What To Know
- The Gaomon M1220 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation both sport a sleek and modern design, with a black and silver color scheme.
- The Gaomon M1220’s pen is slightly heavier and has a more traditional pen-like design, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation’s pen is lighter and has a more ergonomic design.
- However, if you value a smoother drawing surface, a faster response rate, and a lighter and more ergonomic pen, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation could be the perfect choice for you.
The world of digital art has exploded in recent years, and a crucial tool for aspiring and professional artists alike is the drawing tablet. Two popular contenders in the mid-range category are the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. Both offer a decent drawing area, pressure sensitivity, and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This in-depth comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision for your artistic journey.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon M1220 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation both sport a sleek and modern design, with a black and silver color scheme. The Gaomon M1220 boasts a slightly larger active area at 11.6 inches diagonally, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation offers a 11.8-inch active area. Both tablets are relatively lightweight and portable, making them suitable for both home and on-the-go use.
The build quality of both tablets is decent for their price point. The Gaomon M1220 features a slightly more robust construction, with a sturdy plastic casing that feels less prone to bending. The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation, on the other hand, has a thinner and more lightweight design that might feel a bit less durable.
Drawing Surface and Pen
Both tablets offer a smooth, matte drawing surface that provides a comfortable and responsive experience. The Gaomon M1220’s surface feels slightly more textured, offering a bit more friction for a pen that glides more naturally. The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation’s surface is smoother, resulting in a slightly more slippery feel.
The included pens are both pressure-sensitive, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for both tablets. The Gaomon M1220’s pen is slightly heavier and has a more traditional pen-like design, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation’s pen is lighter and has a more ergonomic design. Both pens offer decent responsiveness and accuracy, with minimal lag.
Features and Functionality
Both tablets come with a set of standard features, including:
- Pressure sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report rate: 233 PPS (Gaomon M1220), 266 PPS (XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation)
- Express keys: 8 customizable express keys on the Gaomon M1220, 6 customizable express keys on the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation
- Driver support: Windows and macOS
The Gaomon M1220 offers a slight edge in terms of functionality with its additional express keys, which can be customized to perform various actions within your preferred drawing software. However, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation makes up for this with its slightly higher report rate, providing a more responsive experience, particularly for fast-paced drawing styles.
Software and Compatibility
Both tablets come with compatible software for calibration and customization, allowing you to fine-tune the pen pressure and express key settings. Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook, as well as other creative applications.
Pros and Cons
Gaomon M1220
Pros:
- Larger active area
- More robust build quality
- More traditional pen design with slightly heavier weight
- 8 customizable express keys
Cons:
- Lower report rate
- Slightly less smooth drawing surface
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation
Pros:
- Higher report rate
- Smoother drawing surface
- Lighter and more ergonomic pen design
- More affordable price point
Cons:
- Smaller active area
- Less robust build quality
- Fewer customizable express keys
Making the Right Choice
The choice between the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a larger active area, a more robust build, and more customizable express keys, the Gaomon M1220 might be the better option. However, if you value a smoother drawing surface, a faster response rate, and a lighter and more ergonomic pen, the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation could be the perfect choice for you.
The Verdict: A Tie for the Crown
Both tablets offer excellent value for their price, providing a solid platform for digital art creation. Ultimately, it’s a close call, with both tablets having their own strengths and weaknesses. The Gaomon M1220 excels in terms of size and functionality, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation shines with its responsive performance and affordability. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation might be slightly more beginner-friendly due to its smoother drawing surface and lighter pen, offering a more comfortable and intuitive experience for those new to digital art.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: While these tablets are primarily designed for drawing and illustration, they can be used for photo editing as well. You can use the pressure sensitivity to control brush size and opacity, making it easier to retouch images or create detailed effects.
Q: What are the recommended drawing programs for these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, Krita, and many others. You can choose the software that best suits your artistic style and workflow.
Q: Is there a significant difference in drawing experience between the two tablets?
A: The difference in drawing experience is subtle. The Gaomon M1220 offers a more traditional pen feel with a slightly textured surface, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation provides a smoother and more responsive experience. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both tablets if possible.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets can be used by professional artists, but they might not be the best choice for high-end professional work. For professionals who require the highest level of precision, accuracy, and responsiveness, a more advanced tablet with higher resolution and pressure sensitivity might be a better investment.