|
||
|
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) Pen Display Analysis
Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) Pen Display Analysis ![]() Huion is back at it with the new Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) and, after having tested several models from this manufacturer, I can already tell you that the evolution is more than evident. This isn't the first time we've analyzed a tablet from the brand on the forum, and if one thing has become clear over time, it's that they’ve managed to find the sweet spot between high-end features and prices that don't force you to sell a kidney. This time, the third generation of their 22-inch model arrives with the promise of taking a giant leap in technical aspects that, on paper, place it very close to what we would consider a top-tier professional standard. Before diving into the details, it’s essential to make one important thing clear: I am not an expert artist, nor do I pretend to be. My strength isn't artistic drawing, so don't expect to see a masterpiece coming from my hands during this test. My focus in this analysis will be purely technical and based on my experience as a tech enthusiast who values precision and image quality. What interests me is telling you how this QHD panel behaves in real-world use, if the build quality lives up to today's expectations, and above all, if those new features like the 90Hz refresh rate or the PenTech 4.0 system truly transform the feeling of interacting with the screen. Let’s take a look. ![]() Here we have the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) box resting on the table, with a sober design that makes the dimensions of the panel clear. The front cover already highlights the key features defining this third generation, such as the PenTech 4.0 system and the 2.5K QHD resolution. ![]() As soon as we open the box, we find the usual professional color calibration report, individualized for each unit—a top-tier technical detail that underscores the commitment to precision with this Gen 3. This is something I personally love. ![]() This is the complete content; let's review each of the included elements, which as you can see, are many. ![]() This close-up of the report allows us to see significant technical data, which is fundamental for editing tasks where color fidelity is critical. This places this model on par with much more expensive professional screens. ![]() Inside the box, there’s a quick start guide visually showing the connection scheme and package contents. It's a practical detail that allows us to quickly identify how to set up the equipment, whether through the traditional multi-cable connection or the convenient single USB-C cable, while also including basic instructions for pen maintenance and nib replacement. ![]() This small multi-function tool is responsible for facilitating the assembly of the adjustable stand included in the package. With it, we can secure the screws on the back of the panel and, if necessary, handle the cover of the new cable management system so that everything is perfectly anchored and organized before we start using it. I didn't actually need to use it during my tests. ![]() Here we can see the included USB-A to USB-C cable, an essential component to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices. Its main function is to manage pen data transmission and the touch signal to the computer when using the HDMI connection for video, ensuring that communication between the tablet and our software is fluid and uninterrupted. It's an accessory that offers the necessary flexibility to integrate the screen into hardware setups that lack latest-generation USB-C ports. ![]() This is the HDMI cable in charge of carrying the video signal from our computer to the tablet for those setups that require it. It is a robust cable of a good length. Thanks to this component, we can ensure a stable image transmission in 2.5K resolution without flickering or interference—vital when working with such minute details on screen. ![]() This USB-C to USB-C cable is the real star for those looking for a clean and minimalist desk. If your computer has a port compatible with DisplayPort Alt mode, this accessory allows you to transmit video, data, and power using a single connector, completely eliminating the cable clutter of traditional setups. This is the one I used with my iMac. ![]() This accessory is the cable management clip, designed to be screwed onto the back of the unit. Its goal is to keep the connection cables firmly anchored, avoiding unnecessary tension on the ports and ensuring all wiring is gathered and tidy. It’s a very welcome build detail, as it helps the workspace look much cleaner, perfectly complementing the cable concealment system integrated into the casing. ![]() The classic microfiber cleaning cloth couldn't be missing—a simple but fundamental accessory to keep the Canvas Glass 2.0 panel free of fingerprints and dust. Since this is a surface we’ll be constantly resting our hand on, having a specific cloth that doesn't damage the matte treatment of the glass is a practical detail to ensure image quality isn't clouded by dirt accumulated during our work sessions. ![]() A two-finger drawing glove is also included—a classic but indispensable accessory that allows our hand to slide smoothly across the glass surface without friction holding us back. Besides improving ergonomics while working, it serves an important hygienic function, preventing natural skin oils or sweat from smudging the matte panel, helping to keep the screen impeccable for much longer. ![]() To power a panel of these dimensions