Summary
- The Gaomon S620 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation share a similar design, featuring a sleek black frame and a slightly textured surface.
- The larger active area and higher resolution of the Artist 12 2nd Gen provide a slight edge in terms of drawing comfort and accuracy.
- The Artist 12 2nd Gen is slightly more expensive than the S620, but it offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and a more refined design.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. Both tablets offer compelling features and competitive prices, but which one emerges as the victor? This detailed comparison will delve into the key aspects of each model, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon S620 and XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation share a similar design, featuring a sleek black frame and a slightly textured surface. However, the Artist 12 2nd Gen boasts a more refined aesthetic with its slimmer bezels and a slightly smaller footprint.
Gaomon S620: The S620 sports a more traditional design with slightly thicker bezels, giving it a slightly bulkier appearance. The tablet’s surface is textured, offering a comfortable grip for your hand while drawing.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen flaunts a more modern design with slimmer bezels, creating a more compact and sleek look. The tablet’s surface is also textured, providing a smooth and comfortable drawing experience.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Gaomon S620 features a slightly thicker plastic body, while the Artist 12 2nd Gen opts for a thinner, more lightweight design.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the actual drawing surface of the tablet, while the resolution determines the tablet’s sensitivity and accuracy.
Gaomon S620: The S620 offers a 10 x 6.25-inch active area with a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch). This provides ample space for drawing and a decent level of detail.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen boasts a larger active area of 11.6 x 6.5 inches with a higher resolution of 5080 LPI. The larger active area allows for more comfortable and natural drawing, while the higher resolution ensures greater precision and accuracy.
The larger active area and higher resolution of the Artist 12 2nd Gen provide a slight edge in terms of drawing comfort and accuracy.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and its performance plays a crucial role in the overall drawing experience.
Gaomon S620: The S620 comes with a battery-free pen featuring 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This pen offers a decent level of responsiveness and sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and detailed work.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen also features a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen offers a smooth and responsive drawing experience, delivering accurate pressure sensitivity and a comfortable grip.
Both tablets offer similar pen technology, with both pens providing excellent pressure sensitivity and responsiveness. The choice here boils down to personal preference and the feel of each pen.
Software and Compatibility
Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of operating systems and software programs.
Gaomon S620: The S620 is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux operating systems. It also supports popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen also supports Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems, offering compatibility with a vast array of drawing software.
Both tablets offer excellent software compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with your preferred drawing applications.
Price and Value
Both the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation are budget-friendly options, offering excellent value for money.
Gaomon S620: The S620 is generally priced lower than the Artist 12 2nd Gen, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Gen is slightly more expensive than the S620, but it offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and a more refined design.
The price difference is relatively small, and the Artist 12 2nd Gen offers a better overall value proposition due to its superior features.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Gaomon S620 if:
- You’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability.
- You prefer a traditional design with thicker bezels.
- You need a tablet compatible with a wide range of operating systems.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation if:
- You value a larger active area for more comfortable drawing.
- You prioritize higher resolution for greater accuracy and detail.
- You prefer a sleek and modern design with slim bezels.
The Final Word: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the Gaomon S620 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation are excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling balance of features and affordability. While the S620 might be a good choice for budget-conscious artists, the Artist 12 2nd Gen emerges as the overall winner with its larger active area, higher resolution, and refined design.
Top Questions Asked
1. What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a monitor?
A drawing tablet is a device that translates your pen strokes into digital signals, allowing you to draw on a computer screen. A monitor is a display that shows your artwork, but it does not have a touch-sensitive surface.
2. Can I use a drawing tablet for other tasks besides drawing?
Yes, drawing tablets can be used for various tasks, including photo editing, graphic design, animation, and even writing.
3. Do I need to buy a specific pen for my drawing tablet?
Most drawing tablets come with a dedicated pen, which is optimized for use with the tablet. However, some tablets may support other compatible pens.
4. Can I use a drawing tablet with my smartphone or tablet?
Some drawing tablets are compatible with smartphones and tablets, but this feature is not always available.
5. What are the benefits of using a drawing tablet over drawing directly on a computer screen?
Drawing tablets offer a more natural and comfortable drawing experience, as they allow you to draw with a pen on a flat surface. They also provide greater precision and control compared to drawing directly on a touchscreen.