What To Know
- The **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** also adopts a similar design language, with a slightly smaller footprint and a textured surface for enhanced grip.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon S630 and **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** offer impressive pen technology.
- XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is a slightly more premium option, offering a more comfortable grip, a larger active area, and more advanced driver customization options.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Gaomon S630 and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key aspects, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both tablets boast a sleek and minimalist design, prioritizing functionality over extravagance. The Gaomon S630 features a black, rectangular body with rounded edges, offering a comfortable grip. The **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** also adopts a similar design language, with a slightly smaller footprint and a textured surface for enhanced grip.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel solid and durable. The Gaomon S630 uses a sturdy plastic construction, while the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** utilizes a slightly more premium-feeling plastic. Both tablets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go sketching.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to your pen movements. The Gaomon S630 offers a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for drawing and designing. The **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller active area of 9.5 x 5.7 inches.
In terms of resolution, both tablets boast a respectable 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch). This translates to smooth and accurate pen strokes, ensuring a natural drawing experience.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon S630 and **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** offer impressive pen technology. Both tablets feature battery-free, pressure-sensitive pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allows for precise control over line thickness and shading, simulating the feel of traditional art tools.
The Gaomon S630 pen features two customizable buttons, while the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** pen offers a single side button. Both pens provide a comfortable grip and a responsive tip, making them suitable for both casual and professional use.
Driver Compatibility and Software
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They offer intuitive drivers that allow you to customize pen settings, calibrate the tablet, and access various shortcut keys. The Gaomon S630 driver is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness. The **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** driver provides more advanced customization options, including customizable shortcut keys and pen pressure sensitivity curves.
Price and Value
Both the Gaomon S630 and **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** are budget-friendly drawing tablets, offering excellent value for money. The Gaomon S630 is slightly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**, while slightly more expensive, provides a slightly more premium experience with its textured surface and advanced driver customization options.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Gaomon S630 and **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Gaomon S630 is an excellent option for budget-minded users who prioritize a large active area and a simple, user-friendly driver. Its affordable price and solid performance make it a great entry-level drawing tablet.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is a slightly more premium option, offering a more comfortable grip, a larger active area, and more advanced driver customization options. It’s a suitable choice for users who seek a more refined drawing experience and are willing to spend a little more.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or iPad?
A: Both tablets are primarily designed for use with computers and are not compatible with smartphones or iPads.
Q: What kind of software can I use with these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and more.
Q: Are the pens pressure-sensitive?
A: Yes, both tablets feature pressure-sensitive pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Q: What is the difference in the active area between the two tablets?
A: The Gaomon S630 has a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus has a slightly smaller active area of 9.5 x 5.7 inches.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon S630 is slightly more affordable and has a user-friendly driver, making it a good choice for those starting out. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a slightly more premium experience, but it may be overkill for absolute beginners.