What To Know
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that provide a natural drawing experience.
- The Gaomon drivers are known for their simplicity and ease of use, while the XP-Pen drivers offer a more comprehensive range of settings, including customizable pen pressure curves and button mapping.
- If you’re willing to spend a little more and prioritize a larger active area and a more premium build quality, the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW is….
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve deep into their specifications, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW sport distinct designs, each catering to different preferences. The PD1320 boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a black, rectangular body and a thin profile. Its active area is slightly smaller than the Deco Pro SW, but it still offers ample space for drawing and sketching. The Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, features a more modern, rounded design with a grey and black color scheme. Its larger active area makes it ideal for users who prefer a more expansive workspace.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The PD1320’s plastic body feels slightly less premium than the Deco Pro SW‘s aluminum frame, but it still holds up well against daily use. Both tablets come with a sturdy pen that feels comfortable to hold and provides a responsive drawing experience.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area of a drawing tablet directly impacts your drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1320 offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW provides a larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area. This difference might seem subtle, but it can significantly affect your workflow, especially if you prefer to draw large-scale artwork or utilize a wide range of brush strokes.
Both tablets feature a resolution of 5080 LPI, which translates to smooth, accurate linework. However, the PD1320 boasts a higher reporting rate of 266 PPS compared to the Deco Pro SW‘s 233 PPS. This translates to faster response times and smoother transitions between pen strokes, making the PD1320 slightly more responsive for dynamic drawing styles.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that provide a natural drawing experience. Both pens feature 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced line variations and subtle shading effects.
The PD1320’s pen is slightly lighter and features a more traditional, cylindrical design. It offers a comfortable grip and feels well-balanced in hand. The Deco Pro SW‘s pen, on the other hand, is a bit heavier and features a more ergonomic, triangular design. It provides a more secure grip and is ideal for longer drawing sessions.
Driver Support and Software
Both Gaomon and XP-Pen offer user-friendly drivers that provide customization options and enhance the overall drawing experience. The Gaomon drivers are known for their simplicity and ease of use, while the XP-Pen drivers offer a more comprehensive range of settings, including customizable pen pressure curves and button mapping.
Both companies also offer their own drawing software, which can be helpful for beginners and casual users. Gaomon’s OpenCanvas software is a basic yet functional drawing program, while XP-Pen’s Artist 12 Pro software offers a more robust set of features, including layer support and brush customization.
Price and Value
The Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW are both affordable drawing tablets that offer excellent value for their price. The PD1320 is generally priced slightly lower than the Deco Pro SW, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Deco Pro SW’s larger active area and more premium build quality justify its slightly higher price tag.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the Gaomon PD1320 is an excellent choice. Its smaller active area might be a limitation for some users, but its responsive pen and smooth performance make it a solid option for beginners and casual artists.
If you’re willing to spend a little more and prioritize a larger active area and a more premium build quality, the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW is a worthy contender. Its larger workspace and ergonomic pen make it ideal for professional and aspiring artists who demand a more immersive drawing experience.
The Verdict: A Tie?
Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. The PD1320 excels in its responsiveness and budget-friendly price, while the Deco Pro SW stands out with its larger active area and premium build quality.
The choice ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re on a budget and prioritize responsiveness, the PD1320 is a solid choice. If you’re willing to spend a little more for a larger active area and a more premium experience, the Deco Pro SW is an excellent investment.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What is the difference in the active area of the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW?
A: The Gaomon PD1320 has a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW offers a larger 10 x 6.25-inch active area.
Q: What is the reporting rate of each tablet?
A: The Gaomon PD1320 has a reporting rate of 266 PPS, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW has a reporting rate of 233 PPS.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1320 is slightly more affordable, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW offers a larger active area and a more premium feel.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The XP-Pen Deco Pro SW might be a better choice for professional artists due to its larger active area and more premium build quality. However, the Gaomon PD1320 is still a capable tablet that can handle professional-level artwork.
Q: Which tablet is better for drawing anime?
A: Both tablets are suitable for drawing anime. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and drawing style. The PD1320’s responsiveness might be beneficial for dynamic linework, while the Deco Pro SW‘s larger active area might be more comfortable for detailed drawings.