Key points
- 3 Pro adopts a more modern and stylish design with a silver frame and a black active area.
- The pen has a more ergonomic design with two buttons and a rubber grip for a comfortable hold.
- If you’re looking for an affordable option with a portable design and a decent display, the Gaomon PD1161 is a good choice.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the affordable yet feature-rich category are the Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. Both offer a compelling blend of functionality and affordability, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of both tablets to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Gaomon PD1161: The PD1161 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black finish and rounded edges. It’s lightweight and compact, making it portable for on-the-go artists. The tablet surface is made of a textured material that provides a comfortable drawing experience. While the build quality feels solid, some users have reported that the tablet’s plastic construction might feel a bit flimsy.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro adopts a more modern and stylish design with a silver frame and a black active area. It’s also lightweight and portable, making it suitable for travel. The tablet surface is smooth and provides a comfortable drawing experience. The Artist 13.3 Pro features a slightly more robust build with a metal frame, giving it a more premium feel.
Display and Screen Size
Gaomon PD1161: The PD1161 features a 10.1-inch IPS display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles, making it suitable for both casual and professional artists. However, the lack of a laminated screen can lead to noticeable parallax, which may affect precision for some users.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro boasts a larger 13.3-inch IPS display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display is laminated, eliminating parallax and providing a more natural drawing experience. It offers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and a responsive touch experience.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Gaomon PD1161: The PD1161 comes with a passive pen that offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen features two buttons that can be customized for various functions. The pen feels comfortable to hold and provides a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro also features a passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen has a more ergonomic design with two buttons and a rubber grip for a comfortable hold. It offers a responsive and accurate drawing experience, making it suitable for both sketching and detailed work.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Gaomon PD1161: The PD1161 connects to your computer via USB cable, offering a stable and reliable connection. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems. The tablet also features a built-in SD card reader for convenient storage of your artwork.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: Similar to the PD1161, the Artist 13.3 Pro connects via USB cable and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems. It also offers a built-in SD card reader for storing your creations.
Pros and Cons
Gaomon PD1161:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and portable design
- 10.1-inch display with good color accuracy
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Built-in SD card reader
Cons:
- No laminated screen, leading to parallax
- Plastic construction might feel flimsy
- Limited software support
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro:
Pros:
- Larger 13.3-inch laminated display with excellent color accuracy
- More robust build quality with a metal frame
- More ergonomic pen with rubber grip
- Excellent software support with XP-Pen Artist software
Cons:
- Higher price compared to the PD1161
- No built-in SD card reader
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable option with a portable design and a decent display, the Gaomon PD1161 is a good choice. However, if you prioritize a larger, laminated screen, a more robust build, and a comfortable pen, the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro might be the better option.
Making the Final Decision: A Summary
Here’s a quick comparison to help you make the final decision:
Gaomon PD1161:
- Best for: Budget-conscious artists, portability, casual sketching
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, good display for the price
- Cons: Parallax, plastic construction, limited software support
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro:
- Best for: Professional artists, detailed work, comfortable drawing experience
- Pros: Larger display, laminated screen, robust build, ergonomic pen, excellent software support
- Cons: Higher price, no built-in SD card reader
Your Art Journey Begins Here: Choosing the Best Tool for Your Vision
Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, the right drawing tablet can make a world of difference. The Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro both offer compelling features and affordability, making them excellent choices for artists of all levels. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the tablet that best aligns with your artistic vision and helps you bring your creative ideas to life.
What You Need to Know
1. Is the Gaomon PD1161 compatible with Mac?
Yes, the Gaomon PD1161 is compatible with macOS.
2. Does the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro have a screen protector?
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro comes with a built-in screen protector.
3. Can I use the PD1161 with Android phones?
Yes, the Gaomon PD1161 is compatible with Android devices.
4. What is the difference between active and passive pens?
Active pens require a battery or a power source, while passive pens don’t. Passive pens rely on the tablet’s electromagnetic resonance to detect pen movement and pressure.
5. What is parallax and how does it affect drawing?
Parallax is the difference between the position of the pen tip on the screen and its actual position on the tablet surface. It can cause a slight delay in feedback and affect the accuracy of your strokes.