Quick summary
- The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 boasts a more premium feel with a metal stand and a sleek black frame.
- The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 comes at a higher price point, but it justifies the cost with its superior display quality, build quality, and pen performance.
- The Gaomon M1230 offers exceptional value for money, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those on a tight budget.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range category are the Gaomon M1230 and the Huion Kamvas 16 2021. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Gaomon M1230: The Gaomon M1230 features a sleek and minimalist design with a black plastic body. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport. The active area of the tablet is 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for drawing. The pen holder is conveniently located on the side of the tablet, and it includes eight customizable shortcut keys.
Huion Kamvas 16 2021: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 boasts a more premium feel with a metal stand and a sleek black frame. Its larger 15.6-inch display offers a more immersive drawing experience. The tablet comes with a stand that allows for multiple viewing angles, and it includes six customizable shortcut keys.
Verdict: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 wins this round with its more robust build quality and larger display. However, the Gaomon M1230’s portability and compact size might be a deciding factor for some users.
Display
Gaomon M1230: The Gaomon M1230 comes with a 10.1-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution. It offers decent color accuracy and viewing angles, but it lacks the vibrant colors and high refresh rate of the Kamvas 16 2021.
Huion Kamvas 16 2021: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It boasts a wider color gamut, higher refresh rate, and better color accuracy than the M1230. The laminated screen reduces parallax, providing a more natural drawing experience.
Verdict: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 takes the lead with its superior display quality. The larger screen size and improved color accuracy make it a better choice for professional artists and those who demand a more immersive drawing experience.
Pen and Pressure Sensitivity
Gaomon M1230: The Gaomon M1230 comes with a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen feels comfortable to hold, and it offers decent responsiveness.
Huion Kamvas 16 2021: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 also features a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen is slightly heavier than the M1230’s pen, but it offers a more precise and responsive feel. The pen has two side buttons that can be customized for different functions.
Verdict: Both tablets offer excellent pressure sensitivity, but the Huion Kamvas 16 2021’s pen is slightly more precise and responsive, making it a better choice for detailed work.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Gaomon M1230: The Gaomon M1230 connects to your computer via a USB cable. It is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.
Huion Kamvas 16 2021: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 also connects via a USB cable. It supports both Windows and macOS operating systems. Additionally, it offers a Type-C port for future compatibility.
Verdict: Both tablets offer similar connectivity options and compatibility. The Huion Kamvas 16 2021’s Type-C port gives it a slight edge for future-proofing.
Price and Value
Gaomon M1230: The Gaomon M1230 is generally priced lower than the Huion Kamvas 16 2021. It offers excellent value for money, especially for budget-conscious artists.
Huion Kamvas 16 2021: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 comes at a higher price point, but it justifies the cost with its superior display quality, build quality, and pen performance.
Verdict: The Gaomon M1230 offers exceptional value for money, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those on a tight budget. The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 provides a more premium experience and justifies its higher price for professional artists and those who prioritize quality.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Gaomon M1230: If you’re looking for an affordable, portable, and easy-to-use drawing tablet, the Gaomon M1230 is a great option. It’s perfect for beginners, students, and casual artists.
Huion Kamvas 16 2021: If you demand a more immersive drawing experience with superior display quality, build quality, and pen performance, the Huion Kamvas 16 2021 is the better choice. It’s ideal for professional artists, illustrators, and those who prioritize quality and precision.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider your drawing style, desired features, and budget before making your decision.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Additional Features
Both the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Kamvas 16 2021 come equipped with additional features that enhance the drawing experience. These include:
- Shortcut Keys: Both tablets offer customizable shortcut keys that allow you to quickly access frequently used functions like undo, redo, and zoom.
- Anti-Glare Coating: The Huion Kamvas 16 2021 features an anti-glare coating that reduces reflections, making it easier to draw in bright environments.
- Driver Support: Both tablets come with compatible drivers that allow you to customize pen settings, calibrate the display, and configure shortcut keys.
- Compatibility: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
The Future of Drawing Tablets: What’s Next?
The drawing tablet market is constantly evolving, with manufacturers constantly improving features and releasing new models. Here are some trends to watch out for:
- Higher Resolution Displays: Expect to see even higher resolution displays in future drawing tablets, offering even greater detail and clarity.
- Improved Color Accuracy: Manufacturers are continuously striving to improve color accuracy, ensuring that colors are displayed accurately and consistently.
- Advanced Pen Technology: New pen technologies are being developed to offer even more precise pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and responsiveness.
- Wireless Connectivity: Wireless connectivity is becoming increasingly popular, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a clutter-free workspace.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor?
A: A drawing tablet is a device that uses a pen to interact with a computer screen. It typically has a separate screen and a drawing surface, while a drawing monitor has a single screen that acts as both the display and the drawing surface.
Q: Which is better for beginners, the Gaomon M1230 or the Huion Kamvas 16 2021?
A: The Gaomon M1230 is a great option for beginners due to its affordability and ease of use. However, the Huion Kamvas 16 2021 offers a more immersive and professional experience, making it suitable for beginners who are willing to invest in a higher-quality tablet.
Q: Can I use either tablet with my iPad or Android tablet?
A: Both tablets are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with iPads or Android tablets.
Q: What is the warranty on these tablets?
A: Both the Gaomon M1230 and Huion Kamvas 16 2021 come with a one-year warranty.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. The pressure sensitivity of the pens allows for precise control over brush strokes and other editing tools.
