The world of creativity is changing with the use of new latest technology, especially in the field of graphics. We have seen a rapid growth of graphics tablets on the market recently. However, there are some people who are still not convinced about having a graphic tablet instead of a mouse.
Therefore, Graphic tablets have been gaining a lot of popularity in the market. It’s more convenient for digital artists to use a tablet because it gives them an easier time multitasking and they don’t have to worry about accidentally moving their hand from the tablet to the mouse. However, some people prefer using a mouse because they are more precise.
This discussion is about how a graphic tablet vs graphic mouse has different functions. Let’s see what they are and how you can get a benefit from them.
Computer Mouse or Tablet? Why You Should Choose One or the Other
The choice between a tablet and a mouse is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your computer setup. They help you to be more productive, but each has its advantages.
A tablet is more portable than a mouse and transforms into an easy-to-use keyboard when needed. But the disadvantage is that it’s not as precise as a mouse. The mouse pointer can be controlled with more accuracy on-screen using fingers or by using an external controller.
The advantages are that it’s easier to use the keyboard on the tablet by hand or with an external keyboard, which can also be used on other devices like smartphones or laptops since they are Bluetooth compatible. The choice is yours.
Graphic Tablet vs Graphic Mouse
Tablet
The first difference between a mouse and a graphics tablet is the user interface. A graphics tablet has a pen, which can be used to draw on the screen of the computer and create lines that are smooth and expressive,
Graphics tablets are primarily meant for creating digital artwork there are many additional features available with most graphics tablets such as pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition which means you can experience all your digital art in real life without getting your hands dirty,
Easier navigation of large workspaces,
Less chance of repetitive stress injuries due to prolonged periods of drawing,
Enhanced drawing precision due to pressure sensitivity,
More natural shading effect when using a stylus or brush tool- users can mimic the natural light effect on objects they are working on,
- A graphics tablet comes with many pre-loaded drawing programs or plugins that can be accessed from within those apps. For example, there is an Adobe Photoshop plugin available for some tablets that allow users to access and use the functions of Photoshop in their drawing program,
The only way to really use a graphic tablet is with a pen or a stylus,
- Graphic tablets are mainly used by graphic designers for drawing, painting, and retouching. If you are looking for a digital painting device, then a graphics tablet can be your choice.
VS
Mouse
- On the other hand, a mouse has one or more buttons that can be used to move around on-screen objects as well as select options,
- While mice are primarily meant for navigating on a computer screen,
Easier zoom in and out for graphic details.
A mouse can be good for gaming purposes,
- Graphic mice have More precise tracking.
- Able to use toolbars for more tasks at once with ease,
- Able to click with a precision that can’t be replicated with touch controls, such as drawing buttons and scrolling content (such as text and images),
Can be used on any surface – desk, table, etc,
It is portable and can easily be taken around,
More affordable than a graphic tablet, because it doesn’t require an expensive setup to use,
Can be used for quick note-taking and drawings,
A mouse is one with an adjustable DPI which means the higher the sensitivity, the more accurate your movement will be,
Mice are much easier to use for quick tasks such as clicking on things or scrolling through list items in website menus,
- A mouse has been designed for picking up objects on the screen in front of you,
The mouse is less expensive than the graphic tablet,
Don’t assume that mouse skills are for beginners only! Mice can also help you master using a graphics editor with ease.
Why Use a Graphic Tablet?
In recent times, instead of the traditional way of editing, graphic tablets have been used. This is due to the fact that a tablet allows for a faster and more precise way of editing.
People who use graphic tablets claim that it is worth the investment for two reasons. One, they are more accurate than a mouse, and two, you can create more complicated designs with ease.
The first reason is due to the pressure-sensitive technology of graphic tablets. They can create natural lines without your hand jittering around on the screen. The second reason is due to being able to work with brushes, thicknesses, opacity levels, arrow direction, and other customizable features of the software.
These benefits come at a cost though – it’s not exactly cheap to buy one. They range from $50-200 but you will be saving time by having one over a mouse if it’s worth the investment for you!
There are many different options in the graphic tablet market for people to choose from. Before you decide on which one is right for you, it is important to know what you are looking for in a graphics tablet.
3 Best Graphic Tablet
1. Wacom Cintiq Pro 32HD
The 32HD presents a powerful and accurate way to work with graphics. This professional-grade graphics tool is perfect for artists, designers, and digital painters. It has everything you need to do your work efficiently while having fun at the same time. This pen has an ultra-smooth surface that creates natural lines, curves, and shapes with the use of pressure sensitivity.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 32HD is the latest device in the company’s range of professional graphics tablets. It has a large, 31.5inch touchscreen that delivers an immersive drawing experience. This model has a 1ms response time, 3 customizable Express Keys on top of the device allow for quick access to different tools, and it also has a 4K Ultra HD screen which provides more clarity.
SPECIFICATIONS
Active drawing area: 31.5× 17.92in
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels
Connections: USB, Bluetooth
OS: Windows or macOS
2. Wacom Intuos Pro
From pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, pen connections to the Wacom Intuos Pro is a popular graphics tablet. It’s the ideal choice for artists looking for graphics tablets with lots of variety. The pen also comes with 8 customizable ExpressKeys and buttons on the side for shortcuts like undo/redo, navigating menus, mapping colors, and more.
