Overview
- Pressure sensitivity is a crucial aspect of any drawing tablet, as it allows for subtle variations in line thickness and opacity, mimicking the feel of traditional drawing tools.
- The pen is similar to the PD1220’s in terms of weight and ergonomics, but it offers a slightly more textured grip for enhanced control.
- Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the XP-Pen Innovator 16 offer excellent performance for drawing and illustration, delivering a smooth and responsive experience.
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 market are the Gaomon PD1220 and the XP-Pen Innovator 16. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion for your creative needs?
This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of both tablets, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll explore their design, display, pressure sensitivity, drivers, and overall performance, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to guide you towards the ideal choice.
Design and Build Quality
The Gaomon PD1220 and the XP-Pen Innovator 16 boast sleek, modern designs that prioritize user comfort and functionality. Both tablets feature a slim profile and a textured surface, providing a comfortable grip during extended drawing sessions.
Gaomon PD1220
The PD1220’s design is minimalist, with a black plastic exterior and a single button for switching between pen modes. It’s lightweight and portable, making it suitable for both home and on-the-go use.
XP-Pen Innovator 16
The Innovator 16 presents a slightly more robust design, with a metal frame and a textured surface that feels more premium. It features eight customizable buttons on the side, offering greater control and flexibility during your workflow.
In terms of build quality, both tablets are sturdy and well-constructed, offering reliable performance in everyday use. However, the Innovator 16’s metal frame adds a touch of durability and sophistication.
Display and Screen Size
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the XP-Pen Innovator 16 offer a 15.6-inch display with a Full HD resolution (1920×1080). This provides a spacious canvas for your creative endeavors, allowing you to work on intricate details with ease.
Gaomon PD1220
The PD1220’s display is a laminated screen, which means there’s minimal parallax between the pen tip and the displayed image. This results in a more natural and accurate drawing experience. The screen also features a matte finish, reducing glare and enhancing visibility, even in brightly lit environments.
XP-Pen Innovator 16
The Innovator 16’s display is also laminated, offering a similar level of accuracy and responsiveness. However, it features a glossy finish, which can lead to reflections and glare in certain lighting conditions.
In terms of display quality, both tablets offer a vibrant and accurate color reproduction, delivering a realistic and immersive drawing experience. However, the PD1220’s matte finish provides a slight edge in terms of glare reduction and overall visibility.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Performance
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial aspect of any drawing tablet, as it allows for subtle variations in line thickness and opacity, mimicking the feel of traditional drawing tools.
Gaomon PD1220
The PD1220 offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a high level of detail and responsiveness. The pen itself is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with two side buttons for customization.
XP-Pen Innovator 16
The Innovator 16 also features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring accurate and nuanced linework. The pen is similar to the PD1220’s in terms of weight and ergonomics, but it offers a slightly more textured grip for enhanced control.
Both tablets deliver a smooth and responsive pen experience, accurately translating your strokes onto the screen. The level of pressure sensitivity is sufficient for both detailed illustrations and expressive brushwork.
Drivers and Software
The drivers and software play a crucial role in optimizing the performance of your drawing tablet. Both Gaomon and XP-Pen offer dedicated software for their tablets, providing customization options and essential features.
Gaomon PD1220
The PD1220’s drivers are generally stable and reliable, offering basic customization options for pen buttons and screen settings. However, the software lacks advanced features compared to XP-Pen’s offering.
XP-Pen Innovator 16
The Innovator 16’s drivers are known for their stability and comprehensive feature set. They allow for detailed customization of pen buttons, screen settings, and even shortcut keys. The software also integrates with popular creative applications, enhancing your workflow.
While both tablets provide basic functionality, the Innovator 16’s drivers offer a more extensive and user-friendly experience, particularly for users seeking advanced customization options.
Overall Performance and Value
Both the Gaomon PD1220 and the XP-Pen Innovator 16 offer excellent performance for drawing and illustration, delivering a smooth and responsive experience. However, their strengths and weaknesses lie in specific areas.
Gaomon PD1220
The PD1220 excels in affordability, offering a high-quality drawing experience at a competitive price. Its laminated display and matte finish provide a comfortable and glare-free drawing experience. However, its software lacks the advanced features found in XP-Pen’s offerings.
XP-Pen Innovator 16
The Innovator 16 stands out with its robust build quality, advanced software features, and overall versatility. Its customizable buttons and comprehensive driver settings offer greater control and flexibility during your workflow. However, it comes at a slightly higher price point compared to the PD1220.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and a comfortable drawing experience, the Gaomon PD1220 is an excellent option. However, if you require advanced customization options and a more feature-rich software experience, the XP-Pen Innovator 16 is the clear winner.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The Gaomon PD1220 and the XP-Pen Innovator 16 are both exceptional drawing tablets offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. The PD1220 excels in affordability and a comfortable drawing experience, while the Innovator 16 shines with its robust design, advanced software, and overall versatility.
Choose the Gaomon PD1220 if:
- You prioritize affordability.
- You prefer a minimalist design.
- You value a glare-free drawing experience.
Choose the XP-Pen Innovator 16 if:
- You need advanced customization options.
- You prefer a robust and durable design.
- You value a feature-rich software experience.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Gaomon PD1220 offers a simple and straightforward experience, while the XP-Pen Innovator 16 provides more customization options for those who want to explore advanced settings.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. However, they are primarily designed for drawing and illustration. If you’re looking for a tablet specifically for photo editing, consider a tablet with a higher resolution display and more precise pen pressure sensitivity.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor?
A drawing tablet is a device that allows you to draw on a surface and have your strokes reflected on a separate monitor. A drawing monitor, on the other hand, combines the drawing surface and the display into one unit.
Q: Which operating systems are these tablets compatible with?
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q: What is the warranty for these tablets?
Gaomon and XP-Pen offer a standard one-year warranty for their tablets.
