What To Know
- Both the Gaomon S620 and the Huion Inspiroy H420X boast a sleek and minimalist design, making them visually appealing and easy to integrate into any workspace.
- The Gaomon S620 offers a total of 8 programmable buttons, including 6 on the tablet and 2 on the pen.
- The Huion Inspiroy H420X, on the other hand, offers only 4 programmable buttons, 2 on the tablet and 2 on the pen.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of features and specifications. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Gaomon S620 and the Huion Inspiroy H420X. Both offer a compelling combination of affordability and functionality, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon S620 and the Huion Inspiroy H420X boast a sleek and minimalist design, making them visually appealing and easy to integrate into any workspace. The S620 features a black plastic body with a textured surface, providing a secure grip during use. The H420X, on the other hand, sports a sleek white plastic body with a smooth finish. Both tablets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for traveling artists or those who prefer a compact setup.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area is the portion of the tablet’s surface that responds to your pen input. The Gaomon S620 boasts a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. The Huion Inspiroy H420X, however, offers a smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.31 inches. This difference in size can significantly impact your workflow, especially if you prefer a larger canvas or frequently work with intricate details.
The resolution, measured in lines per inch (LPI), determines the tablet’s sensitivity to pen movements. The S620 boasts a resolution of 5080 LPI, while the H420X offers a slightly lower resolution of 4000 LPI. This difference in resolution might not be immediately noticeable for casual users, but it can impact the precision and responsiveness of your strokes, particularly for professional artists.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that simulate the feel of drawing on paper. The Gaomon S620’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a more nuanced and responsive drawing experience. The Huion Inspiroy H420X, however, offers a lower pressure sensitivity level of 4096, which might feel less precise for users accustomed to higher sensitivity levels.
Buttons and Customization
The Gaomon S620 offers a total of 8 programmable buttons, including 6 on the tablet and 2 on the pen. This allows for greater customization and flexibility in assigning shortcuts and commands. The Huion Inspiroy H420X, on the other hand, offers only 4 programmable buttons, 2 on the tablet and 2 on the pen. While this might seem like a minor difference, it can significantly impact your workflow, especially if you rely on numerous shortcuts and hotkeys.
Software and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. However, the Gaomon S620 offers additional compatibility with Android devices via a USB-C connection. This makes it a more versatile option for artists who prefer to draw on their smartphones or tablets. Both tablets also come bundled with drawing software, including Gaomon‘s Driver and Huion’s Driver, respectively. These drivers offer additional features like pen customization, shortcut mapping, and tablet calibration.
Pros and Cons of Gaomon S620
Pros:
- Larger active area
- Higher resolution
- More pressure sensitivity levels
- More programmable buttons
- Android compatibility
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point compared to the H420X
Pros and Cons of Huion Inspiroy H420X
Pros:
- More affordable price point
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
Cons:
- Smaller active area
- Lower resolution
- Fewer pressure sensitivity levels
- Fewer programmable buttons
- No Android compatibility
Which Tablet Should You Choose?
The best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Gaomon S620: If you prioritize a larger active area, higher resolution, more pressure sensitivity, and greater customization options, the Gaomon S620 is the superior choice. It’s also a great option for artists who want to draw on their Android devices.
- Huion Inspiroy H420X: If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the Huion Inspiroy H420X is a solid option. It offers a decent drawing experience with a sleek design and compatibility with Windows and macOS.
Final Thoughts – The Verdict
While both the Gaomon S620 and the Huion Inspiroy H420X are excellent budget-friendly drawing tablets, the Gaomon S620 emerges as the clear winner for its superior features and versatility. Its larger active area, higher resolution, more pressure sensitivity levels, and greater customization options make it a more attractive option for serious artists and professionals. However, if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the Huion Inspiroy H420X still offers a decent drawing experience. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Does the Gaomon S620 have a screen?
A: No, the Gaomon S620 is a pen tablet, not a pen display. It does not have an integrated screen.
Q: What kind of pen does the Huion Inspiroy H420X use?
A: The Huion Inspiroy H420X uses a passive pen, which does not require batteries or charging.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with Photoshop and other drawing software?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a pen display?
A: A drawing tablet is a device that allows you to draw on a tablet surface and have your strokes appear on a separate screen. A pen display, on the other hand, has an integrated screen where you can see your strokes directly.
Q: Can I use these tablets for digital painting?
A: Yes, both tablets are suitable for digital painting. The Gaomon S620’s higher resolution and pressure sensitivity might be more favorable for intricate details and brushstrokes.