Wacom Intuos Pro 2025: Top Buttons A Problem?

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2025 Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium) to see if the latest iteration lives up to the hype. Specifically, we're tackling a burning question: do the new top buttons get in the way when you're drawing near the top edge of the tablet? This is a crucial consideration for artists who utilize the entire drawing surface, so let's get right to it!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, first things first, let's talk about the unboxing experience. Wacom always nails this, and the 2025 Intuos Pro is no exception. The packaging is sleek and minimalist, and opening it up feels like unwrapping a premium piece of tech – because it is! Inside the box, you'll find the tablet itself, the Pro Pen 2, a pen stand with extra nibs, a USB-C cable, and the usual documentation. The tablet has a familiar, high-quality feel. The surface has a nice, subtle texture that gives you that paper-like feedback while drawing. It feels incredibly precise and responsive, something Wacom is known for, but the real stars of the show are the new top buttons we need to investigate.

When you first pick up the Intuos Pro, you'll immediately notice the premium build quality. It feels solid and well-constructed, like a professional tool that can withstand years of use. The matte black finish is sleek and understated, and the tablet has a reassuring weight to it. Setting it up is a breeze; simply plug it into your computer using the included USB-C cable, install the drivers, and you're good to go. Wacom's drivers are generally reliable, and I didn't encounter any issues during the installation process. The initial feel of the drawing surface is excellent. It provides just the right amount of friction, making it feel like you're drawing on paper rather than a slick, glass surface. This tactile feedback is crucial for achieving precise strokes and nuanced shading. The Pro Pen 2, which we'll delve into more later, feels comfortable in hand and offers exceptional pressure sensitivity. For digital artists, the initial impression is overwhelmingly positive; it's a tool that feels ready to take on serious work. It's important to note that Wacom has a legacy of excellence to uphold, and the Intuos Pro line is their flagship product. This means expectations are high, and rightly so. From the unboxing experience to the initial feel of the tablet, everything is designed to convey a sense of quality and professionalism. This is a tool that's meant to inspire creativity and facilitate the artistic process, and that's a key factor in why so many professionals rely on Wacom products.

The Million-Dollar Question: Those Top Buttons!

Now, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the buttons on the tablet! Wacom has redesigned the top button layout on the 2025 Intuos Pro, and this is the main focus of our review. The question is, do these new buttons interfere with drawing, particularly when you're working near the top edge of the tablet? This is a legitimate concern, especially for artists who have a habit of using the entire drawing area. The previous Intuos Pro models had a more streamlined design in this area, and some users are worried that the added buttons might create an obstacle.

To answer this question, I spent a considerable amount of time drawing and painting in various software programs, including Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Rebelle. I made a conscious effort to work near the top edge of the tablet, mimicking the drawing styles of artists who frequently use the entire surface. My initial impression was a mixed bag. The buttons are definitely more prominent than on previous models. They're raised slightly, and they have a tactile click when pressed. This is great for functionality – you know when you've activated a button – but it also means they're more noticeable when your hand brushes against them. However, I also found that the placement of the buttons is fairly well-considered. They're positioned towards the corners of the tablet, which means they're less likely to be directly under your hand while you're drawing. This is a crucial design element, as it minimizes the chances of accidental button presses. Furthermore, the buttons are customizable. You can assign different functions to each button, and you can even disable them altogether if you find them too distracting. This level of customization is a huge plus, as it allows you to tailor the tablet to your specific workflow. Ultimately, whether or not the buttons get in the way is going to be a matter of personal preference. Some artists will find them perfectly acceptable, while others might find them a minor annoyance. It really depends on your drawing style and how you hold your pen. If you tend to rest your hand heavily on the tablet while drawing, you might be more likely to encounter the buttons. But if you have a lighter touch, or if you primarily use the center of the tablet, you might not even notice them. So, while the buttons are a change from previous models, they're not necessarily a deal-breaker. They're a functional element that may take some getting used to, but they also offer added convenience and customization options. The key is to experiment and see how they fit into your workflow.

Pro Pen 2: Still the Gold Standard?

Let's move on to the Pro Pen 2, which has been Wacom's flagship pen for a while now. The good news is that it's still excellent. It boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which translates to incredibly precise and nuanced control over your strokes. The pen also supports tilt recognition, allowing you to vary the thickness and shape of your lines by tilting the pen. The ergonomic design of the Pro Pen 2 makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. It has a nice weight and balance, and the textured grip prevents it from slipping in your hand. The two side buttons are programmable, allowing you to assign shortcuts to frequently used functions, such as undo, redo, or brush size adjustment.