and features, the Kamvas 22 includes an external power supply consisting of the transformer block and its corresponding power cord with a European plug. It is a compact set that doesn't take up too much space on the power strip, capable of supplying the necessary energy for the tablet to operate with total stability. ![]() The maximum power output provided is 36W. ![]() The new PW600L digital pen is one of the key pieces of this third generation, as it debuts Huion's PenTech 4.0 technology. Holding it, it feels like a very light and balanced accessory that doesn't require batteries or charging thanks to its electromagnetic resonance system, ensuring it's always ready to work. The most impressive technical aspect is the jump to 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity—a figure that doubles the usual market standard and, combined with an initial activation force of just 2 grams, allows the stroke to respond even to the slightest contact with the screen with absolute precision. ![]() Ergonomics are very well handled with a soft-touch finish and a comfortable grip for long sessions, including three physical side buttons that we can map with our favorite shortcuts to speed up the workflow. Although these buttons offer clear tactile feedback, they are quite sensitive, so it’s worth paying attention at first to avoid accidental presses while moving across the panel. ![]() It is a tool that stands out for its fluidity and tilt support of up to 60 degrees, which very naturally mimics the behavior of a traditional brush or pencil on the glass. ![]() ![]() This pen holder, with its characteristic "donut" design, is a classic accessory in Huion products that serves a very practical dual function. On one hand, it allows us to leave the pen in a vertical or horizontal position during breaks, keeping it always at hand and preventing it from rolling off the table. ![]() ![]() On the other hand, by unscrewing its base, we discover an internal compartment where spare nibs and the metal tool for extracting them are stored. In this specific model, we find ten standard plastic nibs. This is a very useful detail to ensure the pen's longevity, although users who prefer a rougher, felt-like feel will have to purchase those separately, as they are not included by default in this pack. ![]() When placing the tablet on the table, the first thing that catches the eye is its imposing 21.5-inch presence and an extremely clean front design, lacking physical buttons to maximize the workspace and avoid distractions. The construction feels solid, and the nano-etched Canvas Glass 2.0 offers a very elegant matte finish that promises a glare-free visual experience—vital for a screen of this size. It's a device that, even when turned off, conveys a sense of robustness and technical refinement typical of high-end gear, making it clear that Huion has opted for a more professional and minimalist approach in this third generation. ![]() The integration of the panel with the borders is excellent thanks to full lamination, giving the impression of a single, well-finished piece of black glass. Despite its dimensions, it doesn't feel excessively heavy for its size, though its scale makes it clear you'll need a clear space on your desk to fully enjoy it. In hand, the materials inspire great confidence, moving away from cheap plastic feelings and positioning itself as a serious work tool that fits perfectly into any modern tech setup. ![]() ![]() The included rear stand is a key piece that reinforces that sense of robustness we were talking about. It is a very solid articulated arm that allows the screen's tilt to be adjusted in a range from 20 to 80 degrees, adapting perfectly whether we want to draw almost horizontally or prefer to use it as a conventional monitor for browsing or video editing. ![]() ![]() The mechanism is extremely simple to use thanks to a lever at the top that releases the lock, allowing us to find the ideal position with one hand without the panel vibrating or moving even slightly once fixed. ![]() Details like the rubberized and ribbed bottom bar are fundamental, as they ensure the tablet stays firm on the desk without risk of accidental slippage, even when we apply pressure with our arm while working. ![]() Additionally, the stand's design leaves enough space for the cable management system to work without hindrance, maintaining the clean aesthetics of the back. It’s appreciated that Huion includes this accessory as standard rather than an extra, as its build quality matches what a professional user would demand for their daily workflow. ![]() The tablet remains firm even in elevated positions, allowing the 21.5 inches to shine in all their glory as a high-level primary or secondary screen. ![]() From the front, the Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is striking for its visual cleanliness, although as can be seen in the photos, the surface is prone to capturing fingerprints from daily use if we don't use the glove—something the included microfiber cloth will quickly solve. What really stands out in this scenario is how the Canvas Glass 2.0 manages ambient light; despite being in an environment with clear side lighting, reflections are kept under control, allowing the QHD panel's sharpness to be the true protagonist. It's a design that combines functionality and aesthetics, intended for those who need to constantly change posture during their workdays without sacrificing equipment stability. ![]() ![]() On the upper part of the frame, we find the only physical button on the entire device—a design decision that reinforces the extreme minimalism this third generation boasts. This button, which feels firm and well-integrated into the chassis, is responsible for turning the screen on and off, and it also features a small LED indicator right next to it that informs us of the operating status. This absence of additional button panels on the front aims to focus all attention on the workspace, shifting interaction entirely to the pen and any keyboard shortcuts or external controllers the user may prefer to use. ![]() Let's see some more photos of the device. