What To Know
- The S620 features a minimalist, rectangular design with rounded edges, while the Deco Pro S adopts a more compact, square-shaped form factor.
- The S620’s plastic casing feels slightly more robust, while the Deco Pro S uses a mix of plastic and metal, giving it a premium look and feel.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon S620 and **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens.
Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Gaomon S620 and the **XP-Pen Deco Pro S**. Both offer impressive features at competitive prices, making it challenging to decide which one fits your needs best. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon S620 and **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** both boast sleek and modern designs, though their aesthetics differ slightly. The S620 features a minimalist, rectangular design with rounded edges, while the Deco Pro S adopts a more compact, square-shaped form factor. Both tablets come with a textured surface for enhanced grip and stability, preventing accidental slips during drawing.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The S620’s plastic casing feels slightly more robust, while the Deco Pro S uses a mix of plastic and metal, giving it a premium look and feel. Ultimately, both tablets offer a solid build that can withstand everyday use.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the surface of the tablet that responds to pen input. Here’s where the two tablets diverge significantly:
- Gaomon S620: Boasts a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for intricate drawings and comfortable hand movements.
- XP-Pen Deco Pro S: Offers a smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, which might feel restrictive for some users, especially those who prefer a larger workspace.
The resolution, measured in lines per inch (LPI), determines the tablet’s sensitivity and precision.
- Gaomon S620: Offers a resolution of 5080 LPI, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
- XP-Pen Deco Pro S: Matches the S620 with a resolution of 5080 LPI, ensuring comparable precision and detail.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon S620 and **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens.
- Gaomon S620: Features a passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and precise line variations. The pen also includes two programmable side buttons for shortcuts and customization.
- XP-Pen Deco Pro S: Also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of control and precision. The pen comes with a single side button that can be customized for various functions.
Both pens offer a comfortable grip and a responsive tip, mimicking the feel of traditional drawing tools. However, the S620’s pen includes additional features like programmable buttons, which might be a deciding factor for some users.
Software and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and even Android. They both support popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook, ensuring seamless integration into your creative workflow.
The Gaomon S620 comes bundled with a driver that offers customizable settings for pen pressure, button mapping, and other features. The **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** also provides a driver with similar customization options, allowing you to tailor the tablet’s behavior to your preferences.
Additional Features
Both tablets offer a few extra features that enhance their usability and versatility.
- Gaomon S620: Includes 8 customizable shortcut keys on the tablet’s surface, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions. The tablet also features a built-in battery-free pen holder, keeping your pen secure and within reach.
- XP-Pen Deco Pro S: Features a built-in screen protector, protecting the tablet’s surface from scratches and wear. The tablet also includes a carrying case for convenient portability.
These additional features cater to specific needs and preferences, making each tablet stand out in its own way.
Price and Value
The Gaomon S620 and **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** are both priced competitively, making them attractive options for budget-conscious artists. However, the S620 generally comes in at a slightly lower price point, making it a more affordable choice.
Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize a larger active area and additional customizable buttons, the S620 offers excellent value. If you prefer a compact design with a built-in screen protector and carrying case, the Deco Pro S might be a better fit for you.
Which Tablet Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Gaomon S620 and **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** boils down to your specific requirements and preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Gaomon S620: Ideal for users who prioritize a larger active area, additional customizable buttons, and a more affordable price point.
- XP-Pen Deco Pro S: A great option for those who prefer a compact design, a built-in screen protector, and a carrying case for portability.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to consider your drawing style, workflow preferences, and budget.
The Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Gaomon S620 and **XP-Pen Deco Pro S** are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth, responsive, and pressure-sensitive drawing experience. The S620 stands out with its larger active area and additional customizable buttons, while the Deco Pro S excels in its compact design, built-in screen protector, and carrying case.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whichever tablet you choose, you’ll be equipped with a powerful tool that can elevate your digital art to new heights.
Questions You May Have
Q1: Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon S620 might be a slightly better choice due to its larger active area, providing more room for experimentation and learning.
Q2: Can these tablets be used for photo editing?
While not designed specifically for photo editing, both tablets can be used for basic tasks like cropping, resizing, and applying simple adjustments. However, for more advanced photo editing, a dedicated graphics tablet with a higher resolution might be more suitable.
Q3: Do these tablets require special software to function?
No, both tablets are compatible with most popular drawing software and require only a basic driver for functionality.
Q4: Are these tablets compatible with smartphones?
The XP-Pen Deco Pro S is compatible with Android devices via USB-C connection. The **Gaomon S620**, however, is not compatible with smartphones.
Q5: What is the warranty period for both tablets?
Both tablets typically come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.