Wacom’s Intuos Pro is considered a high-end graphics tablet and supports many different functions for professional artists and designers. Users can create textures, brush strokes, and more with the pen and pressure levels. It also has advanced technology to help with precision. The Intuos Pro also supports 60-degree angles to make drawing 2D, 3D objects easy.
SPECIFICATIONS
Active drawing area: 12.1 x 8.4in
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels
Connections: USB, Bluetooth
OS: Windows or macOS
3. Apple iPad Pro (2021)
Apple has released their next generation of tablets, which features a faster processor and other cool features. This new tablet has a number of interesting features that compete with the popular Microsoft Surface Pro. The downside? It comes at a higher price. The all-new mini-LED XDR monitor produces digital art with high speeds and less input electric power than ever before. Simply press the top surface of the monitor to use the built-in artist palette, then select a compatible app to use.
With the improved performance on the Apple Pencil 2, drawing on the canvas is still an enjoyable experience. The new improved screen on this pencil has controls for brightness and local dimming that provide more exciting results while you draw.
SPECIFICATIONS
Active drawing area: 10.32 x 7.74in
Resolution: 2,732 x 2,048
Pen pressure sensitivity: Not specified (requires optional Apple Pencil)
Connections: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
OS: iPadOS 14.6
How to Choose the Best Mouse Tech for You?
To get the most out of your mouse, you will need to know how it works, what features come with it and what type of game will best suit it.
The first thing that you should do is ask how fast your mouse works. If you are playing first-person shooters, then a high DPI mouse will be good for you. If you are an artist or designer, then you should look for a small mouse that can be used on desktops.
Optical mice like this one are great for people who play FPS games. They react fast and are smooth at their movement. It’s great for MOBAs like Dota 2 or League of Legends too because they move quickly across the screen.
For people who do a lot of work on their laptop but like to game on their PC too, laser mice are ideal. They’re preferred by professionals because they’re more precise than optical mice and don’t require any special setup or software.
Choosing the right laptop mouse is usually not as difficult as it sounds. By building up your skill set and experience with different types of mice, it becomes easier to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Well, there are plenty of things to consider when picking the best mouse for you.
- What’s your hand size?
- What’s your budget?
- Do you want a wired or wireless mouse?
- Do you want a gaming or non-gaming mouse?
- And how much do you need to spend on this purchase?
To help make the decision process easier, we have provided some basic information about what to consider when searching for your next gaming or graphic mouse.
3 Best Graphic Mouse
1. Logitech MX Master 3 Mouse
Logitech’s Mx 3 is a quality mouse for designers. It’s ergonomic and designed to fit perfectly onto your hands, and you can spend hours at a time using it. This app doesn’t seem to be optimized for left-handed users.
The MX Master 3 has a high rate of accuracy in tracking on pretty much any surface, keeps up with you even when you speed ahead and is sleek in size.
You’ll get a chance to charge your device up with the USB-C capability, and stay on a single battery for 70 days. Switching between devices is as easy as one press on the touch button on this mouse – no additional tools are needed.
Workers with good wireless technology in their workplaces can be more efficient and give their employers greater productivity.
SPECIFICATIONS
DPI: 4,000
Connection: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
Buttons: 7
Ergonomic Type: Right-handed
OS Support: Linux, Mac, Windows, iPadOS
2. Apple Magic Mouse 2
The Apple Magic Mouse 2 features an updated design that makes it much lighter and with fewer moving parts, making it convenient for consumers. It also has a continuous bottom shell & a built-in rechargeable battery.
The Magic Mouse 2 has a new design in order for it to be more compatible with your work surface. The foot is optimized, so it’s easier to navigate & tracks smoothly. It also offers less resistance when you move around the mouse body.
Magic Mouse 2 is an easy and convenient way of working that doesn’t require you to get tangled up in multiple cords and mounts. It’s ready to use out of the box and provides a more moisturized and ergonomic experience than other mice on the market.
SPECIFICATIONS
DPI: 1300
Connection: Bluetooth and Wireless connection
Buttons: 0
Scroll Wheel: Tactile surface
Ergonomic Type: Ambidextrous
OS Support: Mac
3. Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Razer’s DeathAdder Chroma is their flagship mouse for esports competitions with its high-level performance across 12 exciting ambidextrous gaming zones.
One of the reasons Razer is gaining popularity is because its products appeal to creatives. Even though it primarily targets gamers, these features and design elements make working with it especially useful for graphic designers and other creatives.
The DeathAdder Chroma sensor is so accurate at tracking movement that it can track objects at a speed of 10,000 DPI. With this, you’ll have no problem playing FPS games & it will provide an enjoyable experience for you.
SPECIFICATIONS
DPI: 10,000
Connection: USB
Buttons: 5
Ergonomic Type: Right-handed
OS Support: Mac, Windows
Final Thoughts!
Graphic tablets and mice are both useful and useful tools. They each have their own benefits and drawbacks. The decision you make should depend on your needs, or to what extent you need these tools for your work.
The best way to decide which tool is better for you is to try them both out, see which one fits your work better, and then buy accordingly. Do you know these differences before? Share your thoughts.
