Highlights
- The Gaomon M1220 pen has a slightly heavier feel and a textured grip, which some users might find comfortable, while others might prefer the lighter and smoother feel of the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** pen.
- The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium comes at a higher price point, but it offers a premium build quality, a more sophisticated software experience, and a tilt-sensitive pen.
- The Gaomon M1220 is a great option for budget-conscious artists who are looking for a solid drawing tablet with a decent working area and a high level of pressure sensitivity.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Gaomon M1220 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**. Both tablets offer a decent working area, pressure sensitivity, and a range of features. But which one comes out on top for digital artists? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon M1220 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black plastic construction. It features eight customizable shortcut keys on the side and a pen holder on the top. While its build quality is solid, it might feel a bit plasticky compared to the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**.
In contrast, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium emphasizes a more premium aesthetic with a white, textured surface and a brushed aluminum frame. It comes with a dedicated Express Keys remote that offers customizable buttons and a scroll wheel. The tablet’s build quality feels more robust and premium, giving it a more professional feel.
Working Area and Resolution
Both tablets offer a decent working area, but the Gaomon M1220 has a slight edge with a 10 x 6.25-inch active area. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** has a slightly smaller active area of 9.8 x 6.1 inches. However, both tablets provide ample space for most drawing tasks.
In terms of resolution, the Gaomon M1220 boasts a higher resolution of 5080 LPI (lines per inch), while the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** offers 4000 LPI. The higher resolution of the Gaomon tablet translates to more precise pen tracking and a smoother drawing experience, especially for intricate details.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens with a high level of sensitivity. The Gaomon M1220 pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a tilt function. The tilt function allows for more nuanced strokes, mimicking the natural feel of traditional art tools.
The Gaomon M1220 pen has a slightly heavier feel and a textured grip, which some users might find comfortable, while others might prefer the lighter and smoother feel of the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** pen.
Features and Software
The Gaomon M1220 comes with a simple driver that allows for basic customization of the shortcut keys and pen settings. It also supports various drawing software programs.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium takes a more sophisticated approach with its bundled software, **Control Panel**. This software offers a more comprehensive range of customization options for the tablet, pen, and Express Keys remote. It also includes features like brush customization and a dedicated workspace for organizing your shortcuts.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Gaomon M1220 has a relatively thin profile and a slightly curved design, which might feel comfortable for some users. However, its plastic construction might feel less premium and less comfortable for long drawing sessions.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium has a larger footprint and a more substantial feel, which might be more comfortable for users who prefer a stable drawing surface. The textured surface also provides a better grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Price and Value
The Gaomon M1220 is generally priced lower than the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for artists who are new to digital art or have limited budgets.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium comes at a higher price point, but it offers a premium build quality, a more sophisticated software experience, and a tilt-sensitive pen. This makes it a better value proposition for professional artists and those who prioritize a high-quality drawing experience.
The Verdict: Gaomon M1220 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium
Choosing between the Gaomon M1220 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Gaomon M1220 is a great option for budget-conscious artists who are looking for a solid drawing tablet with a decent working area and a high level of pressure sensitivity. Its minimalist design and straightforward functionality make it a simple and reliable tool for beginners and casual users.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a more premium choice for professional artists who prioritize a comfortable drawing experience, a sophisticated software suite, and a tilt-sensitive pen. Its robust build quality, customizable features, and intuitive software make it a great option for serious artists who want to take their digital art to the next level.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Budget: The Gaomon M1220 is a more budget-friendly option, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is more expensive.
- Working area: Both tablets offer a decent working area, but the Gaomon M1220 has a slightly larger active area.
- Pen technology: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a tilt-sensitive pen, which provides a more nuanced drawing experience.
- Features and software: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a more comprehensive software suite with a wider range of customization options.
- Ergonomics: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium has a more comfortable design with a larger footprint and a textured surface.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon M1220 is a more affordable option with a straightforward design, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a more intuitive software experience that can be helpful for learning digital art.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a better choice for professional artists due to its premium build quality, tilt-sensitive pen, and sophisticated software suite.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my iPad?
A: No, these tablets are designed for use with computers, not iPads.
Q: Which tablet has a better pen?
A: Both tablets have excellent pens, but the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium‘s pen offers tilt sensitivity, which provides a more natural drawing experience.
Q: Which tablet is better for drawing manga?
A: Both tablets are suitable for drawing manga. The Gaomon M1220 offers a high resolution that is perfect for intricate details, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium‘s tilt-sensitive pen can provide a more natural feel for inking.