Summary
- The absence of any air gap between the glass and the display layer reduces parallax, providing a more natural and accurate drawing experience.
- A laminated display has a thin layer of glass directly bonded to the LCD panel, creating a more seamless and responsive drawing experience with reduced parallax.
- A non-laminated display has a small air gap between the glass and the LCD, which can create a slight delay and make it feel like you’re drawing on a different surface.
Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can feel like navigating a labyrinth of features, specs, and price points. Two popular contenders often find themselves at the top of many artists’ lists: the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro. Both offer a large, immersive drawing experience, but their differences lie in the details. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into each tablet’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision for your creative journey.
A Glimpse into the Features
Gaomon PD1560: This tablet boasts a 15.6-inch full-laminated display with a 1920×1080 resolution, offering a crisp and vibrant canvas for your art. Its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a battery-free pen provide a natural and responsive drawing experience. The PD1560 also features 10 customizable shortcut keys and a touch ring for added control.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro: This tablet also boasts a 15.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution, but with a laminated screen. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a battery-free pen with an ergonomic design. The Artist 15.6 Pro features 8 customizable shortcut keys and a touch bar for quick adjustments.
The Battle of the Displays
Both tablets feature a 15.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution, making them ideal for detailed work. However, the PD1560’s full-laminated screen boasts a slight advantage. The absence of any air gap between the glass and the display layer reduces parallax, providing a more natural and accurate drawing experience. This is particularly beneficial for artists who rely on precise linework and detail.
A Deeper Dive into Pen Performance
Both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring a responsive and nuanced brushstroke. However, the PD1560’s pen boasts a slightly lower activation force, making it feel more responsive to subtle pressure changes. This can be a significant advantage for artists who prefer a more delicate and intuitive drawing experience.
The Battle of the Buttons and Shortcuts
The PD1560 offers 10 customizable shortcut keys and a touch ring, providing a wider range of control options. This can be particularly beneficial for artists who frequently use keyboard shortcuts or prefer quick access to frequently used tools. The Artist 15.6 Pro features 8 shortcut keys and a touch bar, offering a more minimalist approach to shortcut access.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Gaomon PD1560 is a fantastic choice for artists who prioritize:
- A more natural drawing experience: The full-laminated display and lower pen activation force contribute to a more accurate and responsive feel.
- Extensive customization: The 10 customizable shortcut keys and touch ring offer a high level of control.
- A budget-friendly option: The PD1560 is often priced slightly lower than the Artist 15.6 Pro.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is a great option for artists who value:
- Ergonomic design: The pen’s comfortable grip and the tablet’s sleek design make for a comfortable drawing experience.
- Minimalist design: The 8 shortcut keys and touch bar offer a streamlined approach to shortcut access.
- A well-established brand: XP-Pen has a strong reputation in the drawing tablet market.
The Final Word: Beyond the Specs
While the technical specs can provide valuable insights, ultimately, the best drawing tablet is the one that feels most natural and intuitive for you. Consider trying both tablets if possible, or researching user reviews and videos to get a better understanding of their feel and functionality. Remember, the most important factor is finding a drawing tablet that helps you unleash your creativity and bring your artistic vision to life.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. What is the difference between a laminated and a non-laminated display?
A laminated display has a thin layer of glass directly bonded to the LCD panel, creating a more seamless and responsive drawing experience with reduced parallax. A non-laminated display has a small air gap between the glass and the LCD, which can create a slight delay and make it feel like you’re drawing on a different surface.
2. Does the Gaomon PD1560 or the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro have a better pen?
Both tablets offer excellent pen performance with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. However, the PD1560’s pen has a slightly lower activation force, making it feel more responsive to subtle pressure changes.
3. What is the difference between shortcut keys and a touch bar?
Shortcut keys are physical buttons that you can program to perform specific actions, such as changing brushes or switching between layers. A touch bar is a touch-sensitive strip that allows you to control various functions by dragging your finger across it.
4. Can I use these tablets with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, both the Gaomon PD1560 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
5. Which tablet is better for beginners?
Both tablets are great for beginners. If you’re unsure which one to choose, consider the PD1560’s slightly lower price point and its more responsive pen. However, the Artist 15.6 Pro’s ergonomic design and well-established brand may be appealing to some beginners.
