What To Know
- The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger active area and a more robust build.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro deliver excellent pen technology.
- On the other hand, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is a drawing monitor, featuring a 11.
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 segment are the Gaomon M1220 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro**. Both offer impressive features and performance, but which one emerges as the victor? 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
Both the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro boast a sleek and modern design. The Gaomon M1220 features a compact and lightweight build, making it easy to transport and set up. Its textured surface provides a comfortable grip, while the sleek black finish adds a touch of sophistication.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger active area and a more robust build. Its textured surface feels slightly more premium than the M1220, and it comes with a stand that allows for multiple viewing angles. However, it’s slightly heavier and bulkier compared to the M1220.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to pen pressure. The Gaomon M1220 boasts a generous 10 x 6.25 inches active area, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offers a slightly larger 10.6 x 6.25 inches active area. This larger active area on the Artist 12 Pro provides more room for creative expression, especially for those who prefer working on larger canvases.
Both tablets offer a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring smooth and precise pen strokes. This high resolution translates to accurate and responsive linework, making them suitable for both sketching and detailed work.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro deliver excellent pen technology. The Gaomon M1220 comes with a passive pen that doesn’t require batteries or charging. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and responsive drawing experience.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro features a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity as well. However, it boasts a more advanced pen technology, including tilt support and side buttons. This allows for more nuanced control over line thickness and brush strokes, making it a better option for artists who require precise control and versatility.
Display and Color Accuracy
The Gaomon M1220 is a pen tablet, meaning it doesn’t have a built-in display. You’ll need to connect it to a computer monitor to view your work. On the other hand, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is a drawing monitor, featuring a 11.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. This built-in display allows for a more intuitive and immersive drawing experience, as you can see your work directly on the tablet’s screen.
The Artist 12 Pro’s display boasts a wide color gamut (72% NTSC) and a 16.7M color range, providing vibrant and accurate color reproduction. This makes it a great choice for artists who work with color-critical projects.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets offer versatile connectivity options. The Gaomon M1220 connects to your computer via USB cable, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offers both USB-C and HDMI connectivity. This makes the Artist 12 Pro more adaptable to different setups and devices.
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also support various drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more.
Software and Drivers
Both Gaomon and XP-Pen provide downloadable drivers for their tablets, which are crucial for optimal performance and customization. The Gaomon drivers are relatively straightforward, offering basic customization options for pen pressure and button mapping.
The XP-Pen drivers are more comprehensive, offering more advanced customization options, including pressure sensitivity curves, pen tilt settings, and shortcut key mapping. They also include a virtual screen feature that allows you to adjust the active area of the tablet to match your monitor’s resolution.
Price and Value for Money
The Gaomon M1220 is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for beginners or those who are looking for a simple and affordable drawing tablet.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, while slightly more expensive, offers a more advanced and feature-rich experience. Its built-in display, advanced pen technology, and comprehensive driver options justify the higher price tag.
The Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?
The choice between the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
- Gaomon M1220: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pen tablet with a large active area and responsive pen technology, the Gaomon M1220 is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for beginners, casual artists, and those who prefer a simple and portable setup.
- XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro: If you’re willing to spend a little more and value a more immersive and feature-rich drawing experience, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is the way to go. Its built-in display, advanced pen technology, and comprehensive driver options make it an ideal choice for professional artists and those who demand high-quality performance.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro are excellent choices, there are other drawing tablets available in the market that might suit your needs better. Consider researching other options and comparing their features and price points before making a final decision.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: Can I use the Gaomon M1220 or XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro with a smartphone or tablet?
A1: Both tablets are primarily designed for use with computers. They require a USB connection to function, so they are not compatible with smartphones or tablets.
Q2: Do I need to calibrate the tablets?
A2: Calibration is usually not necessary as both tablets come pre-calibrated. However, if you experience any issues with pen accuracy, you can calibrate the tablet using the driver software.
Q3: What kind of pen nibs can I use with these tablets?
A3: Both tablets use standard pen nibs, which are readily available online or at art supply stores. You can experiment with different nibs to find the best one for your drawing style.
Q4: Are there any software limitations with these tablets?
A4: Both tablets are compatible with most popular drawing software. However, some features might not be fully supported by older or less-known software. It’s always recommended to check the software’s compatibility requirements before purchasing a tablet.
Q5: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A5: The Gaomon M1220 is a great choice for beginners due to its affordable price and simple setup. However, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro’s built-in display can also be beneficial for beginners, as it allows for a more intuitive and immersive drawing experience. Ultimately, the best tablet for beginners depends on their individual preferences and budget.