Highlights
- Two popular contenders in the realm of smaller tablets are the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.
- Ultimately, the choice between the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
- The Gaomon PD1220 is a good option for artists who need a large active area and extensive customization options.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the realm of smaller tablets are the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both offer compelling features and cater to different needs, making the decision a bit tricky. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet, helping you make an informed choice based on your specific requirements.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1220 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black plastic frame. It’s a relatively large tablet, measuring 11.81 x 6.69 inches, yet it remains compact and portable. The tablet surface is smooth and responsive, providing a comfortable drawing experience.
On the other hand, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small prioritizes portability. It’s significantly smaller, measuring 7.9 x 5.9 inches, making it ideal for travel and limited workspace. The tablet features a brushed aluminum frame, adding a touch of premium aesthetics. While the surface is smooth, it lacks the same level of responsiveness as the PD1220.
Active Area and Resolution
The Gaomon PD1220 offers a generous active area of 10.6 x 6.3 inches, providing ample space for detailed drawings. Its 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS reporting rate ensure smooth and precise linework.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, despite its smaller size, boasts a respectable active area of 6.6 x 4.1 inches. Its 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS reporting rate are identical to the PD1220, ensuring similar precision and responsiveness.
Pen Technology
Both tablets feature pressure-sensitive pens with a high level of sensitivity. The Gaomon PD1220’s pen boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers 8192 levels as well. Both pens are comfortable to hold and offer a natural drawing experience.
Buttons and Customization
The Gaomon PD1220 comes with eight customizable buttons on the tablet and two on the pen. This allows for a high degree of customization, enabling you to assign shortcuts and hotkeys to your liking. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, features only two customizable buttons on the pen. This limited number of buttons might be a drawback for users who prefer extensive customization.
Software and Drivers
Both Gaomon and Xencelabs offer proprietary software and drivers for their tablets. The Gaomon software provides basic customization options for pen pressure, buttons, and other settings. The Xencelabs software, however, is more advanced and offers a wider range of customization options, including pen calibration, shortcut mapping, and even pressure curve adjustments.
Price and Value
The Gaomon PD1220 is generally more affordable than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a premium build quality and more advanced software features, justifying its slightly higher price tag.
Key Points: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Gaomon PD1220 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a larger active area, extensive customization options, and affordability, the Gaomon PD1220 is a solid choice. However, if you value portability, premium build quality, and advanced software features, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small might be the better option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1220 offers a larger active area and more buttons, which can be helpful for learning new techniques. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small’s portability and advanced software features can also be beneficial for beginners who are looking to explore different drawing styles.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets can be used by professional artists. The Gaomon PD1220 is a good option for artists who need a large active area and extensive customization options. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small‘s premium build quality and advanced software features might be preferred by professional artists who require a more refined drawing experience.
Q: Are the pens compatible with other tablets?
A: The pens for both tablets are proprietary and are not compatible with other brands.
Q: Can I use these tablets with a Mac?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Q: Which tablet has better pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, making them equally capable of capturing subtle pressure variations.
