Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3): Affordable Entry-Level Pen Display for 2D, 3D & Video Editing
Not just a drawing tablet but a whole second monitor.
Huion describes the Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) as an ideal entry-level pen display, and I am its perfect user in this regard – with some experience in 3D and almost none in 2D (if we ignore MS Paint and several rounds of Pictionary). So if you are a beginner artist and aren't sure which device to buy, or even if you're a professional looking for a new tablet, read this review to see if the Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) can meet your needs.
Key Features:
- 21.5-inch screen
- 2.5K Quad High Definition resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
- PenTech 4.0 technology
The package comes with the screen, a pen, a pen holder with 10 replacement pen nibs, a cleaning cloth, a drawing glove, an adjustable stand, and USB-C/HDMI cables.
Screen
Kamvas 22's 2560×1440 display has a nice matte finish and can be used as an extra monitor, which makes drawing/sculpting and following the cursor in general easy: you can be sure the pen will appear where you expect it to be.
Moreover, you don't have to switch between your main software and references or drafts: open one app on your PC monitor and another on the tablet – this is the biggest benefit of a pen display as opposed to the classical option without a screen or a standalone drawing tablet. And a 21.5-inch canvas is large enough to fit most projects comfortably.
According to Huion, Gen 3's resolution brings 34.3% higher clarity than a 1080 screen, and its high 137 PPI pixel density ensures great precision. The pen is traced pretty well and doesn't stray from the chosen path, and overall, the screen is responsive.
The company promises ΔE < 1.2 color accuracy, with 99% sRGB, 99% Rec.709, 90% Adobe RGB, and 94% Display P3 color gamuts and support for 5 color modes so you can make sure the colors match client requirements. The Black&White mode allows for reduced eye strain when sketching.
The second-generation low-sparkle AG etched glass that Kamvas 22 is equipped with reduces glare, enhances paper-like friction, and resists scratches, the developer states. The glide is enjoyable, although I wouldn't say it reminds me of drawing on paper, and I'm not sure I'd like that for a multi-purpose tablet.
The glare is noticeably reduced, but it won't disappear completely, especially when using the screen horizontally.
Pen
To me, the weakest part of the setup is the pen. I tried different nibs, but still, at some angles, especially when touching the screen lightly, it feels like the pen scratches the surface. I might be overly cautious, as the tablet doesn't have any marks after a month of use, but the sensation is not pleasant when the tip gets to that point.
This aside, the PW600L stylus offers PenTech 4.0 technology, featuring 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, a 260 PPS high reading rate, and ±60° tilt recognition. It mimics the feel of traditional brushes and pencils, and pretty well, from my experience.
The pen doesn't require charging, so you don't have to worry about having to disrupt your work; it's a great advantage.
Alas, if you think the pen can be a substitute for a keyboard in Blender, you'll be disappointed: the three buttons can't contain all its shortcuts, but they do make movement around the scene convenient.
Software
The buttons of the pen can be customized in Huion's app: adjust the pressure curve, use Windows Ink, and test how it feels before committing. There, you can also choose which part of the screen and how you'd like to display, tweak the LED at the back, and decide what to do with the keyboard. Overall, it's simple and comprehensive.
Conclusion
Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) works on Windows and macOS via HDMI and USB-C (DP1.2+) connections, supporting major creative software like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Blender, and more. From my experience, it is a good, simple choice for beginner artists: just attach it to your computer, and you're ready to craft.
Its $599 pricing puts it much higher in the potential top of drawing tablets than some other, better-known brands. So, if you're looking for a fully packaged creativity tool that can also become an extra monitor when needed, Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is a good choice.
Now is the best time to get it: Huion is offering Back-to-School campaign discounts until September 15, and no, you don't have to be a student to participate. Purchase the tablet on Amazon or Huion's official site and start creating your best work.
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