I spent hours using the Pro Pen 2 in various drawing and painting applications, and I was consistently impressed with its performance. The pressure sensitivity is incredibly responsive, allowing me to create everything from delicate, feathery lines to bold, expressive strokes. The tilt recognition works flawlessly, and it adds another layer of control to your drawing. I found myself able to achieve a level of precision and detail that would be difficult to replicate with other input devices. The pen also feels incredibly natural to use. It mimics the feel of drawing with a traditional pen or pencil, which is crucial for digital artists who are accustomed to working with analog media. The Pro Pen 2 truly excels in its ability to translate your hand movements onto the screen with accuracy and finesse. This is what sets it apart from many other stylus pens on the market. It's a tool that becomes an extension of your hand, allowing you to express your artistic vision without technical limitations. Whether you're sketching, drawing, painting, or photo editing, the Pro Pen 2 delivers a consistently exceptional experience. It's a testament to Wacom's commitment to providing artists with the tools they need to create their best work. It’s definitely a gold standard in the industry, and for good reason. The Pro Pen 2 is a key element in the overall Intuos Pro experience, and it continues to be a major selling point for Wacom tablets.

Drawing Experience and Performance

Okay, guys, let's talk about the actual drawing experience. This is where the rubber meets the road, and where the 2025 Intuos Pro truly shines. The combination of the excellent drawing surface, the Pro Pen 2, and Wacom's rock-solid drivers creates a seamless and intuitive drawing experience. There's minimal lag, the pressure sensitivity is spot-on, and the overall feel is incredibly natural. Whether you're sketching quick ideas, creating detailed illustrations, or painting digital masterpieces, the Intuos Pro delivers the performance you need. I tested the tablet with a variety of software programs, including Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Rebelle, and Krita, and it performed flawlessly in each one.

The tablet's responsiveness is particularly impressive. The cursor tracks the pen tip with almost no delay, which is crucial for achieving precise strokes and avoiding frustrating lag. The pressure sensitivity is also finely tuned, allowing you to control the thickness and opacity of your lines with subtle variations in pressure. This level of control is essential for creating nuanced artwork and capturing the details you envision. Furthermore, the Intuos Pro's tilt recognition adds another dimension to your drawing. By tilting the pen, you can vary the shape and texture of your strokes, mimicking the behavior of traditional art tools. This is particularly useful for creating calligraphic lines, adding shading, or achieving a more painterly effect. Beyond the technical aspects, the overall drawing experience is simply enjoyable. The Intuos Pro feels like a natural extension of your hand, allowing you to focus on your art rather than the technology. This is a testament to Wacom's expertise in creating digital drawing tools that seamlessly integrate into the artistic workflow. It's a tool that inspires creativity and facilitates the process of bringing your ideas to life. The Intuos Pro isn't just a tablet; it's a canvas for your imagination, and it's designed to help you unleash your artistic potential. For professional artists, this is a crucial consideration. A drawing tablet needs to be more than just functional; it needs to be a joy to use, and the Intuos Pro definitely delivers on that front. It's a tool that can help you elevate your art and achieve your creative goals.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

So, what's the final verdict on the 2025 Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium)? It's a fantastic tablet, no doubt. The drawing experience is top-notch, the Pro Pen 2 is still a winner, and the build quality is excellent. But the big question remains: do those new top buttons get in the way? The answer, as I mentioned earlier, is it depends. If you frequently draw near the top edge of the tablet and rest your hand heavily on the surface, you might find them a bit intrusive. However, the buttons are customizable, and you can even disable them if needed.

If you're upgrading from an older Intuos Pro model, the 2025 version offers several improvements, including a more responsive drawing surface, enhanced pressure sensitivity, and the convenience of USB-C connectivity. The new buttons might take some getting used to, but they also add functionality. If you're new to Wacom tablets, the Intuos Pro is an excellent choice. It's a professional-grade tool that can handle any digital art task you throw at it. The price is definitely an investment, but it's one that's worth making if you're serious about digital art. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade or purchase the 2025 Intuos Pro comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider your drawing style, your workflow, and your budget. If you value precision, responsiveness, and a natural drawing feel, the Intuos Pro is hard to beat. And while the new buttons might be a point of contention for some, they're not a deal-breaker for most. This tablet is a powerful tool for digital artists, and it's sure to help you create amazing artwork. So, go ahead, unleash your creativity and see what you can create with the 2025 Wacom Intuos Pro.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2025 Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium):

Pros:

• Exceptional drawing experience
• Pro Pen 2 with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
• Excellent build quality
• Customizable buttons
• USB-C connectivity
• Responsive and precise

Cons:

• New top buttons might interfere with drawing for some users
• Pricey

Overall, the 2025 Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium) is a fantastic tablet that's well worth considering if you're a digital artist. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.