What To Know
- Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a highly responsive and nuanced drawing experience.
- The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 takes it a step further with 8 express keys, a scroll wheel, and 16 customizable shortcut keys, providing even greater control and flexibility.
- The Gaomon PD1220 emerges as a compelling choice for artists seeking a larger active area and a streamlined set of features.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel like navigating a maze of options, especially for aspiring artists and digital illustrators. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Gaomon PD1220 and the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings to help you make an informed decision.
Unveiling the Contenders: Gaomon PD1220 and Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 boast impressive features that cater to the needs of artists at various levels. Let’s break down their core attributes:
Gaomon PD1220:
- Active Area: 11.6 x 6.5 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Pen: Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 8 customizable buttons
- Additional Features: 8 programmable express keys, 1 scroll wheel, compatibility with Windows and macOS
Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Report Rate: 233 PPS
- Pen: Battery-free, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 8 customizable buttons
- Additional Features: 8 programmable express keys, 1 scroll wheel, 16 customizable shortcut keys, compatibility with Windows and macOS
Active Area and Resolution: The Canvas of Creativity
The active area, essentially the drawing surface, plays a crucial role in your artistic workflow. The Gaomon PD1220 offers a slightly larger active area of 11.6 x 6.5 inches, providing more space for intricate details and expansive compositions. The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200, while slightly smaller at 10 x 6.25 inches, still provides ample room for most drawing tasks.
Both tablets boast a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring precise linework and accurate pen strokes. This high resolution translates to a smooth and responsive drawing experience, capturing every nuance of your artistic expression.
Pressure Sensitivity: Capturing the Nuances of Your Strokes
Pressure sensitivity is a key feature that allows your tablet to translate the force of your pen strokes into varying line thicknesses and brush effects. Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a highly responsive and nuanced drawing experience.
Pen Technology: The Heart of Your Artistic Expression
Both tablets feature battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, eliminating the hassle of charging and ensuring a seamless workflow. The Gaomon PD1220 pen boasts 8 customizable buttons, while the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 pen also features 8 customizable buttons. These buttons offer shortcuts to frequently used tools and functions, streamlining your artistic process.
Express Keys and Shortcut Keys: Streamlining Your Workflow
Both tablets are equipped with a set of programmable express keys and shortcut keys, designed to enhance efficiency and productivity. The Gaomon PD1220 offers 8 express keys and a scroll wheel, allowing you to quickly access common commands and navigate menus. The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 takes it a step further with 8 express keys, a scroll wheel, and 16 customizable shortcut keys, providing even greater control and flexibility.
Compatibility and Software: A Seamless Artistic Journey
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. They come bundled with driver software that allows you to customize pen settings, express key functions, and calibrate the tablet for optimal performance.
Gaomon PD1220: The Verdict
The Gaomon PD1220 emerges as a compelling choice for artists seeking a larger active area and a streamlined set of features. Its larger canvas provides ample space for intricate details and expansive compositions, while its 8 express keys and scroll wheel offer convenient shortcuts and navigation. The PD1220 is a solid option for artists who prioritize a balanced blend of features and affordability.
Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200: The Verdict
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200, with its extensive array of customizable shortcut keys, caters to artists who desire maximum control and flexibility. Its 16 shortcut keys, combined with 8 express keys and a scroll wheel, offer a highly customizable workflow, making it ideal for artists who frequently utilize specific tools and functions. The KD200 is a powerful choice for artists who seek to streamline their creative process and maximize efficiency.
Beyond the Features: Choosing Your Perfect Companion
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:
- Active area: If you work with intricate details or large compositions, a larger active area like the one offered by the Gaomon PD1220 might be more suitable.
- Shortcut keys: If you rely heavily on specific tools and functions, the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200’s extensive shortcut keys can significantly enhance your workflow.
- Budget: Both tablets are affordable options, but the Gaomon PD1220 might be slightly more budget-friendly.
- Personal preferences: Ultimately, the best way to choose is to try out both tablets and see which one feels more comfortable and intuitive for your artistic style.
The Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Champions
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 are exceptional drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. The Gaomon PD1220 excels with its larger active area and streamlined set of features, while the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 shines with its extensive shortcut keys, providing maximum control and flexibility. The choice ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1220 offers a larger active area, making it ideal for exploring and experimenting with different drawing techniques. The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200, while slightly smaller, provides an extensive set of shortcut keys that can be helpful for learning new tools and functions.
Q2: Are these tablets compatible with drawing software like Adobe Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint?
Yes, both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and others. They work as a digital pen and pad, allowing you to draw and paint directly on your computer screen.
Q3: Can I use these tablets for other tasks besides drawing?
Absolutely! These tablets can be used for a variety of tasks, including photo editing, graphic design, animation, and even handwriting recognition. They offer a more natural and intuitive way to interact with your computer compared to a traditional mouse.
Q4: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a monitor tablet?
A drawing tablet is a pressure-sensitive device that acts as a digital pen and pad, allowing you to control your computer cursor with a pen. A monitor tablet, also known as a drawing monitor, is a tablet with a built-in screen, providing a more immersive and direct drawing experience.
Q5: Do I need to install any drivers for these tablets?
Yes, you need to install the drivers provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper functionality. The drivers allow you to customize pen settings, express key functions, and calibrate the tablet for optimal performance.