Main points
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and the quality of the pen significantly impacts the overall drawing experience.
- Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro are compatible with a wide range of operating systems and software.
- Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro are priced in the budget-friendly segment, making them attractive options for artists on a tight budget.
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 M1230 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro**. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and professional artists alike.
This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll analyze their design, performance, software, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the ultimate winner.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro boast a sleek and modern design. However, there are some subtle differences that set them apart.
The Gaomon M1230 features a minimalist design with a black plastic frame. It has a slightly larger footprint than the Artist 12 Pro, but it’s still relatively compact and portable. The tablet’s surface is smooth and provides a comfortable drawing experience.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro takes a more premium approach with a slimmer profile and a brushed aluminum frame. It feels more robust and durable, with a slightly more premium aesthetic. The tablet’s surface is textured, offering a bit more resistance and a more natural drawing feel.
In terms of build quality, both tablets are well-constructed and feel sturdy. However, the Artist 12 Pro’s aluminum frame gives it a slight edge in terms of longevity and durability.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to your pen input. A larger active area provides more space for drawing and allows for greater precision.
The Gaomon M1230 boasts a generous active area of 10×6 inches, offering ample room for creative expression. It also features a resolution of 5080 LPI (lines per inch), which translates to precise and responsive pen input.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro features a slightly smaller active area of 9.5×5.7 inches. However, it compensates with a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, ensuring accurate and detailed pen strokes.
Both tablets offer a comparable active area and resolution, making it difficult to declare a clear winner in this category. Ultimately, the ideal size and resolution depend on your individual preferences and drawing style.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and the quality of the pen significantly impacts the overall drawing experience. Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that mimic the feel of traditional drawing tools.
The Gaomon M1230’s pen boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a broad range of line thicknesses and pressure variations. It also features a comfortable ergonomic design and two customizable buttons that can be programmed for various shortcuts.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offers a similar level of pressure sensitivity with 8192 levels. Its pen is also ergonomically designed and features eight customizable buttons, providing greater flexibility and control over your workflow.
Both tablets offer a highly responsive and accurate pen experience, thanks to their high pressure sensitivity levels. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding pen design and button customization.
Software and Compatibility
Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro are compatible with a wide range of operating systems and software. They work seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and even Android devices, providing flexibility for artists working on different platforms.
The Gaomon M1230 comes bundled with a driver that provides basic customization options for pen settings and tablet configuration. It also supports popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro also comes with a driver that offers more advanced customization options, including pen pressure curve adjustments and shortcut mapping. It also supports a wider range of software, including Krita, MediBang Paint, and Autodesk Maya.
Both tablets offer excellent software compatibility and provide a smooth and intuitive workflow. The Artist 12 Pro’s driver offers more advanced customization options, giving it a slight edge in this category.
Price and Value
Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro are priced in the budget-friendly segment, making them attractive options for artists on a tight budget.
The Gaomon M1230 is generally available for a lower price point compared to the Artist 12 Pro. It offers excellent value for money, considering its features and performance.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is slightly more expensive but justifies its price tag with its premium build quality, advanced driver, and wider software compatibility.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent performance, the Gaomon M1230 is an excellent choice. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for premium features and a more robust build, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is worth considering.
Which Drawing Tablet Should You Choose?
Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. However, there are some key differences that may sway your decision.
Choose the Gaomon M1230 if:
- You’re on a tight budget and prioritize value for money.
- You prefer a larger active area for drawing.
- You’re looking for a tablet with a simple and intuitive driver.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro if:
- You’re willing to spend a bit more for premium features.
- You prefer a more robust and durable build.
- You need advanced driver customization options for your workflow.
The Final Verdict: A Tie?
It’s difficult to declare a clear winner between the Gaomon M1230 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro. Both tablets offer excellent performance, compatibility, and value for money. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What are the key differences between the Gaomon M1230 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro?
A: The main differences lie in design, active area, and driver features. The Gaomon M1230 has a larger active area and a minimalist design, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offers a premium build, a smaller active area, and a more advanced driver.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are excellent choices for beginners. The Gaomon M1230 offers a more affordable entry point, while the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro provides a more premium experience.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with Mac?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with macOS.
Q: Is there a noticeable difference in pen pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, so the difference is negligible.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets are capable of professional-level work. The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro’s premium build and advanced driver might be preferred by some professionals.