Gaomon PD1320 vs Gaomon S830: Unveiling the Best Drawing Tablet for Your Artistry Needs

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. If you’re a budding artist, illustrator, or graphic designer looking for a reliable and affordable tablet, Gaomon’s PD1320 and S830 are strong contenders. Both offer excellent features at competitive prices, but which one stands out as the better choice for you? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Gaomon PD1320 and Gaomon S830, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Dimensions

The Gaomon PD1320 and S830 share a similar design philosophy, focusing on practicality and affordability. Both tablets feature a sleek, black aesthetic and a comfortable, ergonomic design. However, there are some notable differences in their dimensions:

• Gaomon PD1320: This tablet boasts a larger active area of 13.3 inches, providing ample space for creative expression. Its overall dimensions are 14.7 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches, making it slightly larger than the S830.
• Gaomon S830: The S830 offers a more compact active area of 8.3 inches, perfect for users who prefer a more portable option. Its overall dimensions are 12.2 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches, making it more travel-friendly.

The choice between the two ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space and require a larger canvas for your artwork, the PD1320 is the better choice. However, if portability is a key factor, the S830’s compact size might be more appealing.

Active Area and Resolution

The active area refers to the responsive surface of the tablet where your pen strokes are registered. The resolution determines the accuracy and sensitivity of the tablet. Both the PD1320 and S830 offer impressive active areas and resolutions:

• Gaomon PD1320: This tablet boasts a large active area of 13.3 inches, comparable to a standard A4 paper size. It offers a high resolution of 5080 LPI, ensuring precise and responsive pen strokes.
• Gaomon S830: The S830 features a smaller active area of 8.3 inches, but still provides ample space for detailed work. It offers a slightly lower resolution of 4000 LPI, which is still excellent for most creative tasks.

While the PD1320’s larger active area and higher resolution offer a slight edge in precision, the S830’s resolution is still impressive and more than sufficient for most users.

Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity

The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the PD1320 and S830 come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that provide a natural drawing experience.

• Gaomon PD1320: This tablet utilizes a passive pen that doesn’t require batteries or charging. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control over line thickness and brush strokes.
• Gaomon S830: The S830 also features a passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of detail and control as the PD1320.

Both pens offer a comfortable grip and a responsive tip, making them ideal for both traditional and digital artists.

Buttons and Features

Both the PD1320 and S830 offer a range of buttons and features to enhance your workflow:

• Gaomon PD1320: This tablet includes 8 customizable express keys on the side, which can be programmed to perform various functions, such as switching brushes, undoing actions, or navigating through menus. It also features a scroll wheel for precise zoom and pan controls.
• Gaomon S830: The S830 features 6 customizable express keys and a scroll wheel, providing similar functionality to the PD1320 but with fewer keys.

The number of buttons and features ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you require a wide range of shortcuts and controls, the PD1320’s 8 express keys might be more appealing. However, the S830’s 6 keys are still sufficient for most users.

Compatibility and Drivers

Both the PD1320 and S830 are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They come bundled with driver software that allows you to customize settings, calibrate the pen, and configure express keys.

• Gaomon PD1320: The PD1320’s driver software offers a range of customization options, including pen pressure sensitivity, line smoothing, and screen resolution.
• Gaomon S830: The S830’s driver software provides similar customization options to the PD1320, allowing you to fine-tune your tablet’s performance to your liking.

Both tablets offer smooth integration with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.

Price and Value

The PD1320 and S830 are both competitively priced, offering excellent value for their features and performance.

• Gaomon PD1320: This tablet typically retails for around $100-$120, offering a large active area and high resolution at an affordable price.
• Gaomon S830: The S830 is even more affordable, typically priced around $70-$90. It offers a smaller active area but still delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price.

Both tablets provide excellent value for their respective price points. If you’re on a tight budget, the S830 is a great option. However, if you can stretch your budget a bit further, the PD1320 offers a larger canvas and higher resolution for a more immersive drawing experience.

Which Tablet Is Right for You?

The choice between the Gaomon PD1320 and Gaomon S830 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Gaomon PD1320: Choose this tablet if you prioritize a large active area, high resolution, and a wide range of customizable buttons. It’s ideal for artists who require ample space for their artwork and prefer a more immersive drawing experience.
• Gaomon S830: Opt for this tablet if you value portability, affordability, and a compact design. It’s perfect for users who prefer a more travel-friendly option and don’t require a large active area.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Canvas

Both the Gaomon PD1320 and Gaomon S830 are excellent drawing tablets that offer impressive features at competitive prices. While the PD1320 stands out with its larger active area and higher resolution, the S830 provides a compelling combination of affordability and portability. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and workflow preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q1: What are the differences in the pen tips for the PD1320 and S830?

A1: Both tablets come with standard pen tips, but the PD1320 may offer a wider selection of optional pen tips for different drawing styles.

Q2: Can I use the Gaomon PD1320 and S830 with my smartphone?

A2: No, both tablets are designed for use with computers. They are not compatible with smartphones.

Q3: What is the warranty period for these tablets?

A3: Both the PD1320 and S830 typically come with a 1-year warranty. However, it’s always advisable to check the specific warranty details from the retailer or manufacturer.

Q4: Are there any other Gaomon tablets I should consider?

A4: Gaomon offers a wide range of drawing tablets, including the M10K, S620, and M106K. These tablets offer different features and price points, so it’s worth exploring other options based on your specific requirements.