One By Wacom CTL-472-N Drawing Tablet Review: A Budget-Friendly Option for Beginners?

One By Wacom CTL-472-N Drawing Tablet Review: A Budget-Friendly Option for Beginners?

Table of Contents

Introduction

The One By Wacom CTL-472-N is a small, entry-level drawing tablet designed for beginners and casual artists. It’s a budget-friendly option that aims to provide a smooth transition from traditional drawing to digital art. In this review, we’ll explore its features, performance, and overall value proposition. We’ve put it through its paces to see if it lives up to its promise of affordability without compromising on usability.

Features

The CTL-472-N comes with a simple yet functional design. It features:

  • Compact and lightweight design with a textured surface for better grip
  • Active area of 6.3″ x 4″ for comfortable drawing
  • 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity for natural line variation
  • Two customizable side buttons for shortcuts
  • Compatible with Windows and macOS
  • Comes bundled with a drawing pen and pen holder

Performance

We tested the CTL-472-N with several drawing programs, and here are our observations:

  • The pressure sensitivity is good for the price point, offering a natural feel for line thickness variation. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of precision and responsiveness as higher-end tablets.
  • The drawing surface is smooth and responsive, but sometimes requires a little more pressure than expected for precise lines.
  • The pen is comfortable to hold, but its lack of a rubber grip might cause fatigue during prolonged use.
  • The two side buttons are convenient for shortcuts, but their placement might be a little awkward for some users.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the One By Wacom CTL-472-N:

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Compact and portable design
  • Good pressure sensitivity for the price
  • Easy setup and compatibility

Cons

  • Limited active area for drawing
  • Pen doesn’t have a rubber grip for comfort
  • Not ideal for professional use

Final Verdict

The One By Wacom CTL-472-N is a decent entry-level drawing tablet that offers value for money. Its affordability, compact design, and good pressure sensitivity make it a suitable option for beginners and casual artists. However, users seeking a more professional experience or a larger drawing area might want to consider a higher-end tablet.

If you’re just starting out in digital art and are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use drawing tablet, the CTL-472-N is a good choice. But if you have more experience or plan to pursue digital art seriously, investing in a more advanced model might be a better option in the long run.