my conclusion in the XP-Pen Deco 03 review below.
Setup
Setup of this tablet is pretty regular and hassle-free. It can be powered from the PC via the micro USB cable, or just run on the built-in battery. As I planned to use the wireless connection, I charged the battery first (it took about 2 hours).
Connect the cable to the tablet and the PC or insert the supplied RF module into the computer’s USB port. Then, go to the XP-Pen’s website, enter the “Support” section, and find the XP-Pen Deco 03 drivers for your OS. Upon downloading them, set the main parameters like the shortcuts to the hot keys, stylus calibration, etc. or leave them by default. Activate the software you’re planning to use.
Setup estimation: 10 / 10
Features
The pen test of the XP-Pen Deco 03 tablet in all three editor software showed a good precision of the stylus, a quick response to the pressure (there are 8192 levels). I didn’t notice any jitter or flowing issues even at making quick pencil strokes in PaintTool SAI.
The tablet features 6 hotkeys. I programmed some keys for the tools I used often and some for the effects. The scroll ring can be used for zooming in and out, and has good sensitivity. I find it handy, especially in Photoshop. However, when I pressed a button for a blur effect, drew with a stylus, and turned the ring, it didn’t work. It resumed when the hotkey was released.
The tablet has the same size and price tier that the Huion H610 Pro. While surpassing the latter in the pen sensitivity, speed of response, and resolution, it cannot boast the multitouch interface though, offered in the Huion H610 Pro. However, it brings the comfort of the wireless connection to the PC.
I enjoyed the RF module much, for not being limited by the cord. Using it, you can also turn the tablet in your hands and draw from any side of it. The battery holds charge well, and I didn’t notice any low charge issues after a full day of working with a tablet. It lasted in total about 18 hours of work before the indicator flashed the low level warning.
Features estimation: 8 / 10
Design
The front part of the XP-Pen Deco 03 wireless tablet is an even matte surface, without a frame. In the upper left corner, there are programmable buttons and a scroll ring (with a red rim). The working surface (10 x 5.62 inches) is marked by four white camera-style brackets. It takes some time to get used to it and not to get the stylus beyond the area.
The surface is smooth, close to a paper-like feeling but not quite. However, it’s quite easy to work on it, and get used to it.
The stylus has good width and is rubberized for a better grip. It features two long buttons that are quick to find with your thumb, and press. It’s not too lightweight and feels natural in the hand.
Design estimation: 8 / 10
Conclusion
For beginner digital artists, the Deco 03 tablet will make a good starting model. It’s user-friendly and simple to set up and use. For experienced users, the wireless functionality will make a convenient solution while preserving the main benefits of the high-end pads, such as developed pressure levels, quick response, and customizable interface.
