Drawing Tablet Duel: Gaomon PD1320 vs XP Pen Artist Pro 16 – Which is Best for You?

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 mid-range category are the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for digital artists of all levels. But which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.

Active Area and Resolution: A Canvas for Your Creativity

The active area is the surface of the tablet where your stylus movements are translated into digital strokes. The Gaomon PD1320 boasts a spacious 13.3-inch active area, while the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 offers a slightly larger 15.6-inch canvas. This extra real estate on the XP-Pen tablet can be beneficial for detailed artwork and multi-tasking, providing more room for your hand and tools to move freely.

Resolution, on the other hand, determines the accuracy and precision of your strokes. The Gaomon PD1320 features a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), while the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 offers a higher resolution of 5080 LPI. This means that the XP-Pen tablet can capture finer details and nuances in your strokes, resulting in a more precise and realistic digital art experience.

Stylus Technology: The Heart of Your Digital Art Experience

The stylus is the extension of your hand, translating your creative vision into digital form. Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 come bundled with battery-free styluses, eliminating the need for charging and ensuring uninterrupted creative flow.

The Gaomon PD1320 stylus has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for subtle variations in line thickness and pressure-sensitive brush effects. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, however, takes it a step further with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support. This means that you can not only control the thickness of your lines based on pressure but also achieve natural-looking shading and blending by tilting the stylus.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control at Your Fingertips

The design and ergonomics of a drawing tablet significantly impact your comfort and workflow. The Gaomon PD1320 is a compact and lightweight tablet, making it easy to transport and set up. Its sleek design features a black finish with a textured surface, providing a good grip.

The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, on the other hand, embraces a more robust design with a larger footprint. Its sleek, black frame and textured surface contribute to a comfortable and secure grip. The tablet also comes with adjustable legs, allowing you to tilt it to your preferred angle, promoting better posture and reducing strain.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Seamless Integration with Your Workflow

Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 offer versatile connectivity options. The Gaomon PD1320 connects via USB-C, providing a stable and reliable connection. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, however, goes a step further with dual connectivity options: USB-C and HDMI. This allows you to connect the tablet to your computer via USB-C for basic functionality or utilize the HDMI connection for a full HD display experience, ideal for professional workflows.

Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with your existing setup. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 also offers compatibility with Android devices, expanding its versatility for mobile creatives.

Software and Drivers: Empowering Your Creative Journey

Software and drivers play a crucial role in optimizing your drawing experience. Both the Gaomon PD1320 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 come with dedicated drivers that offer customization options for pressure sensitivity, key mapping, and other settings.

The Gaomon PD1320 driver is straightforward and easy to use, providing basic customization options. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 driver, however, offers a more comprehensive suite of features, including customizable hotkeys, screen rotation, and advanced settings for pressure sensitivity and tilt control.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot for Your Budget

Price is often a key factor in choosing a drawing tablet. The Gaomon PD1320 generally comes at a more affordable price point compared to the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists who are looking for a solid entry-level drawing tablet.

However, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, while slightly pricier, offers a more advanced feature set, including a larger active area, higher resolution, tilt support, and dual connectivity options. Its investment-worthy features make it a compelling choice for professional artists and those looking for a more immersive and precise drawing experience.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Needs

So, which tablet reigns supreme? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re on a budget and looking for a solid entry-level drawing tablet with a spacious active area, the Gaomon PD1320 is a great choice.

However, if you value a larger active area, higher resolution, tilt support, dual connectivity, and a more comprehensive driver suite, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 offers a more advanced and feature-rich experience. Ultimately, the best tablet for you is the one that best suits your workflow, budget, and artistic aspirations.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Are there any limitations to using the Gaomon PD1320 or the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 with a Mac?

A: Both tablets are compatible with macOS, but you might encounter limited functionality with some drawing software or features. It’s always recommended to check the software compatibility and driver updates for optimal performance.

Q: What are the advantages of using a drawing tablet over a touchscreen?

A: Drawing tablets offer a more natural and precise drawing experience compared to touchscreens. They provide better pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a wider active area, allowing for more detailed and nuanced strokes.

Q: Can I use the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 with an Android device?

A: Yes, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 is compatible with Android devices via USB-C connection. This makes it a versatile option for mobile creatives who want to create art on the go.

Q: What are some recommended drawing software programs that work well with both tablets?

A: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook. You can choose the software that best suits your style and workflow.