Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) Review

The Huion Kamvas series has long been a beloved choice among digital artists and designers, and this time, Huion has taken things up a notch with the Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) graphics tablet.

It can seamlessly connect to your PC, Mac, or even some Android phones.

Despite not being a tablet, it has still earned a spot on my list of the best drawing tablets, and today we’ll be discussing how and why. 

So, after using it for about three weeks, I’m here with an honest review of those four features that make this tablet a worthwhile investment. The answers might just surprise you, so let’s jump right in. 

Specifications

OS	N/A
Screen size	13.3 Inches
Resolution	2K (2560 x 1600)
Pressure Sensitivity	8192 levels
Stylus Included	Yes (PW517)
Shortcut Keys On Tablet	7 Programmable Buttons
Ports	2x USB-C
Battery Life	N/A
Weight	2.2 lbs
Computer Required	Yes
Price	$369

What’s Inside The Box?

The Huion Kamvas Pro 13 sets itself apart with its impressive array of accessories that come included right in the box.

Here’s a list of what you’ll find inside:

1. Pen Display
2. Digital Pen PW517
3. 3-in-2 Cable
4. USB Extension Cable
5. USB-C to USB-C cable
6. USB Power cable
7. Foldable Stand ST200
8. Pen Holder PH05F
9. Standard Nib (x 5)
10. Felt Nib (x 5)
11. Nib Clip
12. Glove
13. Cleaning Cloth
14. Quick Start Guide

Features of Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K)

1. Display Quality

Firstly, let’s talk about its resolution. It’s rocking an IPS 60 Hz screen with a resolution of 2560 by 1600. That’s slightly beyond what’s commonly known as 2.5K.

Now, when it comes to color, it boasts an impressive 145% sRGB color gamut coverage. This essentially means it can display a wide range of colors with exceptional accuracy and vibrancy. 

In terms of contrast, it’s got a 1200:1 ratio. So, your images will have that extra “pop” and depth that’s often missing on screens with lower contrast ratios.

And there’s a palette of 16.7 million colors at your disposal; you’ve got an extensive range to play with. The viewing angle of 178 degrees means you can comfortably look at your work. 

Finally, there’s a laminated display, which minimizes the gap between the glass and the screen and gives you a more direct and tactile feel.

2. The PenTech 3.0 Stylus 

It’s great to see that Huion has continued the tradition of including a stylus with their drawing tablet this year, just like the previous model. This time, they call their stylus the new Pentech 3.0. 

And when I got my hands on the pen right out of the box, it felt pretty familiar—the same look, the same feel. 

It has two customizable buttons in the middle, and it has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, just like the previous pen.

To be completely honest, when I’m deep into my drawing projects, I don’t notice any major surprises with this new 3.0 pen. It’s not that I’m against this thing; it’s just that there isn’t anything particularly novel that jumps out at you.

Perhaps a seasoned artist might be able to find some subtle differences with this new pen, but for my day-to-day drawing tasks, I didn’t notice any significant changes.

Moving on from the pen, there’s a pen holder (Dount) included in the box, and it’s a handy addition. Inside this holder, you’ll find some extra standard and felt nibs, which can be a lifesaver when your current one starts to wear down. 

I’ve seen many fellow artists go through this, especially those who spend a lot of time drawing, so having these extra nibs is definitely a thoughtful inclusion.

3. The Overall Performance

After using the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 for three weeks, I have to say it’s been an awesome journey:

Firstly, setting it up is pretty straightforward, though if you’re new to graphic tablets, it might take a bit to get used to. One thing that stands out is how customizable it is. You can tweak a bunch of settings to match exactly how you like to work, even for different software programs.

Next, the pen and tablet combo is just a joy to use. The 2.5K display with 226 pixels per inch (PPI) is fantastic, especially for coloring. It makes my art look incredibly vibrant and clear.

And if you ask me about the pen (the stylus), the Huion PenTech 3.0 is precise and feels natural. It can even recognize tilts up to ±60°, which adds some cool expressiveness to your art. I tested it with various pressures, and it responded well.

One thing I loved was how smoothly lines start and end, even when drawing fast. It adds a lot of finesse to your work.

