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Unleash Your Creativity: Gaomon M1230 vs XP Pen Star G960S Plus – Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Main points

  • The Gaomon M1230 features a minimalist aesthetic with a black plastic body, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a more modern look with its silver and black color scheme.
  • The Gaomon M1230 stands out with its larger active area and more budget-friendly price, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boasts a more feature-rich stylus and a modern design.
  • Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding artist, both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offer a fantastic drawing experience.

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the sheer number of options available in the market. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the Gaomon M1230 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of affordability, features, and performance, making it difficult to choose between the two.

This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boast a sleek and ergonomic design. The Gaomon M1230 features a minimalist aesthetic with a black plastic body, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a more modern look with its silver and black color scheme.

In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and durable. The Gaomon M1230’s plastic construction might feel slightly less premium compared to the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, which has a more robust feel. However, both tablets are designed to withstand everyday use.

Active Area and Resolution

The active area refers to the drawing surface that responds to the stylus. The Gaomon M1230 offers a generous 11.6-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus provides a slightly smaller 10×6.25-inch active area. This difference in size can significantly impact your drawing experience, especially if you prefer a larger canvas.

Both tablets feature a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring smooth and precise linework. The higher LPI translates to a greater number of pressure sensitivity levels, resulting in a more responsive and natural drawing experience.

Stylus and Pressure Sensitivity

Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus include battery-free styluses with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This means that the tablet can detect subtle pressure variations, allowing you to create different line weights and textures.

The Gaomon M1230’s stylus features two side buttons, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus’ stylus includes eight customizable buttons. The added buttons on the XP-Pen stylus offer more flexibility and customization options for shortcuts and drawing tools.

Driver and Software Support

Both tablets rely on drivers to ensure proper functionality and customization. Gaomon and XP-Pen offer dedicated drivers for their respective tablets, providing access to features like pressure sensitivity calibration, shortcut customization, and pen settings.

Both drivers are relatively user-friendly and offer a seamless user experience. However, XP-Pen’s driver might be slightly more feature-rich, with additional options for customization and advanced settings.

Compatibility

Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.

Connectivity

Both tablets connect to your computer via USB cable. The Gaomon M1230 utilizes a USB-C port, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus uses a standard USB-A port. The choice between the two ports depends on your computer’s connectivity options and personal preference.

Price and Value

The Gaomon M1230 is generally priced lower than the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. This difference in price reflects the slightly smaller active area and fewer stylus buttons offered by the Gaomon tablet. However, both tablets provide excellent value for their price, offering a compelling combination of features and performance.

Choosing the Right Tablet for You

Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a larger active area and prefer a minimalist design, the Gaomon M1230 might be the better choice. However, if you value a more feature-rich stylus with customizable buttons and prefer a modern design, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus could be a better fit.

The Verdict: Gaomon M1230 vs XP-Pen Star G960S Plus

Both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of affordability, features, and performance. The Gaomon M1230 stands out with its larger active area and more budget-friendly price, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boasts a more feature-rich stylus and a modern design.

The Final Word: A Drawing Tablet for Every Artist

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding artist, both the Gaomon M1230 and XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offer a fantastic drawing experience. The key is to carefully consider your specific needs and preferences to make the right choice for your artistic journey.

What You Need to Learn

1. Which tablet is better for beginners?

Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon M1230’s larger active area might be more comfortable for those starting out, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus’s customizable stylus buttons can be helpful for learning shortcuts.

2. Are both tablets compatible with Android devices?

Neither tablet is officially compatible with Android devices. However, some users have reported success using adapters or specific Android apps.

3. What is the difference between the Gaomon M1230 and the Gaomon M1230X?

The Gaomon M1230X is a newer version of the M1230, offering a slightly improved stylus with improved pressure sensitivity and a more ergonomic design.

4. Can I use the styluses from these tablets with other drawing tablets?

The styluses are specifically designed for their respective tablets and are not compatible with other models.

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About the Author
Kane is a passionate artist and writer dedicated to helping aspiring and professional artists find the perfect drawing tablet for their needs. With a deep understanding of the digital art landscape, Kane provides comprehensive reviews, insightful guides, and helpful tips on artpadcheck.com, empowering artists of all levels to elevate their...