Summary
- The pen holder is conveniently located on the right side of the tablet, while the USB-C port is situated on the back.
- The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a black plastic frame and a textured surface.
- The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offer impressive pen performance.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro**. Both offer impressive features and performance, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1560 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black plastic body. Its active area measures 13.3 inches, providing ample space for comfortable drawing. The tablet features eight customizable express keys and a touch ring, offering convenient shortcuts for various functions. The pen holder is conveniently located on the right side of the tablet, while the USB-C port is situated on the back.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a black plastic frame and a textured surface. Its active area is slightly smaller at 11.6 inches, but it offers a 78% screen-to-tablet ratio, providing a more immersive drawing experience. The tablet includes eight customizable express keys and a touch bar, offering similar functionalities to the Gaomon PD1560. The pen holder is located on the left side, and the tablet features both USB-C and mini-HDMI ports for connectivity.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Gaomon PD1560’s minimalist design might feel a bit less substantial compared to the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro’s textured surface. However, both tablets are durable enough for everyday use.
Pen Performance
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro offer impressive pen performance.
The Gaomon PD1560 comes bundled with the **PW507 pen**, which features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a comfortable ergonomic design. The pen is lightweight and balanced, making it easy to control and maneuver. It also features two side buttons that can be customized for various functions.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro pairs with the **P03 pen**, boasting the same 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support as the Gaomon PD1560’s pen. The P03 pen is slightly heavier than the PW507, but it still offers a comfortable grip and precise control. It also features two side buttons for customizable functions.
Both pens offer excellent responsiveness and accuracy, allowing for natural and precise linework. The pressure sensitivity is highly responsive, enabling subtle variations in line thickness and brush strokes. Tilt support adds a further degree of realism, allowing for shading and blending effects.
Display and Color Accuracy
The Gaomon PD1560 does not include a display, making it a purely pressure-sensitive tablet. This means that you’ll need to rely on your computer monitor for visual feedback. While this might be a drawback for some users, it also allows for a more affordable price point.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, features a built-in 11.6-inch IPS display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 78% screen-to-tablet ratio. This provides a more immersive drawing experience, as you can see your artwork directly on the tablet’s screen. The display offers good color accuracy and a wide viewing angle, ensuring consistent color reproduction.
While the Gaomon PD1560 might be more cost-effective, the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro**’s built-in display offers a more direct and intuitive drawing experience, especially for users who prefer to see their artwork in real-time.
Software and Compatibility
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** are compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Android. They also support a variety of software applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, and more.
The Gaomon PD1560 comes with its own driver software, which allows for customization of the express keys, touch ring, and pen settings. The software also offers various features, such as a screen calibration tool and a tablet settings manager.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro also comes with its own driver software, offering similar functionalities to the Gaomon PD1560. The software allows for customization of the express keys, touch bar, and pen settings. It also includes a screen calibration tool and a tablet settings manager.
Both tablets offer seamless integration with popular drawing software, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
Price and Value for Money
The Gaomon PD1560 is generally priced lower than the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro**. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for users who are looking for a high-quality drawing tablet without the added expense of a built-in display.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, while slightly more expensive, offers the added convenience of a built-in display. This makes it a more appealing option for users who prefer a more immersive and direct drawing experience.
Ultimately, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a purely pressure-sensitive tablet with a large active area, the Gaomon PD1560 offers excellent value for money. However, if you prefer the convenience of a built-in display and are willing to spend a bit more, the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** provides a more immersive and user-friendly experience.
Pros and Cons
Gaomon PD1560
Pros:
- Large 13.3-inch active area
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Customizable express keys and touch ring
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No built-in display
- Minimalist design might feel less substantial
XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro
Pros:
- Built-in 11.6-inch IPS display
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Customizable express keys and touch bar
- Immersive drawing experience
Cons:
- Smaller active area compared to the Gaomon PD1560
- Slightly more expensive than the Gaomon PD1560
Choosing the Right Tablet
The choice between the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize a large active area, the Gaomon PD1560 is an excellent choice. Its affordable price point and impressive performance make it a great value for money.
However, if you value the convenience of a built-in display and prefer a more immersive drawing experience, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is the better option. Its built-in display and excellent pen performance make it a great choice for professional and aspiring artists.
The Final Verdict: More Than Just a Battle of Features
The Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** are both exceptional drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and performance. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a purely pressure-sensitive tablet with a large active area and an affordable price, the Gaomon PD1560 is a great choice. However, if you prefer the convenience of a built-in display and are willing to spend a bit more, the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** offers a more immersive and user-friendly experience.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: Drawing tablets and graphics tablets are essentially the same thing. The terms are often used interchangeably to refer to devices that allow you to control a computer cursor using a pen.
Q: Do I need a display for a drawing tablet?
A: A built-in display is not essential for a drawing tablet, but it can enhance the drawing experience. If you prefer to see your artwork in real-time and have a more immersive experience, a tablet with a built-in display is recommended.
Q: What is pressure sensitivity?
A: Pressure sensitivity refers to the tablet’s ability to detect the pressure applied to the pen. This allows for variations in line thickness and brush strokes, creating more natural and expressive artwork.
Q: What is tilt support?
A: Tilt support allows the tablet to detect the angle at which the pen is held. This enables shading and blending effects, adding a further degree of realism to your artwork.
Q: Which drawing tablet is best for beginners?
A: Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** are great choices for beginners. The Gaomon PD1560 offers a more affordable entry point, while the **XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro** provides a more immersive and user-friendly experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and preferences.