What to know
- Compared to other tablets with similar features, the Gaomon PD156 Pro offers a competitive price point, making it a budget-friendly option.
- The XP-Pen Star G960s Plus is a smaller drawing tablet with a 9.
- The choice between the Gaomon PD156 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus ultimately depends on your individual preferences and creative needs.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Gaomon PD156 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making it difficult to decide which one is the perfect fit for your creative needs. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
The Gaomon PD156 Pro: A Versatile Choice
The Gaomon PD156 Pro is a large-sized drawing tablet that boasts a generous 15.6-inch active area, providing ample space for detailed drawings, illustrations, and digital painting. Its pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels ensures precise line thickness and shading variations, while the ±0.01 mm accuracy contributes to smooth and responsive strokes.
Pros of the Gaomon PD156 Pro:
- Large Active Area: The spacious drawing surface allows for comfortable and natural drawing experiences, especially for those who prefer to work with a larger canvas.
- High Pressure Sensitivity: The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity enable nuanced strokes and subtle shading transitions, bringing your digital artwork to life.
- Excellent Accuracy: The ±0.01 mm accuracy ensures precise line control and reduces lag, making it ideal for detailed work.
- Versatile Connectivity: The PD156 Pro supports both USB and HDMI connections, offering flexibility in terms of setup and compatibility.
- Affordable Price: Compared to other tablets with similar features, the Gaomon PD156 Pro offers a competitive price point, making it a budget-friendly option.
Cons of the Gaomon PD156 Pro:
- No Express Keys: The tablet lacks dedicated express keys, which can be a drawback for users who rely on shortcuts for efficient workflow.
- Limited Driver Support: While Gaomon provides drivers for Windows and macOS, support for other operating systems might be limited.
The XP-Pen Star G960s Plus: A Compact and Convenient Option
The XP-Pen Star G960s Plus is a smaller drawing tablet with a 9.5-inch active area, making it an ideal choice for portability and convenience. It features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a ±0.01 mm accuracy, ensuring a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
Pros of the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus:
- Compact Size: The smaller size makes it easy to transport and store, perfect for artists on the move.
- Eight Customizable Express Keys: The tablet features eight customizable express keys that can be programmed to perform specific shortcuts, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Multi-Touch Feature: The tablet supports multi-touch gestures, allowing for easy navigation and zooming within your creative software.
- Durable Design: The XP-Pen Star G960s Plus is built with a durable construction, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Cons of the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus:
- Limited Active Area: The smaller active area might feel restrictive for artists who prefer a larger drawing space.
- No HDMI Connectivity: The tablet only supports USB connection, limiting its compatibility with certain devices.
Feature Comparison: A Closer Look
| Feature | Gaomon PD156 Pro | XP-Pen Star G960s Plus |
| — | — | — |
| Active Area | 15.6 inches | 9.5 inches |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 8192 levels | 8192 levels |
| Accuracy | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm |
| Express Keys | None | 8 customizable keys |
| Multi-Touch | No | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB, HDMI | USB |
| Price | Affordable | Affordable |
Choosing the Right Tablet: Your Creative Needs Matter
The choice between the Gaomon PD156 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus ultimately depends on your individual preferences and creative needs.
Consider the Gaomon PD156 Pro if:
- You prioritize a large active area for detailed drawings and illustrations.
- You prefer a tablet with high pressure sensitivity for nuanced strokes and shading.
- You require both USB and HDMI connectivity for maximum compatibility.
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option.
Consider the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus if:
- You value portability and convenience.
- You utilize express keys for efficient workflow.
- You appreciate the convenience of multi-touch gestures.
- You prefer a durable and reliable tablet.
Beyond the Specs: User Experience Matters
While technical specifications are important, user experience plays a crucial role in determining the overall satisfaction with a drawing tablet. Both the Gaomon PD156 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus have received positive feedback from users, praising their responsiveness, accuracy, and overall performance.
However, some users have reported minor issues with the Gaomon PD156 Pro’s driver stability, while others have found the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus’s smaller active area to be limiting for certain tasks.
The Verdict: A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Both the Gaomon PD156 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus offer excellent features and affordability, making them worthy contenders in the digital art world.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
If neither the Gaomon PD156 Pro nor the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus meets your specific requirements, there are other excellent drawing tablets available on the market. Consider exploring options from brands like Huion, XP-Pen, and Wacom, taking into account factors like active area, pressure sensitivity, express keys, and price.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both the Gaomon PD156 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960s Plus are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD156 Pro offers a larger active area, which can be beneficial for learning the basics of digital drawing. The XP-Pen Star G960s Plus, with its compact size and express keys, provides a more convenient and efficient workflow for those new to digital art.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with Mac?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with Mac computers. Gaomon provides drivers for macOS, while XP-Pen offers dedicated drivers for both Windows and macOS.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: While these tablets are primarily designed for drawing and illustration, they can also be used for photo editing. The pressure sensitivity and accuracy of these tablets allow for precise selection and manipulation of images.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets can be used by professional artists, but the choice depends on individual needs. The Gaomon PD156 Pro offers a larger active area and high pressure sensitivity, making it suitable for detailed work. The XP-Pen Star G960s Plus, with its express keys and multi-touch feature, can enhance workflow efficiency for professional artists.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor?
A: A drawing tablet is a device that connects to a computer and acts as a digital canvas. It has no display and requires a separate monitor to view the artwork. A drawing monitor, on the other hand, has a built-in display and allows for direct drawing on the screen.