At a Glance
- The Gaomon PD1161 steps up the game with a larger active area and more advanced features, making it a compelling choice for both beginners and more experienced artists.
- If you’re looking for a simple and affordable tablet for occasional sketching and drawing, the M1220 fits the bill.
- The M1220 offers a good balance of value and performance for those on a tight budget.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of Gaomon, a reputable brand known for offering affordable and high-quality drawing tablets. Two popular contenders in their lineup are the Gaomon M1220 and the Gaomon PD1161.
This comprehensive comparison will analyze both tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Unveiling the Gaomon M1220: A Solid Entry-Level Choice
The Gaomon M1220 is a budget-friendly drawing tablet that caters to beginners and casual artists. It boasts a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, providing sufficient space for drawing and sketching. Let’s delve into its key features:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 233 RPS
- Pen: Battery-free, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Connectivity: USB
Pros:
- Affordable: The M1220 is one of the most budget-friendly drawing tablets available.
- Decent Active Area: The 10 x 6.25-inch active area offers enough room for most drawing tasks.
- Responsive Pen: The battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provides a smooth and accurate drawing experience.
Cons:
- Basic Design: The M1220 has a simple and somewhat basic design.
- Limited Features: It lacks advanced features like customizable buttons or an express keys section.
Exploring the Gaomon PD1161: A Feature-Rich Option
The Gaomon PD1161 steps up the game with a larger active area and more advanced features, making it a compelling choice for both beginners and more experienced artists. Let’s take a closer look at its specifications:
- Active Area: 11.6 x 7 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 266 RPS
- Pen: Battery-free, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Connectivity: USB
- Express Keys: 8 customizable buttons
- Tilt Support: 60 degrees
Pros:
- Larger Active Area: The 11.6 x 7-inch active area provides ample space for detailed drawings and illustrations.
- Express Keys: The 8 customizable buttons offer convenient shortcuts for frequently used functions.
- Tilt Support: The 60-degree tilt support adds a layer of realism to your strokes, enhancing the overall drawing experience.
Cons:
- Higher Price: The PD1161 comes with a higher price tag compared to the M1220.
Gaomon M1220 vs Gaomon PD1161: A Head-to-Head Showdown
Now that we’ve explored the individual features of both tablets, let’s compare them side by side to help you determine which one is right for you:
Active Area: The PD1161 wins this round with its larger 11.6 x 7-inch active area, offering more space for intricate drawings and broader strokes.
Resolution and Pressure Sensitivity: Both tablets offer identical resolution (5080 LPI) and pressure sensitivity (8192 levels), ensuring a smooth and accurate drawing experience.
Report Rate: The PD1161 edges out the M1220 with a slightly higher report rate (266 RPS) compared to the M1220’s 233 RPS. This translates to a slightly faster response time and smoother line rendering.
Pen: Both tablets feature battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a comfortable and responsive drawing experience.
Express Keys: The PD1161 takes the lead with its 8 customizable express keys, offering convenient shortcuts for frequently used functions. The M1220 lacks any express keys.
Tilt Support: The PD1161 offers 60-degree tilt support, adding a layer of realism to your strokes, while the M1220 lacks this feature.
Price: The M1220 is significantly cheaper than the PD1161, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
Who Should Choose the Gaomon M1220?
The Gaomon M1220 is an excellent choice for:
- Beginners: Its affordable price point and decent active area make it an ideal entry-level drawing tablet.
- Casual Artists: If you’re looking for a simple and affordable tablet for occasional sketching and drawing, the M1220 fits the bill.
- Budget-Conscious Users: The M1220 offers a good balance of value and performance for those on a tight budget.
Who Should Choose the Gaomon PD1161?
The Gaomon PD1161 is a better fit for:
- Experienced Artists: Its larger active area, express keys, and tilt support cater to the needs of more experienced artists.
- Digital Painters: The PD1161’s features allow for more precise and detailed work, making it suitable for digital painting.
- Those Seeking Advanced Features: If you desire a tablet with customizable buttons and tilt support, the PD1161 is the way to go.
Beyond the Features: User Experience Matters
While specifications are important, the user experience plays a crucial role in choosing the right drawing tablet. Both the M1220 and PD1161 are known for their smooth and responsive pens, offering a comfortable drawing experience. However, the PD1161’s larger active area and express keys can significantly enhance workflow and productivity, especially for those who spend hours drawing and illustrating.
Gaomon M1220 vs Gaomon PD1161: The Verdict
The choice between the Gaomon M1220 and PD1161 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a beginner or a casual artist on a tight budget, the M1220 offers a solid entry-level experience. However, if you’re an experienced artist or require advanced features like express keys and tilt support, the PD1161 is a better investment.
Beyond the Comparison: Choosing the Right Drawing Tablet
While this comparison focused on the Gaomon M1220 and PD1161, it’s important to consider other factors when choosing a drawing tablet:
- Your Drawing Style: Different drawing styles require different features. For example, digital painters may prioritize tilt support, while comic artists might prefer a larger active area.
- Software Compatibility: Ensure the tablet is compatible with your preferred drawing software.
- Personal Preferences: Consider factors like the tablet’s design, weight, and portability.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q1: What is the difference between the Gaomon M1220 and PD1161?
A1: The PD1161 offers a larger active area, express keys, and tilt support, making it more feature-rich than the M1220. However, the M1220 is more affordable.
Q2: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A2: The Gaomon M1220 is a great option for beginners due to its affordable price and decent active area.
Q3: Can I use the Gaomon PD1161 for digital painting?
A3: Yes, the Gaomon PD1161’s larger active area, express keys, and tilt support make it well-suited for digital painting.
Q4: What is the best drawing tablet for the money?
A4: The best drawing tablet for the money depends on your individual needs and budget. The Gaomon M1220 offers good value for beginners, while the PD1161 provides more advanced features for a higher price.
Q5: Are Gaomon drawing tablets good?
A5: Gaomon is a reputable brand known for offering affordable and high-quality drawing tablets. Both the M1220 and PD1161 are well-regarded for their performance and value.