The pen’s pressure sensitivity is impressive. It reacts quickly to light touches and keeps a consistent pressure on curves. The pressure curve is smooth, with only a tiny fading on really light lines.

And I checked for any wobbling when drawing slowly, and there was just a tiny bit, nothing major. The only thing I missed was a touch screen; it could have been a handy addition. But considering its price, it’s pretty close to perfect.

To sum it up, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 gives you clean lines, excellent pressure sensitivity, and only a bit of waviness when drawing slowly. It’s been a great tool for my digital art journey, and I can’t wait to use it more.

I’ve tried it with various software programs like Autodesk Sketchbook and ArtRage 5, and it consistently performed well in all of them.

4. Programmable Shortcut Keys 

The Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) comes equipped with 7 programmable buttons, and I must say, it’s a delightful feature. When you’re deep into your work and facing an intensive workload, having these shortcuts at your fingertips can be a real lifesaver.

What’s particularly satisfying is the durability of these buttons. They feel robust and resilient, standing up to the demands of a busy workflow without showing signs of wear and tear easily.

While it’s true that some tablets offer a greater number of programmable buttons, as an enthusiast, I found the seven buttons on the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 to be quite sufficient for my needs.

However, if you consider yourself a true artist and find that your creative process demands even more shortcuts and customization options, investing in a separate keypad might be a wise choice to further streamline your workflow.

Pros And Cons 

Pros

1. The display quality on this 13 inch tablet feels crispy. 
2. The Huion PenTech 3.0 offers good precision and tilt recognition.
3. Pressure sensitivity is excellent, with smooth line tapering.
4. The side buttons on this device are indeed very helpful for enhancing functionality and user experience.
5. The 13 inches are really great for not taking a lot of deskspace 

Cons

1. Having too many wires can lead to frustration
2. Also, there’s a bit of graininess, especially in white areas
3. There’s no touch screen on this tablet. 
4. This tablet is not compatible with Chromebooks
5. There’s no screen protector inside the box; you need to purchase it separately. 

Who Should Buy Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K)?

The Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) is an excellent graphics tablet that offers a range of features to meet specific user needs. Here are some types of users who should consider buying this device:

1. Digital Artists and Illustrators: If you are a digital artist or illustrator looking for a high-quality drawing tablet with a responsive stylus and a vibrant display, the Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) is an ideal choice. 

2. Graphic Designers: Graphic designers who require precise control over their design work will appreciate the Kamvas Pro 13’s stylus accuracy and the ability to work with graphic design software seamlessly. It provides a professional-grade digital canvas for design projects.

3. Photographers and Photo Editors: Photographers and photo editors who need a secondary display for image editing will find the Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) beneficial. Its color accuracy ensures that you can make precise color adjustments to your photos.
4. Multimedia Creators: If you’re involved in multimedia content creation, such as video editing and animation, this tablet’s responsive stylus can be used for precise editing and drawing tasks within your projects.

Is It Worth Buying? 

It all depends on your needs and preferences. There are some factors through which you can easily check whether you should buy it or not. 

Here are some factors where it is worthwhile to spend money:

1. Budget: If you’re looking for a relatively affordable graphics tablet with professional-grade features, the Kamvas Pro 13 is a solid option. 

2. Usage: Consider how you plan to use the tablet. If you’re a digital artist, illustrator, graphic designer, or photographer in need of a high-quality drawing and editing tool

While the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) has some appealing features, there are some reasons why it is not worth your money:

1. Limited Screen Size: The Kamvas Pro 13 has a relatively small 13-inch screen. If you require a larger workspace for your digital art, design, or editing tasks, you might find this screen size restrictive.

2. Compatibility: Although it is compatible with PCs, Macs, and select Android phones, it may not work all by itself, just like the iPad Pro or Samsung Tablets.

So, it’s essential to assess your requirements and research other options before making a final decision.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) is a versatile graphics tablet with impressive display quality, a responsive stylus, and a good range of features. 

Having used it extensively, it’s no surprise to me that the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) often finds itself at the top of the best drawing tablet lists. 

In my personal experience, the decision to invest in the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) good. However, I also recognize that its suitability depends on individual requirements and budget. So, if you’re looking for a reliable tablet for your creative journey, this graphics tablet is undoubtedly worth considering.