Comic letterers sharing a desk
If you draw dialogue, captions or sound effects where someone else also works, you may need a display you can move aside and position comfortably rather than leave permanently set up.
Who this is for
Letterers who use repeated shortcuts
If you frequently change tools or adjust the canvas, configurable dials and keys may be more useful to your workflow than touch input.
Laptop users planning a tidy connection
If you want fewer cables across the desk, check whether your computer, cable and chosen display support the proposed connection and power arrangement.
What to check before buying
Start with the space available and your computer’s connections, then decide whether physical shortcuts or touch better suit the way you letter comics.
| Concern | Buying checks | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Desk space and drawing angle | Check the display’s footprint and where the computer will sit. Confirm whether a suitable stand comes with the exact configuration. | I need to move my drawing setup aside when someone else uses the desk, without working at an awkward angle. Around 36% of consumers put space and positioning first. |
| Lettering shortcuts | Check which dials or keys can be configured and whether the driver supports your operating system. | Repeated tool and canvas changes interrupt my lettering when I have to reach back to the keyboard. For around 29% of consumers, accessible physical controls are the primary concern. |
| Computer and cable compatibility | Check video output, power and the required cable against your computer’s ports. Huion specifies USB 3.1 Gen 1 and DP 1.2 for Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) USB-C-to-USB-C use. | I want to know that my existing computer can run the display before planning where its cables will go. Connection certainty comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Touch and host platform | Confirm touch support on the exact model and compatibility with both your device and lettering software. | Finger gestures matter to me, or I need a display that works with my chosen host device. Around 14% of consumers chiefly prioritise touch or platform flexibility. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming any USB-C port will carry the picture
Huion specifies a video-capable host connection with USB 3.1 Gen 1 and DP 1.2 support for Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) USB-C-to-USB-C use. Additional power may also be needed.
Check your computer’s port documentation and the required cable. If suitable USB-C video output is not confirmed, plan around the model’s documented HDMI, USB-A and power connection instead.
The USB-C route may require a compatible full-featured cable and an additional power connection.
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Assuming a stand comes with every configuration
Huion lists the ST300 stand as optional for Kamvas 13 (Gen 3), and Wacom describes a stand for Wacom One 13 touch as an optional item. Either detail affects how you position the display on a shared desk.
Check the exact configuration’s contents and the stand’s adjustment range if drawing flat would be uncomfortable.
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Choosing by pressure levels alone
A pressure-level specification does not tell you whether the display will fit your desk, connect to your computer or put useful controls within reach.
Compare the connection, drawing angle and controls you would actually use for lettering alongside the pen specification.
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Taking a brand page as the final purchase configuration
A model’s features do not establish what a particular seller supplies with it or the terms attached to that listing.
Before ordering, confirm the exact model code, supplied cables and stand, seller, warranty provider and return process.
Relevant brands and models
Huion
The Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) is a 13.3-inch Full HD pen display with dual side dials and a stated weight of 865 g.
- Huion specifies PenTech 4.0, 16,384 pressure levels and up to ±60° tilt for this model.
- Huion says it has no multi-touch. The ST300 adjustable stand is optional, and USB-C-to-USB-C use has host-port, cable and power requirements.
XPPen
The Artist 13.3 Pro V2 is a 13.3-inch pen display with a Red Dial, eight customisable keys and a foldable stand described by XPPen.
- XPPen specifies a fully laminated anti-glare display and a stylus with 16K pressure levels.
- The display requires a host device. Check the exact seller configuration for supplied accessories and the applicable warranty.
Wacom
The Wacom One 13 touch is a 13.3-inch Full HD pen display for consumers considering finger gestures as part of canvas navigation.
- Wacom states 10-finger touch and compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android and ChromeOS; check the requirements for your particular host device.
- Wacom describes the stand as an optional item, so confirm the drawing-angle arrangement and contents of the configuration you choose.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Can I use a pen display without a computer?
Do not assume a pen display works on its own: XPPen says the Artist 13.3 Pro V2 requires a device connection, while Wacom describes connecting Wacom One to a compatible host device. Check your chosen model’s host and software requirements before ordering.
Will one USB-C cable keep my shared desk tidy?
Only if the display, cable and computer port meet the connection requirements. For Kamvas 13 (Gen 3), Huion specifies USB 3.1 Gen 1 and DP 1.2 support for USB-C-to-USB-C use, says extra power may be needed and documents a 3-in-1 HDMI, USB-A and power connection as another route.
What should I check about cancelling a UK online order?
Check the seller’s pre-purchase cancellation information and any applicable exceptions. GOV.UK says customers in qualifying online distance sales can cancel up to 14 days after delivery; cancellation for a change of mind is distinct from remedies if goods are faulty, damaged or misdescribed.
How should I dispose of an old pen display in the UK?
Take unwanted electrical equipment to an appropriate recycling collection point rather than putting it in household rubbish. GOV.UK advises using an appropriate collection point for electrical waste; check your local collection arrangements.