Key points
- Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Gaomon PD1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M.
- The Wacom Intuos series offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the Intuos Pro M, providing a balance of features and affordability.
- XP-Pen offers a range of tablets, including the Artist 12 Pro and Artist 16 Pro, that compete with the Gaomon PD1161 in terms of price and features.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Gaomon PD1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M. Both tablets offer impressive features and cater to different needs, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision for your artistic journey.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1161 boasts a sleek and modern design with a black and silver color scheme. It features a large active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for creative expression. The tablet itself is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for artists on the go. However, its plastic construction might feel less premium compared to the Intuos Pro M.
The Wacom Intuos Pro M takes a more minimalist approach with its sleek black finish and subtle branding. It offers a slightly smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, but it features a durable and elegant design with a textured surface for enhanced grip. The tablet’s weight feels substantial, indicating its high-quality build.
Pen and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens for a natural drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1161’s pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a smooth and responsive feel. It also includes tilt sensitivity for a more nuanced drawing experience. However, some users have reported a slight lag in pen response, especially during rapid strokes.
The Wacom Intuos Pro M’s pen boasts a remarkable 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity alongside tilt recognition, ensuring accuracy and responsiveness. The pen’s tip feels more precise and responsive, making it ideal for detailed work. However, the pen requires a battery for functionality, unlike the Gaomon PD1161’s battery-free pen.
Software and Features
The Gaomon PD1161 comes bundled with a range of software, including OpenCanvas, Krita, and Artrage. It also supports various popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The tablet’s driver software offers customization options for pressure sensitivity, pen settings, and shortcut keys.
The Wacom Intuos Pro M is compatible with a wide array of creative software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Clip Studio Paint. It also includes a subscription to Wacom’s creative software, which offers access to various drawing and design tools. The Intuos Pro M’s driver software allows for extensive customization, including pen settings, shortcut keys, and even the ability to create custom pen profiles.
Price and Value
The Gaomon PD1161 offers an attractive price point, making it a budget-friendly option for aspiring artists and beginners. Its affordability doesn‘t compromise on features, providing a solid entry point into digital art.
The Wacom Intuos Pro M sits at a higher price point, reflecting its premium build quality, advanced features, and brand recognition. While it might be a more expensive option, it provides a professional-grade experience that caters to seasoned artists and professionals.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Gaomon PD1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M boils down to individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of when each tablet excels:
Gaomon PD1161:
- Ideal for: Beginners, budget-conscious artists, casual drawing and sketching, students.
- Pros: Affordable, large active area, battery-free pen, bundled software.
- Cons: Plastic construction, slightly less responsive pen, limited customization options.
Wacom Intuos Pro M:
- Ideal for: Professionals, serious artists, detailed work, advanced customization, frequent use.
- Pros: Premium build quality, precise and responsive pen, extensive software compatibility, advanced driver software.
- Cons: Higher price point, battery-powered pen, smaller active area.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Gaomon PD1161 and Wacom Intuos Pro M are excellent choices, it’s essential to consider other options that might better suit your needs.
- Wacom Intuos: The Wacom Intuos series offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the Intuos Pro M, providing a balance of features and affordability.
- XP-Pen Artist Series: XP-Pen offers a range of tablets, including the Artist 12 Pro and Artist 16 Pro, that compete with the Gaomon PD1161 in terms of price and features.
- Huion Kamvas Series: Huion’s Kamvas series provides affordable drawing tablets with large active areas and pressure-sensitive pens, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Final Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Drawing Companion
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and artistic goals. The Gaomon PD1161 provides an excellent entry point for beginners, while the Wacom Intuos Pro M caters to professionals and serious artists. By carefully considering the features, design, and price of each tablet, you can choose the perfect drawing companion to unleash your creative potential.
Popular Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Gaomon PD1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M?
A: The Gaomon PD1161 is a budget-friendly option with a large active area and a battery-free pen, while the Wacom Intuos Pro M offers premium build quality, a more precise pen, and advanced features.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The Gaomon PD1161 is a great choice for beginners due to its affordability and user-friendly design.
Q: Which tablet is better for professionals?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro M is a preferred choice for professionals due to its premium build quality, precise pen, and advanced software compatibility.
Q: Do both tablets offer pressure sensitivity?
A: Yes, both the Gaomon PD1161 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Q: What software is compatible with these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The Wacom Intuos Pro M also includes a subscription to Wacom’s creative software.