Highlights
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colors, offering a more vibrant and customizable look.
- However, the Gaomon PD1560’s larger active area coupled with the same resolution translates to a slightly higher density of pixels, potentially resulting in a smoother and more detailed drawing experience.
- However, the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, despite its slightly higher price, offers a more compact and portable design, along with a slightly higher level of pressure sensitivity.
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 category are the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Deco Pro MW**. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for artists, designers, and digital illustrators. 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 that aligns with your needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW boast sleek and modern designs. The Gaomon PD1560 features a black, minimalist aesthetic with a slightly larger footprint than the Deco Pro MW. Its sturdy build quality feels solid and reassuring. The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colors, offering a more vibrant and customizable look. It boasts a compact design that makes it ideal for travel and portability.
While both tablets are comfortable to use, the Gaomon PD1560’s larger active area might be preferred by users who require more space for their hand movements. The Deco Pro MW‘s smaller size, however, makes it a more compact and travel-friendly option.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area, the surface that responds to your pen input, is a crucial factor in choosing a drawing tablet. The Gaomon PD1560 offers a generous active area of 13.3 inches, providing ample space for intricate drawings and detailed work. The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, while smaller, still boasts a respectable active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, sufficient for most drawing tasks.
In terms of resolution, both tablets offer a respectable 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring precise and responsive pen strokes. However, the Gaomon PD1560’s larger active area coupled with the same resolution translates to a slightly higher density of pixels, potentially resulting in a smoother and more detailed drawing experience.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize battery-free pressure-sensitive pens, eliminating the need for charging. The Gaomon PD1560’s pen boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and precise control. The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, however, slightly surpasses this with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a more refined level of pressure detection.
Both pens are comfortable to hold and feature a responsive tip that provides a natural drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1560’s pen is slightly heavier than the Deco Pro MW‘s, which might feel more comfortable for some users.
Buttons and Customization
The Gaomon PD1560 comes with eight customizable express keys, providing quick access to frequently used functions. The Deco Pro MW, on the other hand, offers six customizable express keys, along with two side buttons on the pen itself. This allows for more personalized customization and efficient workflow.
Both tablets offer driver software that allows for extensive customization of the express keys and pen settings. Users can assign shortcuts, adjust pressure sensitivity, and personalize their drawing experience to their liking.
Compatibility and Software
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They also support various creative software applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more.
Both tablets come with bundled driver software that provides essential features like pen calibration, express key customization, and screen mirroring. The software is generally user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Price and Value
The Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW are both priced competitively within the mid-range category. The Gaomon PD1560 generally offers a slightly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, despite its slightly higher price, offers a more compact and portable design, along with a slightly higher level of pressure sensitivity.
Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability and a larger active area, the Gaomon PD1560 might be the better choice. However, if you seek a portable and highly customizable tablet with excellent pressure sensitivity, the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW might be a better fit.
Making the Right Choice: Gaomon PD1560 vs XP-Pen Deco Pro MW
Choosing between the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW ultimately boils down to your individual needs and priorities.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Gaomon PD1560 if:
- You prioritize a larger active area for more spacious drawing.
- You’re on a tighter budget and seek a more affordable option.
- You prefer a minimalist and sturdy design.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW if:
- You value portability and a compact design for travel.
- You prioritize high pressure sensitivity for more refined strokes.
- You prefer a customizable design with multiple color options.
The Verdict: A Tailored Decision
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. The Gaomon PD1560 excels in its larger active area and budget-friendly price, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW shines in its portability, high pressure sensitivity, and customizable design. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, drawing style, and budget.
Popular Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1560 offers a larger active area for more comfortable initial learning, while the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW’s compact size might be easier to manage. Ultimately, it depends on your preferred drawing style and budget.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP. They offer precise control and pressure sensitivity for detailed editing tasks.
Q: Which tablet has better pen technology?
A: The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW slightly edges out the Gaomon PD1560 in terms of pen technology, offering a higher level of pressure sensitivity. However, both pens provide a natural and responsive drawing experience.
Q: Are there any differences in driver software?
A: Both tablets offer user-friendly driver software with similar features like pen calibration, express key customization, and screen mirroring. The specific functionalities and interface might differ slightly, but both are generally easy to navigate.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone?
A: While both tablets are primarily designed for desktop use, the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW offers optional Bluetooth connectivity, allowing limited use with compatible Android devices. The Gaomon PD1560 does not support Bluetooth connectivity.