Highlights
- The Gaomon M106K Pro boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a textured surface for a comfortable grip.
- The **Huion Inspiroy H1161**, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a larger footprint and a slightly thicker profile.
- The Gaomon M106K Pro excels in portability and price, while the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** provides a larger active area and added convenience with its built-in eraser.
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 M106K Pro and the **Huion Inspiroy H1161**. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one comes out on top?
This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon M106K Pro boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic body with a textured surface for a comfortable grip. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it highly portable. The **Huion Inspiroy H1161**, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a larger footprint and a slightly thicker profile. While it’s still portable, it might not be as convenient for travel. Both tablets offer a comfortable drawing experience, with the Gaomon M106K Pro slightly edging out in terms of portability.
Active Area and Resolution
The Gaomon M106K Pro offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, providing ample space for creative expression. Its 5080 LPI resolution ensures precise linework and detailed drawings. The **Huion Inspiroy H1161** boasts a slightly larger active area of 10.6 x 6.5 inches, offering an even more expansive canvas for your digital art. Its 4000 LPI resolution, while still impressive, falls slightly behind the Gaomon M106K Pro in terms of detail.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen
Both tablets feature 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a responsive and nuanced drawing experience. The Gaomon M106K Pro comes bundled with a passive pen that requires no battery or charging. The **Huion Inspiroy H1161**, however, includes a battery-free pen with a built-in eraser. While the Gaomon pen offers a more traditional feel, the Huion pen’s eraser functionality can be quite convenient.
Driver and Software
Both Gaomon and **Huion** offer user-friendly drivers that provide customization options for pen pressure, button mapping, and other settings. The **Gaomon M106K Pro** driver offers a more streamlined and intuitive interface, while the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** driver provides a wider range of customization options. Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets connect to your computer via USB cable, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. The Gaomon M106K Pro supports both Windows and Mac operating systems, while the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android devices. This wider compatibility makes the Huion tablet a more versatile option for users who want to draw on their smartphones or tablets.
Price and Value
Both the Gaomon M106K Pro and the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** are priced competitively, offering excellent value for money. The Gaomon M106K Pro typically costs slightly less than the **Huion Inspiroy H1161**, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** often comes bundled with additional accessories like a glove and pen stand, adding to its overall value.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The choice between the Gaomon M106K Pro and the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Gaomon M106K Pro if:
- You prioritize portability and a minimalist design.
- You prefer a more traditional pen experience without a built-in eraser.
- You’re looking for the most affordable option.
Choose the Huion Inspiroy H1161 if:
- You need a larger active area for your creative endeavors.
- You appreciate the convenience of a built-in eraser on the pen.
- You want a tablet compatible with Android devices.
- You value additional accessories like a glove and pen stand.
Final Thoughts – A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Gaomon M106K Pro and the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** are excellent entry-level drawing tablets that offer a compelling combination of features and affordability. The Gaomon M106K Pro excels in portability and price, while the **Huion Inspiroy H1161** provides a larger active area and added convenience with its built-in eraser. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use both tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
A: The Gaomon M106K Pro is only compatible with Windows and Mac computers. The Huion Inspiroy H1161, on the other hand, supports Windows, Mac, and Android devices, making it a more versatile option for mobile drawing.
Q: Do both tablets come with a screen protector?
A: Neither the Gaomon M106K Pro nor the Huion Inspiroy H1161 comes bundled with a screen protector. You may need to purchase one separately if you want to protect your tablet’s surface.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon M106K Pro offers a more affordable price point, while the Huion Inspiroy H1161 provides a larger active area and a built-in eraser, which can be helpful for beginners.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets in this price range I should consider?
A: Yes, there are several other drawing tablets available in the same price range as the Gaomon M106K Pro and the Huion Inspiroy H1161. Some popular options include the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro and the Wacom One Creative Pen Display.