What To Know
- The pen is the heart and soul of any drawing tablet, and both the PD1560 and Artist 12 offer a comfortable and responsive experience.
- The PD1560 provides eight programmable buttons on the pen and six buttons on the tablet, while the Artist 12 offers eight programmable buttons on the pen and four on the tablet.
- The Artist 12, on the other hand, boasts a more compact and ergonomic design with a silver frame.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12**. Both tablets offer a compelling combination of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. But which one emerges as the champion? This blog post dives deep into a comprehensive comparison, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately helping you determine the best fit for your artistic endeavors.
A Glimpse into the Contenders: Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty details, let’s first lay out the foundation. Both the Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12 are drawing tablets designed to provide a natural and responsive drawing experience. They share some commonalities, like a pressure-sensitive pen, customizable buttons, and compatibility with Windows and macOS. However, they also possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from each other.
Size and Display: A Matter of Preference
One of the first things you’ll notice is the difference in display size. The Gaomon PD1560 boasts a generous 15.6-inch display, offering ample space for detailed work and a more immersive drawing experience. In contrast, the XP-Pen Artist 12 features a slightly smaller 11.6-inch display, which might feel more compact for some users.
The choice between these two sizes boils down to your personal preference and workflow. If you primarily work on large canvases or prefer a more expansive drawing area, the PD1560’s larger display might be the better choice. However, if you value portability or have limited desk space, the Artist 12’s smaller size could be more appealing.
Resolution and Color Accuracy: A Visual Feast
Both tablets offer decent resolution and color accuracy, but the PD1560 edges out slightly in this regard. It features a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 72% NTSC color gamut, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors. The Artist 12, on the other hand, boasts a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 80% sRGB color gamut. While the Artist 12’s sRGB coverage might be slightly better for web design, the PD1560’s wider NTSC gamut is generally considered more suitable for fine art and illustration.
Pen Technology: A Seamless Drawing Experience
The pen is the heart and soul of any drawing tablet, and both the PD1560 and Artist 12 offer a comfortable and responsive experience. Both pens feature 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and a natural feel. They also include tilt sensitivity, enabling you to create expressive lines and brushstrokes.
However, there are subtle differences. The PD1560’s pen is slightly heavier than the Artist 12’s, which might feel more substantial for some users. The Artist 12’s pen, on the other hand, is known for its lightweight and comfortable design. Ultimately, the best pen for you depends on your personal preference and drawing style.
Buttons and Customization: Control at Your Fingertips
Both tablets offer customizable buttons on the pen and tablet surface, allowing you to assign shortcuts and hotkeys for increased efficiency. The PD1560 provides eight programmable buttons on the pen and six buttons on the tablet, while the Artist 12 offers eight programmable buttons on the pen and four on the tablet.
The number and placement of these buttons are subjective and depend on your workflow. If you rely heavily on shortcuts and prefer a more customizable experience, the PD1560’s larger button count might be more appealing. However, if you prefer a minimalist approach, the Artist 12’s button configuration might be sufficient.
Build Quality and Design: A Tale of Two Styles
The PD1560 and Artist 12 differ in their design aesthetics and build quality. The PD1560 sports a sleek, minimalist design with a black plastic frame. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, but some users might find it a bit bulky. The Artist 12, on the other hand, boasts a more compact and ergonomic design with a silver frame. It’s lighter and more portable than the PD1560, but it might feel less robust.
Price Point: Finding Value for Money
Price is often a significant factor in purchasing decisions, and both tablets offer value for money. The PD1560 is generally priced slightly higher than the Artist 12, but it offers a larger display and more customizable buttons. The Artist 12, while slightly less expensive, provides a smaller display and fewer customizable buttons.
The Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?
Choosing between the Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make the decision:
Choose the Gaomon PD1560 if:
- You prefer a larger display for detailed work.
- You value a wider color gamut for vibrant and accurate colors.
- You need more customizable buttons for shortcuts and hotkeys.
- You’re willing to pay a slightly higher price.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 12 if:
- You prefer a more compact and portable tablet.
- You value a lighter and more comfortable pen.
- You’re on a tighter budget.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12 are excellent choices, the drawing tablet market offers a diverse range of options. If you’re looking for a tablet with a higher resolution or more advanced features, consider exploring other brands like Huion, Wacom, or XP-Pen’s higher-end models.
Unveiling the Future of Your Artistic Journey
Choosing the right drawing tablet is a crucial step in your artistic journey. The Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12 both offer compelling features and affordability, making them excellent starting points for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. By carefully considering your needs, preferences, and budget, you can select the tablet that best complements your creative endeavors and empowers you to bring your artistic visions to life.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Are these tablets compatible with both Windows and macOS?
A1: Yes, both the Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12 are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q2: Do these tablets come with a screen protector?
A2: While some retailers might offer a screen protector as an optional accessory, the tablets themselves typically don‘t include one in the box.
Q3: What kind of software is compatible with these tablets?
A3: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and more. They can also be used with other creative applications like Autodesk Sketchbook and Affinity Designer.
Q4: Do these tablets require any special drivers to function?
A4: Both tablets require drivers to be installed on your computer for proper functionality. You can download the latest drivers from the respective manufacturer’s website.
Q5: What is the warranty period for these tablets?
A5: The warranty period for both the Gaomon PD1560 and XP-Pen Artist 12 varies depending on the retailer. It’s always best to check the specific details provided by the retailer or manufacturer.