Quick notes
- The G960S, on the other hand, comes in a vibrant red color and has a glossy finish, adding a touch of personality to your workspace.
- Pressure sensitivity is a crucial aspect of any drawing tablet, as it allows you to control the thickness and intensity of your lines with the pressure applied to the pen.
- Furthermore, the G960S offers additional features like tilt support, which allows you to control the thickness of lines based on the angle of the pen, and a battery-free pen, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Gaomon PD1161 and the **XP-Pen Star G960S**. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for both beginners and experienced artists. But which one truly stands out? This blog post delves into the differences between these two tablets, comparing their features, performance, and overall value, to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Design: A Tale of Two Tablets
The Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Star G960S differ significantly in size and design. The PD1161 boasts a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, making it ideal for those who prefer a spacious canvas for their artwork. This larger size allows for more room to maneuver and makes it easier to create intricate details. On the other hand, the G960S features a more compact active area of 8.7 x 5.5 inches, making it more portable and suitable for those with limited desk space.
In terms of design, both tablets are sleek and modern. The PD1161 features a minimalist design with a black finish and a slightly textured surface, providing a good grip. The G960S, on the other hand, comes in a vibrant red color and has a glossy finish, adding a touch of personality to your workspace.
Pressure Sensitivity: A Key Factor in Creative Expression
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial aspect of any drawing tablet, as it allows you to control the thickness and intensity of your lines with the pressure applied to the pen. Both the PD1161 and the G960S offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
However, the difference lies in the pen technology. The PD1161 utilizes a passive pen, meaning it relies on the tablet’s battery for power. This results in a lighter and more comfortable pen, but it requires a battery change every few months. The G960S, on the other hand, features an active pen with its own battery. While this adds a bit of weight to the pen, it eliminates the need for battery replacements and offers a longer battery life.
Pen Performance: Precision and Accuracy
Both the Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Star G960S come with pens that provide a smooth and accurate drawing experience. The PD1161’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a 5080 LPI resolution, offering precise control and natural line variations. The G960S’s pen also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity but with a 4000 LPI resolution. While the resolution is slightly lower than the PD1161, it still provides a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
Display and Functionality: A Closer Look
While both tablets are designed for use with a computer, they differ in their display and functionality. The PD1161 is a standalone drawing tablet, meaning it doesn’t have a built-in display. This requires you to rely on your computer’s monitor for visual feedback. The G960S, however, features a 6.5-inch LCD screen, allowing you to see your drawing directly on the tablet’s surface. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists who prefer a more immersive and direct drawing experience.
Furthermore, the G960S offers additional features like tilt support, which allows you to control the thickness of lines based on the angle of the pen, and a battery-free pen, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Software Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Both the Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and even Android. This ensures seamless integration with your preferred software, whether it’s Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or other drawing applications.
Price and Value: Striking a Balance
The Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Star G960S are both affordable drawing tablets, but they differ in their price points. The PD1161 is typically available at a lower price, making it a great value for budget-conscious artists. The G960S, on the other hand, comes at a slightly higher price, reflecting its additional features, such as the built-in display and tilt support.
Choosing the Right Tablet: A Final Verdict
The choice between the Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Star G960S ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a large drawing tablet with a responsive pen and a focus on affordability, the PD1161 is a great option. However, if you prefer a more immersive drawing experience with a built-in display and additional features, the G960S might be a better fit.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Features
Both tablets offer additional features that enhance the drawing experience. The PD1161 includes eight customizable shortcut keys, allowing you to quickly access frequently used functions. The G960S, on the other hand, features a pressure-sensitive side button on the pen, providing an additional level of control.
The Final Verdict: A Symphony of Creativity
While both the Gaomon PD1161 and the XP-Pen Star G960S offer excellent value and performance, they cater to different preferences. The PD1161 excels in affordability and spaciousness, making it ideal for beginners and those with limited budgets. The G960S, with its built-in display and additional features, is a better choice for artists who prefer a more immersive and direct drawing experience.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your needs, budget, and artistic style.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a passive pen and an active pen?
A: A passive pen relies on the tablet’s battery for power, while an active pen has its own battery. Passive pens are typically lighter and more comfortable, but they require battery replacements. Active pens offer longer battery life and don’t require battery changes.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The PD1161 is a great option due to its affordability and spacious drawing area. However, the G960S’s built-in display can be helpful for learning and getting immediate visual feedback.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my phone?
A: The PD1161 is compatible with Android devices through a USB-C connection. The G960S, however, is not compatible with smartphones.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets offer features that cater to professional artists. The PD1161’s larger active area and responsive pen make it suitable for detailed artwork. The G960S’s built-in display and tilt support provide a more immersive and professional drawing experience.
Q: What are the pros and cons of each tablet?
A:
Gaomon PD1161:
Pros:
- Larger active area
- Affordable price
- Responsive pen
- Customizable shortcut keys
Cons:
- No built-in display
- Passive pen requires battery replacements
XP-Pen Star G960S:
Pros:
- Built-in display
- Tilt support
- Battery-free pen
- Pressure-sensitive side button
Cons:
- Smaller active area