What To Know
- The Gaomon PD1220 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a textured surface for a secure grip.
- 6 Pro**, on the other hand, adopts a more professional aesthetic with a brushed aluminum frame and a larger footprint.
- 6 Pro** pen features a more ergonomic design with a rubberized grip and eight customizable buttons, enhancing user comfort and workflow efficiency.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the Gaomon PD1220 and the **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro**. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike.
This comprehensive comparison aims to dissect the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1220 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a textured surface for a secure grip. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it portable and easy to transport. The **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro**, on the other hand, adopts a more professional aesthetic with a brushed aluminum frame and a larger footprint. Its sturdy construction exudes a premium feel and provides a stable working surface.
While both tablets offer comfortable working angles, the Artist 15.6 Pro’s adjustable stand provides greater flexibility and versatility. However, its larger size and weight might be a consideration for artists who prioritize portability.
Display and Active Area
The Gaomon PD1220 features a 11.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution, offering a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. Its active area measures 10.2 x 6.8 inches, providing ample space for creative expression. The **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** takes the lead with a larger 15.6-inch display and a 1920×1080 resolution, delivering a more immersive and detailed visual experience. Its active area is significantly larger at 13.3 x 7.5 inches, providing even more room for intricate artwork.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize a battery-free, passive pen technology with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring precise and responsive strokes. The Gaomon PD1220 pen offers a comfortable grip and eight customizable buttons, providing quick access to various tools and functions. The **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** pen features a more ergonomic design with a rubberized grip and eight customizable buttons, enhancing user comfort and workflow efficiency.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets support USB-C connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Windows and macOS computers. The Gaomon PD1220 offers additional connectivity options with an HDMI port for direct display output. The **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** also supports HDMI output, allowing for a streamlined setup and enhanced versatility.
Performance and Features
The Gaomon PD1220 delivers smooth and responsive performance with a reported latency of less than 10ms, ensuring a near real-time drawing experience. Its built-in shortcut keys provide quick access to various functions, enhancing workflow efficiency. The **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** also boasts impressive performance with a reported latency of less than 12ms, offering a seamless and responsive drawing experience. Its customizable side buttons and shortcut keys provide further customization options for a tailored workflow.
Pros and Cons
Gaomon PD1220
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable and responsive pen
- Customizable buttons and shortcut keys
- Support for HDMI output
Cons:
- Smaller display and active area compared to the Artist 15.6 Pro
- Limited stand adjustability
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro
Pros:
- Larger display and active area for immersive drawing
- Premium build quality with an adjustable stand
- Ergonomic pen design with customizable buttons
- Smooth and responsive performance with low latency
- Comprehensive software compatibility
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to the PD1220
- Larger and heavier, making it less portable
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Gaomon PD1220 and the **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize portability and affordability, the Gaomon PD1220 is an excellent choice. Its compact size, lightweight design, and competitive price make it an attractive option for artists on the go. However, if you value a larger screen, immersive drawing experience, and premium build quality, the **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** is the better choice. Its larger display, adjustable stand, and ergonomic pen design offer a more professional and versatile drawing experience.
Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** are exceptional drawing tablets that cater to different needs and preferences. The **PD1220** excels in portability and affordability, while the **Artist 15.6 Pro** shines in its immersive display, premium build quality, and professional features. The ultimate choice comes down to your specific priorities and budget.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which tablet is best for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners, but the **Gaomon PD1220** might be a better choice due to its more affordable price point.
Q: Which tablet has better pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, so there is no significant difference in this regard.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** is generally preferred by professional artists due to its larger display, adjustable stand, and more ergonomic pen design.
Q: Which tablet supports more software?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of software, including industry-standard programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
Q: Which tablet is better for animation?
A: Both tablets are suitable for animation, but the **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro** might be preferred due to its larger display and more responsive performance.