Gaomon PD1561 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium: The Ultimate Showdown for Digital Artists

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 segment are the Gaomon PD1561 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you determine which one best suits your artistic needs and budget.

Design and Build Quality

The Gaomon PD1561 boasts a sleek and minimalist design. Its black plastic body feels sturdy and well-constructed, though it might not have the premium feel of some higher-end tablets. The tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys and a scroll wheel, providing convenient access to essential controls. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**, on the other hand, presents a more sophisticated aesthetic with a brushed aluminum finish that exudes a sense of quality. Its design prioritizes functionality with a slim profile and a dedicated ExpressKeys™ ring that offers eight customizable buttons.

Both tablets feature a comfortable and ergonomic design, ensuring a comfortable drawing experience, even during extended sessions. The Gaomon PD1561 offers a larger active area compared to the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**, which might be beneficial for artists who prefer a spacious canvas. However, the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**’s smaller size makes it more portable and travel-friendly.

Pen Performance and Features

The Gaomon PD1561 comes bundled with the **AP32 battery-free pen**, which boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This high sensitivity allows for precise line variations and nuanced strokes, making it suitable for detailed drawings and intricate illustrations. The pen also features tilt support, allowing you to create expressive strokes by tilting the pen. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** features the **Pen 2**, which also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support. It’s worth noting that the **Xencelabs Pen 2** offers a more comfortable and balanced feel in the hand, thanks to its textured grip and balanced weight.

Both tablets prioritize a natural and responsive drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1561 offers a slightly lower reporting rate compared to the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**, which might be noticeable for users who demand the highest level of responsiveness. However, the difference is subtle and unlikely to be a significant factor for most users.

Software and Compatibility

Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The Gaomon PD1561 comes with driver software that offers customizable pen settings and shortcut key assignments. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** also includes driver software with advanced customization options, including pen pressure curves and ExpressKeys™ assignments.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium boasts an additional advantage with its dedicated software, **Xencelabs Pen Control**, which offers a streamlined interface for managing pen settings and customizing the ExpressKeys™ ring. This software provides a more intuitive and user-friendly experience compared to the standard drivers that come with the **Gaomon PD1561**.

Price and Value

The Gaomon PD1561 is generally more affordable than the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium**. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists who are looking for a powerful and feature-rich tablet without breaking the bank. However, the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** offers a slightly higher price point, justified by its premium build quality, refined pen performance, and dedicated software.

Ultimately, the choice between the two tablets boils down to your individual priorities and budget. If affordability is a primary concern, the Gaomon PD1561 offers excellent value for money. However, if you prioritize a premium experience with superior pen performance and software, the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** might be the better investment.

Which Tablet is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Choose the Gaomon PD1561 if:

• You’re on a tight budget.
• You need a large active area for expansive drawings.
• You’re comfortable with standard drivers and customization options.

Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium if:

• You prioritize a premium build quality and design.
• You value a comfortable and balanced pen experience.
• You appreciate dedicated software for enhanced customization and control.

Beyond the Surface: Exploring Other Considerations

While the Gaomon PD1561 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** are excellent choices in their own right, it’s essential to consider other factors that might influence your decision:

• Active Area: The **Gaomon PD1561** offers a larger active area, which might be beneficial for artists who work with large canvases or prefer a spacious drawing experience. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** provides a smaller active area, which might be more suitable for users who value portability or prefer a more focused drawing experience.
• Shortcut Keys: Both tablets offer customizable shortcut keys, but the **Gaomon PD1561** includes a scroll wheel, which can be helpful for navigating through menus or zooming in and out of images. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** features a dedicated ExpressKeys™ ring that offers a more intuitive and ergonomic approach to shortcut key access.
• Software: The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** comes with dedicated software, **Xencelabs Pen Control**, which provides a streamlined interface for managing pen settings and customizing the ExpressKeys™ ring. This software offers a more user-friendly and intuitive experience compared to the standard drivers that come with the **Gaomon PD1561**.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Artistic Companion

Choosing between the Gaomon PD1561 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** is a matter of personal preference and priorities. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them excellent choices for artists of all skill levels. Ultimately, the best tablet for you is the one that best complements your workflow and artistic vision.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?

A: Both the **Gaomon PD1561** and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** are suitable for beginners. The **Gaomon PD1561** offers a more affordable option with a large active area, making it an excellent choice for those starting out. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** provides a more refined experience with a comfortable pen and dedicated software, which might be beneficial for artists who are serious about their craft.

Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?

A: For professional artists, the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** might be a more suitable choice due to its premium build quality, refined pen performance, and dedicated software. However, the **Gaomon PD1561** still offers a capable and affordable option, especially for artists who prioritize a large active area and value for money.

Q: Which tablet is better for drawing and illustration?

A: Both tablets are excellent for drawing and illustration. The **Gaomon PD1561** offers a large active area and a responsive pen, making it suitable for detailed drawings and intricate illustrations. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** provides a more comfortable pen experience and dedicated software, which might be beneficial for artists who value precision and control in their artwork.

Q: Which tablet is better for digital painting?

A: Both tablets are suitable for digital painting. The **Gaomon PD1561** offers a large active area and a responsive pen, making it suitable for large-scale paintings and expressive brushstrokes. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** provides a more comfortable pen experience and dedicated software, which might be beneficial for artists who value precision and control in their brushwork.

Q: Which tablet is better for graphic design?

A: Both tablets are suitable for graphic design. The **Gaomon PD1561** offers a large active area and a responsive pen, making it suitable for precise line work and detailed illustrations. The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium** provides a more comfortable pen experience and dedicated software, which might be beneficial for artists who value precision and control in their graphic design work.