Quick Overview
- The pen features a slightly angled grip and a textured surface, providing a more secure and comfortable grip during extended drawing sessions.
- The Gaomon PD1161 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium are both excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability.
- The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, on the other hand, caters to serious artists and professionals who demand a premium drawing experience.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel like navigating a labyrinth of features and specifications. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Gaomon PD1161 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion for digital artists? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Designs
The Gaomon PD1161 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black plastic finish. Its active area measures 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. The tablet is relatively lightweight and portable, making it suitable for artists on the move.
In contrast, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium embraces a more premium aesthetic with a sleek, gray aluminum finish. It features a larger active area of 11.6 x 7 inches, offering even more real estate for creative expression. The tablet’s sturdy construction and premium materials exude a sense of quality and durability.
Pen Performance: Precision and Responsiveness
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens with a high level of accuracy and responsiveness. The Gaomon PD1161 pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring smooth transitions between light and heavy strokes. It also offers tilt support, allowing for natural shading and line variation.
The Xencelabs Pen, on the other hand, boasts a whopping 10,240 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing even finer control over line thickness and pressure variations. It also includes tilt support and a customizable side button that can be programmed for various functions.
Software and Driver Support: A Seamless Workflow
Both Gaomon and Xencelabs offer driver software that enables customization of pen settings, button mapping, and other preferences. Gaomon’s driver is relatively straightforward and user-friendly, providing basic customization options.
Xencelabs, however, takes software support to a new level with its intuitive and feature-rich driver. It allows for advanced customization, including pen pressure curves, tilt sensitivity, and button remapping. The driver also offers a range of shortcut keys and hotkeys for enhanced workflow efficiency.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Finding the Perfect Fit
The Gaomon PD1161 comes with a comfortable pen that features a traditional cylindrical design. The pen is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to grip and control. The tablet itself is relatively thin, providing a comfortable drawing experience.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium prioritizes comfort with its ergonomically designed pen. The pen features a slightly angled grip and a textured surface, providing a more secure and comfortable grip during extended drawing sessions. The tablet’s sleek design and generous active area also contribute to a comfortable and natural drawing experience.
Connectivity and Compatibility: A Universal Appeal
Both tablets offer a variety of connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with most devices. The Gaomon PD1161 connects via USB cable, providing a reliable and stable connection.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, however, offers both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, providing flexibility and freedom of movement. It also boasts compatibility with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices, making it a versatile choice for various platforms.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Gaomon PD1161 is generally priced lower than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium. It offers a solid value proposition for budget-conscious artists who prioritize affordability without sacrificing essential features.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, while slightly more expensive, justifies its price with its premium build quality, advanced pen technology, and comprehensive software support. It caters to artists who demand the best possible drawing experience and are willing to invest in a high-quality tool.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Ideal Companion
The Gaomon PD1161 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium are both excellent drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. The Gaomon PD1161 is an ideal choice for budget-conscious artists who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. Its sleek design, responsive pen, and user-friendly driver make it a solid option for beginners and casual artists.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium, on the other hand, caters to serious artists and professionals who demand a premium drawing experience. Its larger active area, advanced pen technology, and comprehensive software support provide an unparalleled level of control and precision. While it comes at a higher price point, its exceptional performance and features justify the investment for those seeking the best possible digital art tools.
Beyond the Battle: Finding Your Perfect Match
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your budget, drawing style, and desired level of precision.
If you’re a beginner or casual artist on a tight budget, the Gaomon PD1161 offers a great starting point. However, if you’re a professional artist or aspiring to become one, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium provides the features and performance necessary to elevate your digital art to new heights.
What You Need to Know
Q: Does the Gaomon PD1161 have a screen?
A: No, the Gaomon PD1161 is a pen tablet, not a drawing monitor. It does not have a built-in screen.
Q: Does the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium work with iPad?
A: No, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is not compatible with iPad. It is designed for use with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices.
Q: Are there any included accessories with the tablets?
A: Both tablets include a pen, pen holder, USB cable, and driver software. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium also includes a pen stand with a built-in nib storage, a USB-C adapter, and a carrying case.
Q: Can I use the tablets for photo editing?
A: While both tablets can be used for photo editing, they are primarily designed for drawing and sketching. For more advanced photo editing tasks, a dedicated graphics tablet with a screen might be a better option.
Q: What is the warranty period for each tablet?
A: The Gaomon PD1161 typically comes with a 12-month warranty. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium offers a 2-year warranty, providing greater peace of mind.
