At a Glance
- 6 Pro boast a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and a black exterior.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the PD1560 and the Artist 15.
- The pen has a similar design to the PD1560 pen, with two programmable buttons and a comfortable grip.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro**. Both offer impressive features and a large drawing area, making them attractive choices for both aspiring and seasoned artists. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro boast a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and a black exterior. The tablets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for artists on the go.
Gaomon PD1560: The PD1560 features a slightly textured surface that provides a good grip and prevents the tablet from slipping. The tablet’s stand is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect angle for your drawing style.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: The Artist 15.6 Pro also has a textured surface, but it’s slightly smoother than the PD1560. The stand is included, offering multiple viewing angles. However, some users have reported that the stand can be a bit flimsy.
Display and Screen Technology
The display is arguably the most important aspect of a drawing tablet, as it directly affects the user’s drawing experience. Both the PD1560 and the Artist 15.6 Pro offer a 15.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution. However, they differ in terms of screen technology.
Gaomon PD1560: The PD1560 utilizes a **IPS LCD panel** with a **matte finish**. This technology ensures wide viewing angles, vibrant colors, and a less reflective surface, which can be beneficial for artists working in bright environments.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: The Artist 15.6 Pro features a **PLS LCD panel** with a **glossy finish**. PLS panels offer similar color accuracy and viewing angles to IPS panels, but the glossy finish can be more prone to glare and reflections.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the PD1560 and the Artist 15.6 Pro offer a pressure-sensitive pen with a high level of accuracy.
Gaomon PD1560: The PD1560 comes with a **battery-free pen** that supports **8192 levels of pressure sensitivity**. The pen features a comfortable grip and two programmable buttons for shortcuts.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: The Artist 15.6 Pro also utilizes a **battery-free pen** with **8192 levels of pressure sensitivity**. The pen has a similar design to the PD1560 pen, with two programmable buttons and a comfortable grip.
Features and Connectivity
Both tablets offer a range of features and connectivity options to enhance your workflow.
Gaomon PD1560: The PD1560 features **6 customizable shortcut keys** on the tablet’s side, allowing you to easily access your favorite tools and functions. It also supports **HDMI and USB-C connections**, providing versatility in terms of compatibility with different devices.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: The Artist 15.6 Pro offers **8 customizable shortcut keys** on the tablet’s side, giving you even more control over your workflow. It also supports **HDMI and USB-C connections**, along with **mini-HDMI and USB-A connections** for wider compatibility.
Performance and User Experience
Both tablets deliver a smooth and responsive drawing experience, thanks to their high pressure sensitivity and low latency.
Gaomon PD1560: The PD1560 boasts a **report rate of 266 PPS**, which translates to a very responsive and accurate drawing experience.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: The Artist 15.6 Pro also has a **report rate of 266 PPS**, ensuring a smooth and lag-free workflow.
Price and Value for Money
The price point is a crucial factor for many artists.
Gaomon PD1560: The PD1560 is generally **more affordable** than the Artist 15.6 Pro, making it a great value for money option.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: The Artist 15.6 Pro is **slightly more expensive** than the PD1560, but it offers a few additional features, such as more shortcut keys and various connectivity options.
Which Tablet is Right for You?
The choice between the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Gaomon PD1560: If you’re looking for a **budget-friendly option** with a **matte screen** and a **comfortable drawing experience**, the PD1560 is an excellent choice.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: If you prioritize **more shortcut keys**, **multiple connectivity options**, and a **glossy screen**, the Artist 15.6 Pro might be the better option for you.
Final Thoughts: A Drawing Experience Tailored to Your Needs
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro offer impressive features and a large drawing area, making them excellent choices for digital artists. The PD1560 shines with its affordability and matte screen, while the Artist 15.6 Pro stands out with its additional shortcut keys and connectivity options. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between IPS and PLS screen technology?
A: IPS and PLS are both LCD panel technologies that offer wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. However, PLS panels are generally known for slightly better contrast ratios and viewing angles compared to IPS panels.
Q: What is the importance of pressure sensitivity in a drawing tablet?
A: Pressure sensitivity allows the pen to detect the amount of force applied, translating it into different line widths and brush strokes. This feature is crucial for achieving natural and expressive drawings.
Q: What is the report rate, and why is it important?
A: The report rate refers to the number of times per second the tablet communicates with the computer. A higher report rate results in a more responsive and accurate drawing experience, with less latency.
Q: Can I use either tablet with a Mac?
A: Yes, both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro are compatible with Mac computers.
Q: What are some alternative drawing tablet options?
A: Other popular drawing tablet options include the Wacom Cintiq 16, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. These tablets offer different features and price points, catering to a wide range of user needs.