Key points
- If you’re on a budget and looking for a solid entry-level tablet, the Gaomon S830 vs XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are two popular contenders that often come up in discussions.
- The Deco Fun XS comes in a vibrant red and black color scheme, giving it a more playful look.
- It features a single side button on the pen for customization and a built-in shortcut key for quick access to functions.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. With countless options flooding the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re on a budget and looking for a solid entry-level tablet, the Gaomon S830 vs XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are two popular contenders that often come up in discussions. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon S830 and XP-Pen Deco Fun XS boast a compact and sleek design, making them ideal for travel or limited desk space.
Gaomon S830: The S830 features a black and silver aesthetic with a textured surface that provides a firm grip. The tablet itself is slightly larger than the Deco Fun XS, offering a more spacious drawing area. The buttons on the S830 are located on the left side, which might not be ideal for left-handed users.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS comes in a vibrant red and black color scheme, giving it a more playful look. It’s known for its lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry around. The buttons are strategically placed on the top of the tablet, offering a more convenient layout for both left- and right-handed users.
Verdict: While both tablets offer a solid build quality, the Deco Fun XS edges out with its compact size, lightweight design, and more versatile button placement.
Drawing Area and Active Area
The drawing area refers to the overall size of the tablet, while the active area defines the responsive surface where your pen strokes are registered.
Gaomon S830: The S830 boasts a 10 x 6.25-inch drawing area and a 9.25 x 5.5-inch active area. This larger active area provides ample space for drawing and sketching, especially for those who prefer a more expansive canvas.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS offers a smaller 6.5 x 4.0-inch drawing area and a 6.0 x 3.75-inch active area. While smaller, it’s still sufficient for everyday drawing and note-taking tasks, especially for those who prioritize portability.
Verdict: The Gaomon S830 wins this round with its larger active area, offering a more immersive drawing experience. However, the Deco Fun XS‘s compact size might be more suitable for users who prioritize portability.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Performance
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial aspect of drawing tablets, allowing you to vary line thickness and create more realistic strokes.
Gaomon S830: The S830 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The pen itself is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with two customizable side buttons.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering similar performance to the S830. The pen is lightweight and ergonomic, with a single side button for customization.
Verdict: Both tablets offer excellent pressure sensitivity, making it difficult to choose a clear winner. However, the S830’s pen with two customizable buttons provides more flexibility for users who prefer additional shortcuts.
Software and Compatibility
Gaomon S830: The S830 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. It comes bundled with Gaomon’s driver software, which allows you to customize pen settings, calibrate the tablet, and access additional features.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS also supports Windows and macOS, offering excellent compatibility across different platforms. It comes bundled with XP-Pen’s driver software, providing similar customization options and features as the Gaomon driver.
Verdict: Both tablets offer excellent software compatibility and driver support. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and familiarity with either Gaomon’s or XP-Pen’s software.
Additional Features and Accessories
Gaomon S830: The S830 comes with a pen holder, replacement nibs, and a USB cable. It also features a built-in shortcut key for quick access to common functions.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS also includes a pen holder, replacement nibs, and a USB cable. It features a single side button on the pen for customization and a built-in shortcut key for quick access to functions.
Verdict: Both tablets come with similar accessories and features, making it difficult to choose a clear winner. The S830’s additional shortcut key might be beneficial for users who prefer more customization options.
Pricing and Value for Money
Gaomon S830: The S830 is typically priced around $50-$60, offering a great value for its features and large active area.
XP-Pen Deco Fun XS: The Deco Fun XS is usually priced around $30-$40, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious users.
Verdict: The XP-Pen Deco Fun XS wins this round with its lower price tag, making it a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
So, which drawing tablet reigns supreme: the Gaomon S830 or the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Gaomon S830 if:
- You prioritize a larger drawing area for more immersive sketching and drawing.
- You prefer a pen with two customizable buttons for greater shortcut flexibility.
- You’re willing to spend slightly more for a tablet with a larger active area.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS if:
- You value portability and a compact design for travel or limited desk space.
- You’re on a tight budget and seeking a more affordable option.
- You prefer a lightweight and ergonomic pen with a single customizable button.
The Final Word: Beyond the Battle
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your workflow and budget. Both the Gaomon S830 and XP-Pen Deco Fun XS offer a solid foundation for beginners and aspiring artists, providing a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
Remember to consider your individual needs, preferences, and budget when making your decision. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tablets and find the one that best fits your creative journey.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I use these tablets with my iPad or other mobile devices?
A: No, both the Gaomon S830 and XP-Pen Deco Fun XS are designed for use with Windows and macOS computers. They are not compatible with iPads or other mobile devices.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: Drawing tablet and graphics tablet are often used interchangeably. They both refer to devices that allow you to control a cursor on your computer screen using a pen.
Q: Do I need to install drivers for these tablets?
A: Yes, both tablets require drivers to be installed for proper functionality. These drivers allow you to customize pen settings, calibrate the tablet, and access additional features.
Q: Are these tablets suitable for professional artists?
A: While these tablets are great for beginners and hobbyists, they may not be suitable for professional artists who require advanced features or a more robust build quality. Professional artists may consider exploring tablets with higher pressure sensitivity levels, larger active areas, and more advanced features.
