Quick Overview
- If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize portability and a large active area, the Gaomon PD1161 is an excellent choice.
- However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more and prioritize a premium experience with a highly responsive pen and advanced software, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is the way to go.
- The Gaomon PD1161 is a budget-friendly option with a large active area and responsive pen, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small provides a more premium experience with its advanced software and highly responsive pen.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the small tablet market are the Gaomon PD1161 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small**. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making it challenging to decide which one best suits your needs. This blog post will dive into a comprehensive comparison of these two tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1161 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black plastic frame. It’s lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel or use on the go. The active area measures 10 x 6 inches, providing ample space for sketching and drawing. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, features a more premium design with a silver aluminum frame. It’s slightly heavier than the Gaomon but still compact and portable. The active area is slightly smaller at 9.8 x 6.1 inches, but still offers enough space for most drawing tasks.
Pen Technology
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens with excellent responsiveness and accuracy. The Gaomon PD1161’s pen has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Xencelabs pen offers 10,240 levels. This means the Xencelabs pen can detect finer pressure variations, resulting in more nuanced strokes and subtle details. However, the Gaomon pen is still very responsive and capable of producing accurate lines and shading. Both pens have customizable buttons that can be programmed for various functions.
Features and Functionality
The Gaomon PD1161 comes with a range of features, including customizable hotkeys, a built-in battery-free pen, and support for Windows and macOS. It also offers tilt sensitivity, allowing you to create more dynamic strokes by tilting the pen. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers similar features, including customizable hotkeys, tilt sensitivity, and support for both Windows and macOS. It also features a unique “Smart Key” that can be programmed to perform multiple functions with a single press.
Software and Drivers
Both Gaomon and Xencelabs offer downloadable drivers for their tablets. Gaomon’s drivers are generally stable and reliable, while Xencelabs’ drivers are known for their advanced customization options and user-friendly interface. Xencelabs also provides a dedicated software, “Pen Tablet Control,” which allows you to fine-tune settings and calibrate the tablet for optimal performance.
Price and Value
The Gaomon PD1161 is generally more affordable than the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists and designers. However, the Xencelabs tablet offers a more premium experience with its higher-quality build, more responsive pen, and advanced software. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Gaomon PD1161: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and portable
- Large active area
- Responsive and accurate pen
- Customizable hotkeys
- Tilt sensitivity
Cons:
- Basic design
- No dedicated software
- Fewer pressure sensitivity levels than Xencelabs
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium design and build quality
- More responsive pen with higher pressure sensitivity
- Dedicated software with advanced customization options
- Smart Key for multi-functionality
- Excellent driver stability
Cons:
- Higher price than Gaomon
- Smaller active area than Gaomon
Which Tablet is Right for You?
The choice between the Gaomon PD1161 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize portability and a large active area, the Gaomon PD1161 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more and prioritize a premium experience with a highly responsive pen and advanced software, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is the way to go.
The Final Verdict: Choose Your Artistic Companion
Both the Gaomon PD1161 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offer excellent features and performance for artists and designers. The Gaomon PD1161 is a budget-friendly option with a large active area and responsive pen, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small provides a more premium experience with its advanced software and highly responsive pen. Ultimately, the best tablet for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and artistic preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q1: What are the minimum system requirements for both tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.12 or later. They also require a USB port for connection.
Q2: Are the pens compatible with other tablets?
A: The pens are not compatible with other tablets. They are designed to work specifically with their respective tablets.
Q3: Can I use the tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. However, they are primarily designed for drawing and sketching.
Q4: What are the dimensions of the tablets?
A: The Gaomon PD1161 measures 12.9 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small measures 11.7 x 7.2 x 0.3 inches.
Q5: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1161 is slightly more affordable and has a larger active area, which can be helpful for beginners. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a more premium experience and advanced software that can help beginners learn and improve their skills.
