What to know
- The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300, on the other hand, embraces a more traditional design with sharper edges and a glossy black surface.
- It features a smaller active area but compensates with a more compact footprint, making it ideal for travelers or those with limited desk space.
- The differences in performance between the two tablets are subtle, making it difficult to declare a clear winner in this category.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Gaomon M1230 and the **Huion Inspiroy RTS 300**. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one emerges as the superior choice for your artistic endeavors? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles
The Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 adopt distinct design philosophies. The Gaomon M1230 boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with rounded edges and a black finish. Its active area is slightly larger than the RTS 300, offering ample space for creative expression. The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300, on the other hand, embraces a more traditional design with sharper edges and a glossy black surface. It features a smaller active area but compensates with a more compact footprint, making it ideal for travelers or those with limited desk space. Both tablets are lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods.
Pressure Sensitivity and Accuracy: A Close Race
Both the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring smooth transitions between light and heavy strokes. This level of sensitivity allows for nuanced control and precise linework, essential for both digital sketching and detailed illustrations. Both tablets also boast a high resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), resulting in accurate line rendering and a natural drawing experience. The differences in performance between the two tablets are subtle, making it difficult to declare a clear winner in this category.
Active Area: Size Matters for Your Art
The active area is a crucial factor to consider, as it determines the physical space available for your digital brushstrokes. The Gaomon M1230 offers a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample room for large-scale projects and intricate details. The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300, with its 9.45 x 5.63 inches active area, is slightly smaller but still suitable for most drawing tasks. Ultimately, the ideal active area depends on your individual preferences and artistic needs.
Pen and Buttons: Ergonomics and Functionality
Both tablets come bundled with a pressure-sensitive pen that offers a comfortable grip and responsive performance. The Gaomon M1230’s pen features eight customizable buttons, allowing you to assign shortcuts for frequently used tools and commands. The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 pen, on the other hand, includes two customizable buttons, providing a more streamlined control experience. Both pens offer a comfortable drawing experience, with a natural feel that mimics traditional pen and paper.
Driver Compatibility: Seamless Integration with Your Software
Both the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The drivers provide access to customizable settings, including pen pressure sensitivity, button mapping, and screen rotation, allowing you to tailor the tablet to your specific preferences.
Price: Value for Money
Both the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 are priced competitively, making them attractive options for budget-conscious artists. The Gaomon M1230 typically sits at a slightly higher price point, reflecting its larger active area and additional pen buttons. The Huion Inspiroy RTS 300, being slightly more affordable, offers a great value proposition for those seeking a compact and functional drawing tablet.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Choosing between the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a large active area and customizable pen buttons, the Gaomon M1230 is an excellent choice. If you value portability and a compact design, the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 is a solid contender. Both tablets deliver exceptional performance and affordability, making them worthy contenders in the budget-friendly drawing tablet market.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 are excellent choices, the drawing tablet landscape is vast. Depending on your specific requirements, you might consider exploring other options, such as:
- XP-Pen Artist 12: Offers a larger active area and a vibrant display.
- Wacom Intuos Small: Renowned for its precision and compatibility with Wacom’s Pro Pen 2.
- XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: Features a built-in display for a more immersive drawing experience.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 are suitable for beginners. The larger active area of the Gaomon M1230 might be more comfortable for those starting out, but the compact size of the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 can be more appealing for those with limited desk space.
Q: Can these tablets be used for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing tasks like retouching and color correction. However, they are primarily designed for drawing and illustration.
Q: Are there any compatibility issues with specific software?
A: Both tablets are compatible with most popular drawing software. However, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website for specific software compatibility information.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets are suitable for professional artists, but a higher-end tablet with more advanced features might be preferred.
Q: What’s the best way to clean these tablets?
A: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the tablet surface and pen. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.