The CLIP STUDIO TABMATE controller is a new device that allows you to register CLIP STUDIO PAINT commands to the buttons and use them with your pen tablet or PC tablet. It can be held in one hand for easy operation.

We interviewed Junichiro Taniguchi to ask about his thoughts after using the controller, the advantages of using the device, convenient ways of using it, and his recommended settings.

 

[Artist profile: Junichiro Taniguchi]

Born in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, Taniguchi is an animator for Doga Kobo animation studio.

He works as character designer and chief animation director on a number of projects including Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun and Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru.

A recent such project is Tada-kun wa Koi o Shinai, scheduled to begin airing from April 2018.

Official website for Tada-kun wa Koi o Shinai (Japanese):

 

“Now that it’s wireless, I can draw from any position I like”

Celsys: How does the CLIP STUDIO TABMATE controller compare to the previous Tab-Mate Controller?

 

 

 

I’m happy that it’s wireless now. With the old wired controller, I had to be careful of the cord, and sometimes I couldn’t draw in the position I would prefer. Animators draw in all kinds of positions, but when the device is wired, you have to pay more attention to how you’re sitting.

 

Now that the CLIP STUDIO TABMATE is wireless, I can use it even when the hand holding it is dangling beneath the desk. I can draw from any position I like.

 

Personally, I rest my left elbow in front of my MobileStudio Pro tablet to support my body.

 

 

 

C: What did you think about the size and feel of the CLIP STUDIO TABMATE?

 

 

 

At first I thought it might be too light, but it was just the right weight once I’d put the battery. If it’s too light it just feels like grasping on air, like you’re not holding anything, so I’m happy with the weight.

 

The middle part is a bit bigger than the previous controller, so the hand wraps around it nicely rather than gripping onto it.

At the moment I only use the keyboard to type letters. The CLIP STUDIO TABMATE is a convenient size because I can keep in my hand as I type.

 

“The ability to change tools temporarily is so convenient”

C: We’re sure that you’ve changed the button setting from the initial settings. Can you tell us a bit about how you customized your TABMATE?

 

 

 

I mostly changed the tool buttons. When making illustrations of characters with established designs, I use the same tools over and over again, so I put my most-used tools under the A, B, C, and D buttons. I set the trigger button to flip the canvas.

 

・ (Mode 1) Settings for illustrations and model sheets

 

・ (Mode 2) Settings for animation

▲ In the animation mode, the B and D buttons are assigned to move cels.

 

The ability to change tools temporarily is so convenient too. I really like that I can switch to the [Lasso] tool while holding down a button and then instantly go back to the drawing tool when I release it. I switch back and forth a lot between tools when I draw, so this definitely improves my work speed.

 

 

 

C: The A to D buttons are in the easiest location to use, but what settings have you chosen for the other buttons?

 

 

 

I assigned functions to the buttons so that I can push them in a clockwise direction (A → C → D → B; up → right → down → left) according to the order of my workflow. I use the controller in quite a simple way. I don’t want it to be too complicated. At heart I’m a traditional artist—I did hand-drawn animation on paper for twenty years. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever get fully used to digital tools.

 

“It’s great that I can assign the scale up/down function and the hand tool all to the wheel!”

C: What functions did you assign to the wheel? Why?

 

 

 

I really like the wheel. On my previous Tab-Mate Controller, I had set the A and B buttons to scale up and down, but the clicking noise bothered me. On the CLIP STUDIO TABMATE, the wheel doesn’t make any sound, and I can assign three functions that I often use together on the wheel. It’s so much better.

▲ On the CLIP STUDIO TABMATE, several tools can be assigned to the wheel

 

“I’m so used to it that it’s become like part of my dominant hand”

C: Finally, do you have a message for people who are thinking about buying the TABMATE?

 

 

 

Of course, the reason I most want to recommend this is because it frees you from the keyboard. It’s wireless so you don’t need to worry about the location of your USB ports, and you can use it in your left or right hand. You can also use it from a distance. (Wireless communication distance is 3–10 meters.)

I was a bit worried about using it in my left hand because I’m right-handed, but I’m so used to it that it’s become like part of my dominant hand.

 

I currently use a 16-inch screen tablet, but I think this would also be really helpful for smaller 13-inch monitors, where it can be difficult to click the small icons on the screen.