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() And also on video. One more thing that might go unnoticed at first glance. Upon turning the tablet over, beneath a cover, we find the connection panel housed in a deep compartment designed precisely to facilitate cable management once the stand is installed. In this area, we have a circular input for 12V power, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port, giving us the flexibility to use different types of connections depending on our computer's capabilities. It’s a layout that seeks to keep the connectors protected and, above all, hidden from view so the desk remains as clean and organized as possible, preventing cables from suffering unnecessary tension or hanging untidily. ![]() In our test configuration, we opted for the most direct and simplest connection using the included USB-C to USB-C cable to connect it directly to an iMac. This single cable handles both the 2.5K resolution video signal and all the data necessary for the pen to work with total precision, greatly simplifying the cable mess compared to systems from previous generations. However, given the 21.5-inch panel size and the energy demands of its new technology, we also kept the external power cable connected to ensure the screen performs with maximum brightness and stability at all times. As seen in the image detail, the connectors remain well-protected in the central area, allowing the cables to follow a natural downward path without forcing the ports or getting in the way when adjusting the stand's tilt. ![]() When connecting the Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) to my iMac, the system recognizes the second screen instantly and, by default, mirrors the image on both panels. This is the perfect moment to appreciate the visual consistency between both devices before starting to tinker with design tools. It is very satisfying to see how, even without touching a single manual setting, the representation of colors and contrast on the tablet holds its own against the Mac screen, confirming that the calibration report we saw at the beginning translates into a real experience of color fidelity from minute zero. ![]() After installing the official Huion software, the Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is correctly and automatically identified by the system. This control panel is the indispensable starting point to ensure perfect communication between the device and the computer, allowing us to dive into the configuration and customization of all its technical functions. ![]() One of the additions that surprised me the most during configuration—and which you don't really notice until you see the back in a controlled light environment—is the elegant LED strip surrounding the stand area. This ambient lighting system adds a very modern and technological aesthetic touch to our desk, allowing us to easily customize the work atmosphere according to our preferences. ![]() As seen in the capture, Huion has integrated a specific section called "Lamp Effect" from which we have total control over this detail. We can choose from a varied color palette, adjust the brightness level to be more or less subtle, and activate a breathing mode with adjustable speed. It’s a detail that, while not directly influencing the panel's technical performance, adds a lot to the equipment's visual presentation and helps create a much more personal and pleasant work environment during long sessions. I liked it; it’s something I hadn't seen on other tablets from this same manufacturer. ![]() One of the primary functions is Work Area management, which allows us to map the tablet's surface with pinpoint accuracy to our computer screen. This is especially useful in complex desktop setups, allowing us to decide from our system's display settings if we want the tablet to function as a mirrored display of the iMac or as a completely independent extended desktop to gain space. ![]() ![]() Finally, a very practical detail included in the application to compensate for the minimalist buttonless frame design is the configuration of a virtual keyboard. This tool allows us to project a rectangular keyboard onto the tablet's own screen, giving us the ability to customize both its size and transparency so it doesn't interfere with our view of the work. It’s an ingenious solution that allows us to have the most common keyboard shortcuts at hand digitally, maintaining that clean and uncluttered aesthetic that defines this third generation. ![]() Regarding direct interaction, the software allows us to calibrate the digital pen with professional detail, adjusting the pressure sensitivity curve via an interactive graph. We can perform stroke tests in real-time to verify how the 16,384 pressure levels respond to our natural force and, most importantly, map the pen's physical buttons. This gives us the freedom to assign mouse functions (like right or middle click) or essential keyboard commands (like Shift, Command, or Option) directly to the PW600L buttons, greatly streamlining the workflow without needing to let go of the pen. ![]() ![]() It is important to emphasize