Main points
- The Gaomon M1230 is a solid entry-level drawing tablet that packs a punch for its price.
- While it lacks a display, it provides excellent value for its price, offering a large active area, high pressure sensitivity, and a battery-free pen.
- The RDS 160, on the other hand, comes at a premium price but justifies its cost with its built-in display, high resolution, and color accuracy.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Gaomon M1230 and the Huion Kamvas RDS 160. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and professional artists alike.
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of each tablet, comparing their key features, performance, and overall value proposition. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tablet best suits your individual needs and artistic aspirations.
Gaomon M1230: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse
The Gaomon M1230 is a solid entry-level drawing tablet that packs a punch for its price. It boasts a large 11.6-inch active area, providing ample space for creative expression. The tablet’s pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels ensures precise control and natural linework, making it suitable for both sketching and detailed illustrations.
Here’s a breakdown of the M1230’s key features:
- Active Area: 11.6 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 Levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Pen Battery: Battery-free
- Connectivity: USB
- Dimensions: 330 x 210 x 10 mm
- Weight: 650g
Pros:
- Large active area: Offers ample space for drawing and sketching.
- High pressure sensitivity: Provides precise control and natural linework.
- Battery-free pen: No need to worry about charging the pen.
- Affordable price: Makes it accessible to artists on a budget.
Cons:
- Limited screen resolution: May not be ideal for detailed work.
- No display: Requires a separate monitor for viewing.
- Basic design: Lacks the sleek aesthetics of some higher-end tablets.
Huion Kamvas RDS 160: A Feature-Packed Display Tablet
The Huion Kamvas RDS 160, on the other hand, is a display tablet that brings your digital artwork to life. It features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 1920×1080 resolution, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The tablet’s pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels and 120% sRGB color gamut ensure accurate color reproduction and a smooth drawing experience.
Here’s a closer look at the Kamvas RDS 160’s key features:
- Active Area: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 Levels
- Report Rate: 266 PPS
- Pen Battery: Battery-free
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Dimensions: 380 x 260 x 10 mm
- Weight: 1.2 kg
Pros:
- Built-in display: Provides a direct view of your artwork.
- High resolution and color accuracy: Delivers vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Large active area: Offers ample space for drawing and sketching.
- Versatile connectivity: Supports USB-C and HDMI connections.
Cons:
- Higher price: More expensive than the Gaomon M1230.
- Limited viewing angles: May result in color distortion when viewed from extreme angles.
- Slightly heavier than the M1230: May be less portable for on-the-go artists.
Comparing the Giants: A Head-to-Head Showdown
Now that we’ve explored the individual strengths of each tablet, let’s compare them side-by-side to determine the best fit for your artistic needs.
Active Area and Resolution:
The Kamvas RDS 160 offers a larger active area (15.6 inches) compared to the M1230 (11.6 inches), providing more space for expansive artwork and detailed drawings. Additionally, the RDS 160 boasts a higher resolution (1920 x 1080) compared to the M1230 (5080 LPI), resulting in sharper visuals and better color accuracy.
Pressure Sensitivity and Report Rate:
Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring precise control and natural linework. However, the Kamvas RDS 160 has a slightly higher report rate (266 PPS) compared to the M1230 (233 PPS), which translates to smoother and more responsive pen strokes.
Display and Portability:
The Kamvas RDS 160 comes with a built-in display, eliminating the need for a separate monitor. This offers a more immersive and convenient drawing experience. However, the tablet’s larger size and weight make it less portable than the M1230.
Price and Value:
The Gaomon M1230 is significantly more affordable than the Huion Kamvas RDS 160. While it lacks a display, it provides excellent value for its price, offering a large active area, high pressure sensitivity, and a battery-free pen. The RDS 160, on the other hand, comes at a premium price but justifies its cost with its built-in display, high resolution, and color accuracy.
Who Should Choose the Gaomon M1230?
The Gaomon M1230 is an excellent choice for artists who are:
- On a tight budget: The M1230 offers exceptional value for its price, making it an attractive option for beginners and hobbyists.
- Looking for a large active area: The 11.6-inch active area provides ample space for drawing and sketching.
- Prioritizing portability: The M1230 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport.
Who Should Choose the Huion Kamvas RDS 160?
The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 is a better fit for artists who:
- Value a built-in display: The display offers a direct view of your artwork, enhancing the drawing experience.
- Need high resolution and color accuracy: The RDS 160’s 1920 x 1080 resolution and 120% sRGB color gamut deliver vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Are willing to invest in a premium tablet: The RDS 160 is a more expensive option, but its features justify the price.
Beyond the Specs: User Experience and Software Compatibility
While technical specifications provide insights into the capabilities of each tablet, user experience and software compatibility are equally important.
Gaomon M1230:
The M1230’s driver software is straightforward and easy to use, offering basic customization options for pressure sensitivity and pen settings. The tablet is compatible with most popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Huion Kamvas RDS 160:
The RDS 160’s driver software is also user-friendly, providing advanced customization options for display settings, pen calibration, and shortcut keys. The tablet is compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Clip Studio Paint.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re on a budget and prioritize portability, the Gaomon M1230 is an excellent choice. However, if you value a built-in display, high resolution, and color accuracy, the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 is a worthy investment.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Kamvas RDS 160 are excellent options in their respective categories, other drawing tablets are worth considering. Explore models from XP-Pen, Wacom, and other reputable brands to find the perfect fit for your artistic journey.
Common Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use the Gaomon M1230 with a Mac?
A1: Yes, the Gaomon M1230 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q2: Does the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 have any screen lag?
A2: The RDS 160 has a relatively low screen lag, making it suitable for drawing and sketching. However, it’s not as responsive as high-end display tablets with higher refresh rates.
Q3: What is the pen pressure sensitivity like on both tablets?
A3: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing precise control and natural linework.
Q4: How do I calibrate the pen on the Kamvas RDS 160?
A4: You can calibrate the pen using the Huion driver software. The software provides a simple and intuitive interface for calibrating the pen to your specific needs.
Q5: What are the recommended drawing software for these tablets?
A5: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, Krita, and MediBang Paint. You can choose the software that best suits your workflow and artistic style.