Quick notes
- The Huion Inspiroy H1161, on the other hand, opts for a more traditional design with a black and red color scheme.
- Some users might find the Gaomon PD1161’s pen to have a slightly smoother and more responsive feel, while others might prefer the Huion Inspiroy H1161’s pen for its firmer grip and tactile feedback.
- The Gaomon PD1161’s pen also boasts a slightly longer lifespan of 800 hours, compared to the Huion Inspiroy H1161’s pen with a lifespan of 400 hours.
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 category are the Gaomon PD1161 and the **Huion Inspiroy H1161**. Both tablets offer a generous active area and pressure sensitivity, making them suitable for aspiring artists, digital illustrators, and graphic designers. But which one emerges as the champion? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Aesthetics
The Gaomon PD1161 and Huion Inspiroy H1161 adopt distinct design philosophies. The Gaomon boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme. Its smooth, rounded edges contribute to a comfortable grip, while the integrated pen holder adds a touch of practicality. The Huion Inspiroy H1161, on the other hand, opts for a more traditional design with a black and red color scheme. Its rectangular shape and textured surface provide a firm grip, but some might find it less aesthetically pleasing.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Gaomon PD1161’s plastic casing feels slightly more premium, while the Huion Inspiroy H1161’s textured surface might attract fingerprints more easily. Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference. If you prioritize a sleek and modern look, the Gaomon PD1161 might be more appealing. If you prefer a more functional and robust design, the Huion Inspiroy H1161 could be a better fit.
Active Area and Resolution: A Canvas for Creativity
Both the Gaomon PD1161 and Huion Inspiroy H1161 offer a spacious active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample room for creative expression. This generous canvas allows for comfortable drawing and sketching, especially for those who prefer a larger working space.
In terms of resolution, the Gaomon PD1161 boasts 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), while the Huion Inspiroy H1161 offers 4000 LPI. The higher LPI of the Gaomon PD1161 translates to greater precision and finer detail in your strokes. However, the difference in resolution might not be noticeable for casual users or those primarily focused on sketching and basic drawing.
Pressure Sensitivity: The Feel of the Brushstroke
Pressure sensitivity plays a crucial role in replicating the natural feel of traditional art. Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, enabling precise control over line thickness and brush strokes. This level of sensitivity allows for subtle variations in pressure to be captured, resulting in more natural and expressive artwork.
While both tablets offer the same level of pressure sensitivity, the actual feel of the pen might differ. Some users might find the Gaomon PD1161’s pen to have a slightly smoother and more responsive feel, while others might prefer the Huion Inspiroy H1161’s pen for its firmer grip and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and drawing style.
Pen Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics
Both tablets come equipped with passive pens that don’t require batteries or charging. The Gaomon PD1161’s pen features eight customizable side buttons, offering additional functionality for shortcuts and hotkeys. The Huion Inspiroy H1161’s pen features six customizable side buttons, providing a slightly more streamlined approach.
The Gaomon PD1161’s pen also boasts a slightly longer lifespan of 800 hours, compared to the Huion Inspiroy H1161’s pen with a lifespan of 400 hours. However, both pens offer decent battery life, ensuring uninterrupted creative flow.
Software and Compatibility: A Seamless Workflow
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. They also support various drawing applications and programs, providing flexibility for artists who prefer different creative tools.
The Gaomon PD1161 comes bundled with a driver that offers customizable settings for pen pressure, button mapping, and screen resolution. The Huion Inspiroy H1161 also provides a driver with similar customization options. Both drivers are generally user-friendly and easy to navigate, allowing for personalized settings to optimize the drawing experience.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Gaomon PD1161 and Huion Inspiroy H1161 are priced competitively, making them attractive options for budget-conscious artists. The Gaomon PD1161 typically retails for a slightly higher price, but its additional features and longer pen lifespan might justify the extra cost for some users. The Huion Inspiroy H1161 offers a more affordable entry point, making it a viable choice for those looking for a solid drawing tablet without breaking the bank.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Gaomon PD1161 and Huion Inspiroy H1161 comes down to individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize sleek aesthetics, additional pen features, and a longer pen lifespan, the Gaomon PD1161 might be the better choice. If you prefer a more functional design, a lower price point, and a more streamlined approach, the Huion Inspiroy H1161 could be a better fit.
A Final Thought: Beyond the Specs
While technical specifications are important, it’s also crucial to consider the overall drawing experience. Both tablets offer a comfortable and responsive drawing experience, allowing for precise control and natural brushstrokes. The best way to determine which tablet is right for you is to try them out yourself and see which one feels more comfortable and intuitive for your drawing style.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Can I use the Gaomon PD1161 or Huion Inspiroy H1161 with my smartphone?
Unfortunately, both tablets are designed for desktop use and are not compatible with smartphones or tablets.
2. What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a pen display?
A drawing tablet is a device that uses a pen to control a cursor on a computer screen. A pen display, on the other hand, has a built-in screen that allows you to draw directly on the tablet’s surface.
3. Can I use the Gaomon PD1161 or Huion Inspiroy H1161 for photo editing?
Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. They offer precise control over the cursor, making it easier to select, crop, and adjust images.
4. What is the recommended drawing software for beginners?
For beginners, Krita, Autodesk Sketchbook, and MediBang Paint are popular free drawing software options.
5. Are there any other drawing tablets in this price range that I should consider?
Yes, other popular drawing tablets in the same price range include the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro and the Wacom Intuos Small.