Quick summary
- The S620 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black and red color scheme.
- However, it offers a more premium feel, a larger active area, and a higher resolution, justifying the price difference for some users.
- Both the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that offer a good value for their price.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with a plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Gaomon S620 and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**. Both tablets offer a decent balance of features and affordability, making them attractive to aspiring artists and digital illustrators. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Gaomon S620: The S620 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black and red color scheme. It features a smooth, textured surface that provides a comfortable drawing experience. The tablet is relatively lightweight and compact, making it portable. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy plastic construction that feels durable.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus also sports a sleek design with a black and silver color scheme. It has a textured surface that offers a good grip while drawing. The tablet is slightly larger than the S620 and heavier, making it less portable. However, it feels robust and well-built with a sturdy plastic construction.
Active Area and Resolution
Gaomon S620: The S620 offers a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. It comes with a resolution of 5080 LPI, which translates to smooth and precise lines.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus features a slightly smaller active area of 9.8 x 6.1 inches. However, it boasts a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, ensuring sharp and detailed lines.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen
Gaomon S620: The S620 supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for natural and nuanced strokes. The included pen is lightweight and comfortable to hold, featuring two side buttons for customizable functions. It also offers tilt sensitivity for a more realistic drawing experience.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a responsive and accurate drawing experience. The pen is similar to the S620’s pen, with a comfortable grip and two side buttons. It also supports tilt sensitivity, enhancing the overall drawing experience.
Driver and Software
Gaomon S620: The S620 comes with a user-friendly driver that offers customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, and tablet settings. The driver is compatible with Windows and macOS.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus also provides a straightforward driver with similar customization options for pen, shortcut keys, and tablet settings. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and even Android devices.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Gaomon S620: The S620 connects to your computer via USB cable. It is compatible with most popular drawing software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: Similar to the S620, the G960S Plus connects via USB cable. It offers wide compatibility with various drawing software and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Android.
Price and Value
Gaomon S620: The S620 is generally more affordable than the G960S Plus. It offers a great value for its price, providing a decent balance of features and performance.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus is slightly more expensive than the S620. However, it offers a more premium feel, a larger active area, and a higher resolution, justifying the price difference for some users.
Performance and Overall Experience
Gaomon S620: The S620 delivers a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The pressure sensitivity and tilt functionality work well, allowing for natural and expressive strokes. The active area is spacious enough for most drawing tasks.
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The G960S Plus offers a similar level of performance to the S620. The higher resolution and larger active area provide a slightly more refined and immersive drawing experience. The pen feels comfortable and responsive, making it a joy to use.
Gaomon S620 vs XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: The Verdict
Both the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that offer a good value for their price. The choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Gaomon S620 if:
- You are on a tight budget and prioritize affordability.
- You need a portable tablet that is easy to carry around.
- You prefer a larger active area for drawing.
Choose the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus if:
- You are willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience.
- You value a higher resolution for sharper and more detailed lines.
- You need a tablet that is compatible with Android devices.
Beyond the Comparison: Other Factors to Consider
While the features and performance are crucial, other factors can influence your decision:
- Personal Preference: Some users may prefer the feel of one tablet’s surface over the other.
- Software Compatibility: Ensure that the tablet is compatible with the drawing software you intend to use.
- Customer Support: Research the reputation of both companies for customer support and warranty policies.
Final Thoughts: Which Tablet Wins?
Both the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are solid choices for aspiring artists and digital illustrators. The S620 offers a more budget-friendly option with a larger active area, while the **G960S Plus** provides a premium experience with higher resolution and Android compatibility. The best tablet for you depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which tablet is best for beginners?
A: Both the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are suitable for beginners. The S620 offers a more affordable option, while the G960S Plus provides a more refined drawing experience.
Q: Which tablet has better pen accuracy?
A: Both tablets offer excellent pen accuracy with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The G960S Plus’s higher resolution might provide slightly better precision, but the difference is subtle.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone?
A: The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is compatible with Android devices, while the Gaomon S620 is not.
Q: Which tablet has a better driver?
A: Both tablets have user-friendly drivers with customization options. The drivers are generally well-regarded and offer a smooth experience.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: While both tablets are suitable for professional use, the G960S Plus’s higher resolution and Android compatibility might be more appealing to professional artists. However, the S620 is still a capable tablet for professional work.
