Overview
- This blog post will provide a comprehensive comparison of the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, highlighting their key features, performance, pros, and cons.
- Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
- The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, however, takes it a step further with a 266 RPS reporting rate and a 5080 LPI resolution.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both offer compelling features and cater to different needs, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive comparison of the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, highlighting their key features, performance, pros, and cons. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tablet best suits your artistic journey.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small prioritize a sleek and minimalist design. The Gaomon PD1220 boasts a black, plastic exterior with a textured finish, offering a firm grip. Its active area measures 11.6 x 6.5 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, features a slim, modern design with a white, aluminum build. Its active area is slightly smaller at 8.7 x 5.4 inches but still offers sufficient space for most creative tasks.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Gaomon PD1220, however, might feel slightly less premium compared to the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small due to its plastic construction.
Pen Experience
The pen is arguably the most crucial component of any drawing tablet. Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
The Gaomon PD1220’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a high degree of control and accuracy. Its pen is battery-free, relying on electromagnetic resonance technology for operation. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a battery-free pen. However, it distinguishes itself by incorporating a unique side switch on the pen that can be programmed to perform various functions like brush size adjustments or undo/redo.
Both pens offer decent responsiveness and feel comfortable to hold, although some users might find the Gaomon PD1220’s pen slightly heavier.
Software and Features
The Gaomon PD1220 comes bundled with a driver that offers basic customization options for pen pressure and button mapping. It also includes a drawing software called OpenCanvas, which is a decent option for beginners but may not be as feature-rich as other professional software.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, boasts a more comprehensive software suite. It includes two software programs, Xencelabs Pen Tablet Driver and Xencelabs Quick Keys. The driver offers extensive customization options for pen pressure, button mapping, and even pressure curve adjustments. Quick Keys allows you to create customized shortcuts for frequently used actions, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Performance and Accuracy
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small deliver excellent performance and accuracy. The Gaomon PD1220 boasts a 230 RPS (reports per second) reporting rate, ensuring smooth and responsive line drawing. Its accuracy, measured by resolution, is 5080 LPI (lines per inch), which is sufficient for most creative tasks.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, however, takes it a step further with a 266 RPS reporting rate and a 5080 LPI resolution. This slightly higher reporting rate and resolution result in even smoother lines and greater accuracy.
Pros and Cons
Gaomon PD1220
Pros:
- Large active area
- Affordable price
- Battery-free pen
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Good responsiveness
Cons:
- Plastic construction
- Basic software bundle
- Slightly heavier pen
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small
Pros:
- Premium aluminum build
- Comprehensive software suite
- Side switch on the pen
- Excellent performance and accuracy
- Comfortable pen
Cons:
- Smaller active area
- Higher price
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Gaomon PD1220 if:
- You’re looking for a large active area at an affordable price.
- You prioritize a basic and straightforward drawing experience.
- You’re comfortable with a slightly heavier pen.
Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small if:
- You prioritize a premium build and design.
- You need a comprehensive software suite with extensive customization options.
- You value a comfortable pen with a side switch for added functionality.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for enhanced performance and accuracy.
The Verdict: Finding the Right Fit
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1220 excels in its large active area and affordability, making it a great option for beginners and casual artists. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, stands out with its premium build, extensive software suite, and superior performance, making it a compelling choice for professional artists and those seeking a more advanced drawing experience.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best aligns with your individual needs, budget, and artistic goals.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use the Gaomon PD1220 or the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small with my iPad or iPhone?
A: No, both tablets are designed for use with computers only. They cannot be used with iPads or iPhones.
Q: What is the difference between the Gaomon PD1220 and the Gaomon PD1560?
A: The Gaomon PD1560 is a larger tablet with a 15.6-inch active area, making it suitable for larger drawings and more detailed work. The Gaomon PD1220 offers a more compact size at 11.6 inches.
Q: Is the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small compatible with Mac computers?
A: Yes, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
Q: Is the side switch on the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small customizable?
A: Yes, the side switch can be programmed to perform various functions using the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Driver.