Key points
- If you’re looking for a large, professional-grade drawing tablet, the Gaomon PD1560 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium are two popular contenders.
- Its minimalist design, featuring a sleek white finish and a smooth surface, adds a touch of elegance to your digital art setup.
- The Gaomon PD1560 is a pen display tablet, meaning it has a built-in screen where you can directly see your artwork.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking for a large, professional-grade drawing tablet, the Gaomon PD1560 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium are two popular contenders. Both offer impressive features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each tablet, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Size and Design: A Tale of Two Tablets
The Gaomon PD1560 boasts a massive 15.6-inch active area, making it ideal for those who prefer a spacious canvas for detailed drawings, illustrations, and digital painting. Its sleek, black design with a textured surface provides a comfortable grip and a professional aesthetic.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a more compact 13.3-inch active area, perfect for users who prioritize portability and a more compact workspace. Its minimalist design, featuring a sleek white finish and a smooth surface, adds a touch of elegance to your digital art setup.
Pen Technology: Precision and Responsiveness
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens that deliver a natural and intuitive drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1560’s pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a nuanced response to your hand movements. The pen also features a customizable side button, allowing you to assign shortcuts for quick access to tools and functions.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium takes pen technology a step further with its unique pressure-sensitive pen, designed for both left-handed and right-handed users. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, enabling you to achieve realistic brush strokes and shading effects. The pen features two side buttons, providing additional customization options for your workflow.
Display and Resolution: Visual Clarity and Accuracy
The Gaomon PD1560 is a pen display tablet, meaning it has a built-in screen where you can directly see your artwork. The 15.6-inch display offers a 1920×1080 resolution, providing a sharp and vibrant visual experience. However, it’s important to note that the display is not laminated, which might lead to a slight parallax effect, making it challenging for some users to achieve accurate drawing.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a standalone tablet, meaning it doesn’t have a built-in display. This means you’ll need to connect it to a computer monitor to view your work. While it may seem like a drawback, it allows for a more customizable setup and avoids potential parallax issues. The tablet’s 13.3-inch active area provides ample space for detailed work, and the high resolution ensures precise and accurate drawing.
Software and Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Both tablets offer wide compatibility with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The Gaomon PD1560 comes with its own driver software, providing customizable settings for pen pressure, key mapping, and display calibration.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium also includes its own driver software, offering a user-friendly interface for configuring pen settings, shortcuts, and customization options. The driver’s intuitive design ensures a smooth and efficient workflow.
Performance and Responsibilities: Responsiveness and Accuracy
Both tablets deliver exceptional performance, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1560’s large active area and high pressure sensitivity ensure accurate and fluid strokes. The tablet’s 233 PPS (Packets Per Second) reporting rate guarantees minimal lag and a seamless workflow.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium also boasts impressive performance, thanks to its high pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. The tablet’s 266 PPS reporting rate ensures a responsive and accurate drawing experience. The pen’s low latency and precise tracking contribute to a natural and intuitive drawing experience.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Long Hours of Creative Work
The Gaomon PD1560’s large size and textured surface provide a comfortable grip, allowing you to draw for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. The tablet’s adjustable stand allows you to customize the viewing angle, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic drawing position.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium’s compact size and smooth surface offer a different ergonomic experience. The tablet’s lightweight design and minimalist aesthetics contribute to a comfortable and clutter-free workspace. The pen’s balanced weight and comfortable grip ensure a natural and fatigue-free drawing experience.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Digital Canvas
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a large, immersive canvas for detailed work and don’t mind the parallax effect of a non-laminated display, the Gaomon PD1560 is an excellent choice. Its affordable price point and impressive features make it a compelling option for aspiring and professional artists alike.
If you value portability, a minimalist design, and a seamless drawing experience without the complexities of a pen display, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is the ideal choice. Its high-quality pen technology, responsive performance, and user-friendly software make it a top contender for artists who prioritize precision and control.
The Final Strokes: Beyond the Canvas
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** offer exceptional features and performance, catering to different needs and preferences. The decision ultimately comes down to your individual priorities, budget, and preferred drawing style. Consider your workspace size, drawing habits, and desired level of immersion to determine which digital canvas best aligns with your creative journey.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I use the Gaomon PD1560 with a laptop?
Yes, the Gaomon PD1560 is compatible with laptops and desktops. It connects via USB-C and comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
2. Does the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium require a specific driver software?
Yes, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium requires its own driver software for optimal performance and customization. The driver is available for download from the Xencelabs website.
3. What is the difference between a pen display and a standalone tablet?
A pen display tablet has a built-in screen where you can see your artwork directly, while a standalone tablet requires you to connect it to a separate monitor.
4. Can I use the side buttons on the pen for shortcuts?
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium allow you to customize the side buttons on the pen to access shortcuts and functions in your drawing software.
5. Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1560 offers a more affordable option with a large canvas, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium provides a more intuitive and user-friendly experience with its high-quality pen technology.