UGEE S640 Graphics Drawing Tablet Review Compact Design with 8192 Pressure Levels

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The UGEE S640 Graphics Drawing Tablet is a compact yet robust device that instantly feels like it’s built for creators. Its 6.5×4-inch active area is surprisingly spacious for detailed work, while the slim profile ensures it doesn’t clutter your workspace. I appreciated the lightweight construction—it’s just 9.9 ounces—making it easy to carry around. The matte surface has this nice texture that replicates the feeling of drawing on paper, which, as an artist, I found extremely satisfying. However, the plastic build, although durable, lacks the premium feel of higher-end tablets.

Performance and Responsiveness

With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, this tablet delivers precise control over line weight and opacity. During testing, I found the battery-free stylus responsive and incredibly smooth in execution. The strokes felt natural whether I was sketching fine details or shading larger areas. While using it with Photoshop and Illustrator, the pen pressure translated perfectly, which is not always the case with budget-friendly tablets. However, it lacks tilt functionality, which might be a dealbreaker for advanced users. Still, the accuracy and responsiveness make it ideal for beginners and hobbyists exploring digital art.

Compatibility and Setup

Setting up this tablet was a breeze. It works with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and even Linux systems, making it versatile for a range of users. I tested it on both Windows 10 and Mac OS X 10.15, and it performed seamlessly. The driver installation is optional, but installing it unlocks more customization options, such as adjusting pressure sensitivity and assigning shortcuts. Plus, it supports popular creative software like Photoshop, SAI, and Autodesk Maya. The plug-and-play functionality is a nice touch, especially for those who don’t want to deal with complex setups.

Key Benefits

• Customizable Hotkeys: The 10 programmable buttons on the tablet enhance productivity. Assigning shortcuts like zoom, undo, and eraser saved me a ton of time while working on detailed projects.
• Portability: At less than half an inch thick, this tablet is perfect for artists on the go.
• Wide Compatibility: Works across multiple operating systems, making it user-friendly for professionals and students alike.
• Affordable and Feature-Packed: Despite its budget-friendly nature, it includes advanced features like high-pressure sensitivity and hotkeys.

Downsides

• Plastic Build: While lightweight, the material feels less premium compared to pricier alternatives.
• No Tilt Support: Advanced artists might miss this feature for more dynamic strokes.
• Limited Active Area: The smaller size might feel restrictive for those used to larger tablets.

Competitive Options

Comparing this tablet to others in the market, the Huion H610 Pro and Wacom Intuos come to mind. The Huion offers a larger active area and tilt support, but it’s bulkier, making it less portable. Meanwhile, the Wacom Intuos excels in build quality and software ecosystem, but it’s noticeably pricier. What sets the UGEE S640 apart is its value for money—it delivers many essential features at a fraction of the cost, especially for beginners or casual users.

Price Performance

This tablet strikes a solid price-to-quality ratio. For the features it offers—like 8192 pressure levels, hotkeys, and wide compatibility—it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into digital art without spending a fortune. Sure, it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of premium tablets, but it gets the job done efficiently. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on performance, this device is worth considering.

Testing the UGEE S640 Graphics Drawing Tablet gave me a good combination of functionality and simplicity. While it excels in offering a user-friendly experience, there’s room for improvement in build quality and advanced features. This device is ideal if you’re starting out or need a portable secondary tablet.

Additional information