Huion Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) notes
Overview
The Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) is a really good 13" tablet. I recommend this tablet and think it makes an excellent choice for an entry-level tablet.
The drawing experience is good — better than I would expect from an entry-level drawing tablet in 2024.
Highlights
Has two dials in addition to 5 buttons
Uses the new PW600L pen that has a wide pressure range
Big upgrade from the Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331)
Things to be aware of
If you want to connect via USB-C, you need to buy that cable separately
Video
Links
Basics
released: 2024
Active area
Dimensions: 11.57" x 6.5"
Diagonal length: 13.27"
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Pen
It comes with the PW600L pen. It has an excellent pressure range. The PW600L does not have an eraser like the other PW600 pen models.
More here: Huion PW600 series pens
Compatible pens
The PenTech 4.0 pens work with it. I tested these three:
PW600L
PW600
PW600S
More here: Huion PW600 series pens
Drawing experience
The drawing experience was VERY GOOD.
In summary:
Smooth pressure transition - VERY GOOD
Artifacts at low pressure - VERY GOOD
Diagonal wobble - VERY GOOD
Pressure scan rate - EXCELLENT
Pointer tracking accuracy - VERY GOOD
Tilt compensation - VERY GOOD
Parallax - GOOD
Pointer lag - MODERATE (typical for a pen display)
Pen tracking accuracy
Huion states:
Center: ±0.3mm
Corner: ±2mm
RATING: VERY GOOD
I found the pen tracking very accurate. The pointer follows the tip of the pen very accurately across the entire surface. And in my unit, the corners seemed even more accurate than ±2mm.
Tilt compensation
RATING: VERY GOOD
At 45 degrees of tilt - I saw almost no deflection of the pointer away from the tip of the nib
At 60 degrees of tilt - It was still very good - sometimes as good as at 45 degrees - though sometimes I saw maybe a 1mm deflection
Pointer lag
TYPICAL for a pen display. The pointer lag did not interfere with my drawing in any way.
Diagonal wobble
RATING: GOOD. Low amount of diagonal wobble.
Display
Native resolution: 1920x1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Aspect ratio: 16x9
Lamination: YES
Viewing angle: 178°
Response time: 25ms
Brightness: 220 nits
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Anti-glare treatment: Etched glass
Color depth: 8-bit
Anti-glare treatment
The tablet uses etched glass. This is a change from the previous model, which used an AG matte film.
Anti-glare sparkle
Very little visible. This is a big improvement over the previous model.
Pressure scan rate
GOOD. I drew 50 small quick strokes as fast as I could. No strokes were lost.
Display sharpness
Pixels are clear and well delineated. The image does not look "soft".
Touch
N/A. This tablet does NOT support touch.
Surface texture
GOOD. It provides good grip, even when the pen uses a plastic nib. The surface texture seems comparable to the Kamvas Pro 19. Actually, the Kamvas 13 GEN3 seems to have slightly more texture.
Connections and cabling
Ports
2x USB-C ports
Upper USB-C port is recessed into the tablet. Intended for use with the Huion 3-in-1 cable
Lower USB-C port is flush against the surface of the tablet and intended for use with a USB-C cable
USB-C connection
The tablet can connect to your computer with a single USB-C cable. If more power is needed, you can use another USB-C cable plugged into a power adapter.
HOWEVER: The tablet DOES NOT come with these cables. You'll have to order them separately.
3-in-1 cable connection
The tablet comes with a 3-in-1 cable if you need to use an HDMI port with your computer.
VESA
This tablet does NOT support VESA mounting.
Legs
This tablet does NOT have legs.
Heat
I set the brightness to 100% and continued to use the tablet for 1 hour.
The left 2/3rds of the tablet felt like room temperature to my hands.
The right 1/3 of the tablet got slightly warm - most of that was closer to the USB-C port locations. The warmth did not concern me and seemed very normal for a pen display.
Audio
This tablet does not have any audio features and does not have a headphone jack.
Auxiliary inputs
The tablet has:
2 dials
5 buttons
Protecting the dials
The dials stick out a little bit from the edge of the tablet. Be aware of this when storing or transporting the tablet. I recommend avoiding anything pressing constantly on the dials. And certainly don't store the tablet with the dials on the bottom. I don't know if the dials are so fragile that they need that much protection, but I think it is wise to be careful.
Dial issues
See: Dial problems with the Huion GS1333 and GS1563
Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) vs Kamvas 13 (GS1331) vs Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302)
Summary
The Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) is a big upgrade from the older edition Kamvas 13 (GS1331) and is even mostly an upgrade from the Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302).
The GS1333 uses the PW600L pen, which is much better than the PW517 pen that comes with the other two tablets.
The PW600L has a slightly better IAF. Huion states 2gf. It also has a wider pressure range. Huion PW600 series pens.
The PW517 has a standard IAF. Huion states 2gf. Its pressure range is variable - it is sometimes OK-ISH and sometimes GOOD depending on the specific unit you get. Huion PW517 pen notes.
The GS1333 has much less anti-glare sparkle than the GS1333 and GS1331.
The GS1333 has one USB-C port that is flush with the surface of the tablet, making it possible to use third-party USB-C cables. (See Connecting a pen display with USB-C).
The addition of the dials to the GS1333 makes it easier to work without having to touch the keyboard.
Which one to get
If you have to choose one of these three, I HIGHLY recommend picking the Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333).
If you want that higher resolution of the GT1302, then wait until Huion releases a new version that uses the PW600 pen and reduces the anti-glare sparkle.
Key differences
Pen in the box
Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - PW600L (VERY GOOD)
Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - PW517 (OK-ISH OR GOOD, depends on the specific unit you get)
Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - PW517 (OK-ISH OR GOOD, depends on the specific unit you get)
Anti-glare treatment
Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - etched glass
Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - AG matte film
Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - etched glass
Amount of anti-glare sparkle
Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - LOW (GOOD)
Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - MODERATE (OK)
Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - MODERATE (OK)
USB-C Ports
Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - one flush with the surface, one recessed
Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - both ports recessed
Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - both ports flush with the surface
Resolution
Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - Full HD (1920x1080)
Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - Full HD (1920x1080)
Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302) - 2.5K (2560x1440)
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