What to know
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tablet that offers a good balance of performance and features, the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are two popular contenders worth considering.
- This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision about which tablet best suits your needs.
- While both pens offer a similar level of sensitivity and responsiveness, the Deco Fun XS pen might feel slightly lighter and less substantial compared to the Gaomon PD1320 pen.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. With a plethora of options available, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of features and specifications. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tablet that offers a good balance of performance and features, the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are two popular contenders worth considering.
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision about which tablet best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS boast a compact and portable design. The Gaomon PD1320 features a sleek black finish with a slightly larger footprint than the Deco Fun XS. The XP-Pen Deco Fun XS, on the other hand, comes in a variety of vibrant colors, offering a more playful aesthetic.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Gaomon PD1320 has a slightly more robust feel, thanks to its thicker plastic casing. The Deco Fun XS, while still sturdy, feels a bit more lightweight and less substantial.
Active Area and Pressure Sensitivity
The Gaomon PD1320 offers a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for creative expression. This larger active area is particularly beneficial for artists who prefer a more natural drawing experience, similar to working on a traditional canvas.
The XP-Pen Deco Fun XS, while compact, features a smaller active area of 6.3 x 3.9 inches. This smaller size might be a limiting factor for some users, especially those who work with large canvases or require more space for detailed illustrations.
Both tablets boast an impressive pressure sensitivity level of 8192 levels, ensuring smooth and responsive strokes. This high level of pressure sensitivity allows for precise control over line thickness and brush pressure, resulting in a more natural and expressive drawing experience.
Pen and Buttons
The Gaomon PD1320 comes bundled with a passive pen that doesn’t require batteries or charging. This pen features two side buttons that can be customized to perform various functions, such as erasing, switching between tools, or navigating the canvas. The pen itself feels comfortable to hold and offers a good balance of weight and responsiveness.
The XP-Pen Deco Fun XS also includes a passive pen with two side buttons. The pen is designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, providing a comfortable grip for extended drawing sessions. While both pens offer a similar level of sensitivity and responsiveness, the Deco Fun XS pen might feel slightly lighter and less substantial compared to the Gaomon PD1320 pen.
Driver Software and Compatibility
Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS offer excellent compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Android. They both utilize intuitive driver software that allows for customization of pen settings, button assignments, and other preferences.
The Gaomon driver software is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness. It offers a straightforward interface with easy-to-understand options for customization. The XP-Pen driver software, while slightly more feature-rich, can be a little overwhelming for beginners due to its more complex interface.
Pros and Cons
Gaomon PD1320
Pros:
- Larger active area for a more natural drawing experience
- Robust build quality
- Simple and user-friendly driver software
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Pen might feel a bit heavier than the Deco Fun XS pen
- No shortcut keys on the tablet itself
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Available in a variety of vibrant colors
- Lightweight and ergonomic pen
- More feature-rich driver software
Cons:
- Smaller active area might be limiting for some users
- Driver software can be overwhelming for beginners
- Slightly higher price point compared to the PD1320
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize a larger active area and a more natural drawing experience, the Gaomon PD1320 is a solid choice. Its generous active area allows for more freedom of movement and a more immersive drawing experience.
If you value portability and a compact design, the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS is a great option. Its smaller footprint and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, making it ideal for artists on the go.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both tablets if possible and see which one feels more comfortable and intuitive for your workflow.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Features
While the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are both excellent entry-level tablets, they lack some advanced features that might be desirable for professional artists or those who require greater precision and control.
Some features to consider when exploring more advanced tablets include:
- Express keys: These customizable buttons located on the tablet itself allow for quick access to frequently used functions, streamlining your workflow.
- Tilt support: This feature allows the tablet to detect the angle of your pen, providing more realistic brush strokes and shading effects.
- Wireless connectivity: Some tablets offer wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for a wired connection and providing greater flexibility.
- Higher pressure sensitivity levels: Tablets with higher pressure sensitivity levels offer even greater precision and control over line thickness and brush pressure.
The Verdict: A Final Thought
The Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are both excellent drawing tablets that offer a great balance of performance and value. The Gaomon PD1320 excels with its larger active area and robust build quality, while the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS stands out with its compact design and vibrant color options.
Ultimately, the decision of which tablet to choose comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider your drawing style, budget, and desired features before making your final decision.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: While both tablets can be used for photo editing, they are primarily designed for drawing and sketching. For more precise photo editing tasks, a dedicated graphics tablet with a higher resolution might be a better choice.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with smartphones?
A: Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS can be used with Android devices, but you might need a separate adapter depending on your phone’s USB port.
Q: Do these tablets require any special software?
A: Both tablets come with driver software that allows for customization of pen settings and button assignments. However, you can use the tablets with any drawing software that supports pressure sensitivity.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are good options for beginners. The Gaomon PD1320 is slightly more affordable, while the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS offers a more compact design and a wider range of color options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and budget.