Quick notes
- The Gaomon M1220 features a black and silver color scheme, while the Artist 12 Pro comes in a minimalist black.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and its performance plays a significant role in the overall drawing experience.
- Choosing between the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options from different brands. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the Gaomon M1220 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro**. Both tablets offer compelling features and functionalities, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key aspects, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro boast sleek and modern designs. The Gaomon M1220 features a black and silver color scheme, while the Artist 12 Pro comes in a minimalist black.
Gaomon M1220:
- Lightweight and Portable: The M1220 is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Durable Build: The tablet’s plastic construction feels solid and durable, capable of withstanding everyday use.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Sleek and Modern: The Artist 12 Pro exudes a more premium feel with its sleek, black design.
- Sturdy Construction: The tablet’s plastic build is sturdy and feels well-made, offering a sense of stability.
Overall: Both tablets offer a solid build quality, but the Artist 12 Pro’s slightly more premium design and sturdiness might appeal to some users.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area and resolution are crucial factors that affect the drawing experience. A larger active area provides more space for creative expression, while higher resolution translates to finer detail and precision.
Gaomon M1220:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Resolution: 5080 LPI
Verdict: Both tablets offer the same active area and resolution, making them equal in this regard.
Pen Technology
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and its performance plays a significant role in the overall drawing experience.
Gaomon M1220:
- Pen Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Battery-Free: No need to charge the pen, making it convenient to use.
- Multiple Buttons: 8 customizable buttons on the pen provide shortcuts for various functions.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Pen Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Battery-Free: No need for charging.
- Multiple Buttons: 8 customizable buttons on the pen for shortcuts.
Verdict: Both tablets offer identical pen technology, making them equally responsive and precise.
Display and Color Accuracy
For artists who prioritize color accuracy, the display becomes an important consideration.
Gaomon M1220:
- No Display: This tablet is a standalone drawing tablet without a built-in screen.
- Requires External Monitor: You’ll need to connect it to an external monitor for viewing your work.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Built-in Display: The Artist 12 Pro features a 11.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
- Color Accuracy: The display offers a wide color gamut and accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for professional use.
Verdict: The Artist 12 Pro wins this round due to its built-in display with excellent color accuracy, providing a more immersive drawing experience.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The connectivity options and compatibility with different operating systems are essential for seamless integration.
Gaomon M1220:
- Connectivity: USB connection
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Connectivity: USB-C connection
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
Verdict: Both tablets offer similar connectivity options and compatibility, making them suitable for various operating systems.
Price and Value
The price is a significant factor for many users, and both tablets offer competitive pricing.
Gaomon M1220:
- Price: Generally more affordable than the Artist 12 Pro.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Price: Slightly more expensive than the M1220.
Verdict: The Gaomon M1220 offers better value for money, especially for budget-conscious users.
Software and Drivers
Both brands provide software and drivers for their tablets, offering customization and functionality.
Gaomon M1220:
- Gaomon Driver: Provides basic settings for pressure sensitivity, pen buttons, and other customizable features.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- XP-Pen Artist Driver: Offers a wider range of customization options, including pen settings, shortcut keys, and tablet configuration.
Verdict: XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro’s driver offers more comprehensive customization options, making it more versatile for advanced users.
The Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?
Choosing between the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Gaomon M1220:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, beginners, and those who prefer a standalone tablet.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Artists who prioritize a built-in display with accurate color reproduction, advanced customization, and a more premium drawing experience.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your workflow and creative needs. Both the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offer excellent value and performance, making them solid choices for digital artists of all skill levels.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q1: What are the differences between the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro?
A: The main difference lies in the display. The Gaomon M1220 is a standalone tablet, while the Artist 12 Pro features a built-in display with accurate color reproduction. The Artist 12 Pro also offers more comprehensive customization options through its driver.
Q2: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon M1220 is more affordable and provides a good introduction to drawing tablets. The Artist 12 Pro offers a more immersive drawing experience with its display, but it might be more expensive for beginners.
Q3: Is the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro suitable for professional use?
A: Yes, the Artist 12 Pro is a solid choice for professional artists due to its accurate color reproduction, wide color gamut, and comprehensive customization options.
Q4: Which tablet has better pen pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity, making them equally responsive and precise.
Q5: What are the pros and cons of each tablet?
A:
Gaomon M1220:
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, portable, durable build.
- Cons: No built-in display, basic driver.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro:
- Pros: Built-in display with accurate color reproduction, comprehensive driver, premium design.
- Cons: More expensive than the M1220.
