Main points
- The Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP share a similar design philosophy, focusing on a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
- The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP, on the other hand, is a drawing tablet, relying on a separate monitor for display.
- If you are looking for a portable and affordable pen display with a solid feature set, the Gaomon S630 is a great choice.
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 S630 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP share a similar design philosophy, focusing on a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Both tablets feature a black, plastic exterior with a textured surface for a comfortable grip. The Gaomon S630 boasts a slightly smaller footprint, making it more portable and ideal for those with limited desk space. However, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP compensates with a larger active area, offering more room for creative exploration.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP might have a slight edge due to its slightly thicker frame, providing a more robust feel. However, the Gaomon S630 is no slouch in terms of durability. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference and workspace constraints.
Display and Active Area
The Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP take different approaches to display technology. The Gaomon S630 is a pen display, featuring a built-in 10.1-inch LCD screen with a 1920×1200 resolution. This allows for direct drawing and a more immersive experience. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP, on the other hand, is a drawing tablet, relying on a separate monitor for display. It boasts a larger 15.6-inch active area with a 1920×1080 resolution.
The choice between a pen display and a drawing tablet depends on your individual needs and preferences. Pen displays provide a more intuitive and natural drawing experience, eliminating the parallax issue that can be encountered with drawing tablets. However, drawing tablets offer greater flexibility in terms of screen size and resolution.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both the Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP feature battery-free, pressure-sensitive pens with a high level of sensitivity. The Gaomon S630 boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support. This translates to a more nuanced and responsive drawing experience, allowing for greater control over line thickness and brush strokes.
The pens themselves are comfortable to hold and feature ergonomic designs. Both tablets include multiple buttons on the pen that can be customized to perform various functions, like erasing or switching between tools. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP’s pen also includes a side switch, which can be programmed for additional functionality.
Software and Compatibility
Both the Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP are compatible with a wide range of software, including industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita. They are also compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
The Gaomon S630 comes with its own driver software, which allows for customization of pen settings, screen calibration, and other features. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP also includes its own driver software, which offers similar customization options. Both drivers are generally user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Price and Value
The Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP fall into the mid-range price category, making them accessible to a wide range of artists and designers. The Gaomon S630 is typically priced lower than the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP, offering a more budget-friendly option. However, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP provides a larger active area and tilt support, justifying its slightly higher price tag.
Ultimately, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a portable and affordable pen display with a solid feature set, the Gaomon S630 is a great choice. If you prioritize a larger active area, tilt support, and a more professional feel, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP might be the better option.
Gaomon S630 vs XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Verdict
Choosing between the Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. The Gaomon S630 is a great option for those who prioritize portability, affordability, and a direct-to-screen drawing experience. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP, on the other hand, offers a larger active area, tilt support, and a more professional feel, making it a suitable choice for those who require greater precision and control.
The Final Word: More Than Just a Drawing Tablet
Both the Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. They empower artists and designers to unleash their creativity and bring their visions to life. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both the Gaomon S630 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon S630 is a more affordable option and offers a direct-to-screen drawing experience, which can be beneficial for learning. However, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP provides a larger active area and tilt support, which can be helpful for developing drawing skills.
Q: Which tablet is best for professional use?
A: The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP is generally considered a better choice for professional use due to its larger active area, tilt support, and more robust build quality. However, the Gaomon S630 can still be a viable option for professionals who prioritize portability and affordability.
Q: Is there a significant difference in pen performance?
A: Both tablets feature pressure-sensitive pens with a high level of sensitivity. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP’s pen also includes tilt support, which can provide a more nuanced and realistic drawing experience. However, the difference in pen performance is not significant enough to be a major deciding factor.
Q: Which tablet has better customer support?
A: Both Gaomon and XP-Pen have a reputation for providing decent customer support. However, XP-Pen might have a slightly edge due to its larger market presence and more established support network.
Q: Which tablet is more compatible with different software?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of software, including industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita. There is no significant difference in software compatibility between the two.