once again, so no one is misled, that my drawing skills are far from professional. My profile is that of a user who values technology and precision over artistic virtuosity (which I lack). However, you don't need to be a master of the brush to realize that the initial impressions are excellent. The vastness of the 21.5 inches, combined with the sharpness of the 2.5K resolution, invites you to dive straight into Photoshop to see what this panel and pen combo is capable of in a real work environment. ![]() The mirrored display configuration is ideal for this first contact, as it allows for a constant reference of what we are doing while we familiarize ourselves with the feel of the Canvas Glass 2.0. The system's response is immediate, and no resolution conflict is perceived between the two monitors—something that can sometimes be a struggle in macOS. With everything ready on the desk, the next logical step is to see how the new PenTech 4.0 performs on the digital canvas, where that extreme sensitivity promised by the specs should start making a difference. Opening Photoshop and starting to draw on this massive digital canvas, the sensations are simply excellent, confirming that this generation's technical leap isn't just on paper. You don't have to be an illustration professional to appreciate the incredible response of the PenTech 4.0 system. The combination of 16,384 pressure levels with the panel's full lamination ensures the stroke appears exactly where you rest the nib, without that annoying lag or "floatiness" found in lower-end tablets. The sharpness provided by the 2.5K resolution is another key point in this scenario, allowing both brush textures and interface menus and tools to be seen clearly, looking defined and at a very comfortable size for working. ![]() The feel of the Canvas Glass 2.0 with its nano-etched finish is possibly what contributes most to that feeling of total control while drawing. Moving the pen across the surface, you feel a very subtle and natural resistance, very similar to a real pencil on quality paper, preventing the nib from slipping uncontrollably as happens on smooth glass screens. Furthermore, working at 90Hz provides a cursor movement fluidity that is greatly appreciated in long sessions, making every line feel more organic and "glued" to your hand. ![]() ![]() Even if my artistic skills are limited, the user experience is highly rewarding, conveying a precision and naturalness that invite you to keep exploring the possibilities of this professional panel. At this point, it's time to put my neck on the line and answer the big question: who is this Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) really for? With a price tag of around 700 euros, it's clear we aren't looking at an entry-level whim for someone who just wants to try their luck with digital drawing, but it also doesn't reach the astronomical figures of the competition's highest ranges, which often triple this cost. It’s a product positioned in a very strategic sweet spot, offering an experience that, as we’ve seen, borders on professional in almost all its technical aspects. In my view, the ideal profile for this tablet is the artist—whether illustrator, animator, or designer—looking to make the definitive leap to large format without their bank account collapsing. If you’re coming from a smaller tablet or a 1080p panel, the switch to 21.5 inches at 2.5K is simply breathtaking. It’s a perfect tool for the freelancer who needs absolute color reliability and ergonomics that allow for eight hours of daily work without fatigue, but who also values cutting-edge technological details like those 90Hz that, once you try them, make returning to the usual 60Hz feel like a step backward in fluidity. But Huion isn't just for artists. As a user who isn't an expert at drawing but spends hours editing content, retouching photography, or even editing video, I assure you this Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is a tech treat. For any tech enthusiast looking for a secondary monitor of the highest fidelity that also allows direct interaction with their workflow via an extremely precise pen, the 700 euros are more than justified. The glass quality, the absence of reflections, and the PenTech 4.0 system make every euro invested felt at the fingertips. ![]() If you’re looking for the latest in digitizing technology but don't want to pay the "brand tax" of other manufacturers, this third generation is possibly the smartest purchase you can make right now in this size. Huion has listened to user demands and delivered a well-rounded product that more than fulfills its promises. It’s robust, precise, and above all, offers a user experience so satisfying it quickly makes you forget its price to focus on what really matters: enjoying creation on a screen that looks and feels spectacular. Before concluding, let's go with a summary of the best and the not-so-good. The Best: A Giant Technical Leap
The Not-So-Good: A Few "Small" Thorns
For 700 euros, the Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is an absolute beast that competes head-to-head with equipment costing twice as much. Yes, it sacrifices physical buttons in favor of aesthetics, but it compensates with the best digitizing technology Huion has manufactured to date. If you have the space on your desk and are looking for a screen that looks stunning, it's a safe bet. I’ll leave you with the official spec sheet for all the info; it’s well worth taking a look. https://store.huion.com/es/products/kamvas-22-gen-3?utm_campaign=HTCMania Puedes leer la review en español AQUI. |
|
|
![]() |
Estás aquí
|
||||||
|
||||||