Gaomon PD1161 vs Wacom One 12: Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Are you a budding artist, illustrator, or graphic designer looking for the perfect drawing tablet to elevate your creative journey? The quest for the ideal tool can be overwhelming, especially with the abundance of options available. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Gaomon PD1161 and the **Wacom One 12**. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one truly stands out? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Gaomon PD1161 and Wacom One 12 boast distinct design philosophies. The PD1161 adopts a more traditional approach with a rectangular shape and a sleek black finish. It feels sturdy and robust, offering a sense of reliability. In contrast, the Wacom One 12 embraces a modern aesthetic with rounded corners and a minimalist design. Its white color scheme adds a touch of elegance, though it may be more prone to smudges and scratches.

From a build quality perspective, both tablets hold their ground. The PD1161’s plastic construction feels solid, while the Wacom One 12’s plastic frame is equally durable. However, the Wacom One 12’s stand, which is included in the package, feels a bit flimsy and can wobble when adjusted.

Active Area and Resolution

The active area, or the drawing surface, is a crucial factor for artists. A larger active area provides more space for intricate details and expansive strokes. The Gaomon PD1161 boasts a generous 10 x 6.25-inch active area, offering ample space for creative expression. The Wacom One 12, on the other hand, features a smaller 9.5 x 5.8-inch active area, which may feel cramped for some users, especially those accustomed to larger tablets.

Both tablets offer a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring smooth and precise linework. This high resolution allows for detailed drawings and accurate pen movements.

Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity

The heart of any drawing tablet lies in its pen technology. Both the Gaomon PD1161 and Wacom One 12 utilize pressure-sensitive pens, allowing for varying line thicknesses and brush strokes based on the applied pressure. The PD1161’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a nuanced and responsive drawing experience. The Wacom One 12 also boasts 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a decent level of accuracy and control.

The PD1161’s pen is known for its comfortable grip and lightweight design. It comes with eight replaceable nibs, ensuring a long lifespan. The Wacom One 12’s pen, while also comfortable, feels slightly heavier and has a shorter battery life.

Driver and Software Support

Both Gaomon and Wacom offer dedicated drivers for their tablets, providing customization options and enhancing performance. The Gaomon driver is relatively straightforward, offering basic settings like pen pressure sensitivity and button customization. The Wacom driver, on the other hand, is more comprehensive, providing advanced features like customizable shortcut keys, pressure curve adjustments, and support for various creative software.

In terms of software support, both tablets are compatible with popular drawing applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. However, Wacom enjoys greater compatibility with certain industry-standard software due to its long-standing presence in the creative space.

Display and Features

The Wacom One 12 takes the lead in this category, offering a built-in display that turns it into a digital drawing monitor. This feature eliminates the need for a separate computer monitor, enhancing the drawing experience by providing a direct view of the artwork. The Gaomon PD1161, being a standard drawing tablet, lacks a display, requiring you to rely on a separate screen for viewing your work.

The Wacom One 12’s display boasts a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. Its anti-glare coating ensures a comfortable viewing experience, even under bright lighting conditions.

Price and Value

The Gaomon PD1161 stands out as a budget-friendly option, offering an impressive set of features at a lower price point. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for beginners and artists on a tighter budget. The Wacom One 12, while pricier, justifies its cost with its built-in display, enhancing its versatility and usability.

The Verdict: Which Drawing Tablet Wins?

The choice between the Gaomon PD1161 and Wacom One 12 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Gaomon PD1161:

• Pros:
• Affordable price
• Large active area
• High pressure sensitivity
• Comfortable pen

• Cons:
• No built-in display
• Limited driver features

Wacom One 12:

• Pros:
• Built-in display
• Full HD resolution
• Anti-glare coating
• Comprehensive driver

• Cons:
• Higher price
• Smaller active area
• Flimsy stand

In a nutshell:

• For budget-conscious artists who prioritize a large active area and comfortable pen, the Gaomon PD1161 is an excellent choice.
• For those seeking a more immersive drawing experience with a built-in display and advanced driver features, the Wacom One 12 is the better option.

The Final Word: Your Creative Journey Awaits

Whether you choose the Gaomon PD1161 or the Wacom One 12, both tablets offer a solid foundation for your creative journey. Embrace the freedom to explore your artistic vision and let your imagination run wild.

Popular Questions

Q1: Is the Gaomon PD1161 compatible with macOS?

A1: Yes, the Gaomon PD1161 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

Q2: Does the Wacom One 12 come with a pen holder?

A2: Yes, the Wacom One 12 package includes a pen holder that can be attached to the tablet’s stand.

Q3: Can I use the Gaomon PD1161 with a smartphone?

A3: While the Gaomon PD1161 is primarily designed for use with computers, some users have reported success in connecting it to Android devices with the help of OTG adapters.

Q4: What is the difference between the Wacom One 12 and the Wacom One 13?

A4: The Wacom One 13 is a newer model with a larger active area, a higher resolution display, and improved pen technology.

Q5: Can I use the Wacom One 12’s display as a secondary monitor?

A5: While the Wacom One 12’s display can be used as a secondary monitor, it is primarily designed for drawing and may not offer the same functionality as a traditional monitor.