Main points
- The tablet boasts a sleek, frameless design with a smooth glass surface, offering a more natural drawing experience.
- The pen technology and pressure sensitivity play a significant role in replicating the natural feel of traditional drawing.
- The M1220 is a pen tablet without a display, requiring artists to rely on their computer monitor for visual feedback.
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 category are the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and professional artists alike. But which one comes out on top?
This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Gaomon M1220 and XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro boast sleek and modern designs, prioritizing functionality and user experience.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up. Its black and silver color scheme adds a touch of elegance. The tablet’s surface is made of a textured material that provides good grip and improves pen control.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro adopts a more minimalist approach with its black and red color scheme. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the M1220 but still remains portable. The tablet boasts a sleek, frameless design with a smooth glass surface, offering a more natural drawing experience.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area and resolution are crucial factors influencing the overall drawing experience.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 offers a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for intricate drawings and detailed work. It boasts a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring smooth and accurate pen strokes.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro features a slightly smaller active area of 9.7 x 6.5 inches but compensates with a higher resolution of 8192 LPI. This higher resolution translates to greater accuracy and sensitivity, allowing for finer details and smoother lines.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
The pen technology and pressure sensitivity play a significant role in replicating the natural feel of traditional drawing.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 comes with a passive pen that requires no battery or charging. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a responsive and nuanced drawing experience. The pen features two customizable buttons that can be programmed to perform various shortcuts.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro also utilizes a passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. However, it stands out with its improved pen technology, offering a more precise and natural feel. The pen boasts a comfortable ergonomic design with eight customizable buttons, allowing for greater control and efficiency.
Display and Color Accuracy
The display is a vital component for artists who rely on accurate color representation.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 is a pen tablet without a display, requiring artists to rely on their computer monitor for visual feedback. While this can be a limitation for some, it also allows for greater flexibility in terms of screen size and resolution.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro features a built-in display with a 13.3-inch screen and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This provides a direct and intuitive drawing experience, allowing artists to see their work in real-time. The display offers a wide color gamut and accurate color reproduction, ensuring faithful color representation.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets offer reliable connectivity and compatibility with various operating systems.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 connects to your computer via USB cable, ensuring a stable connection. It is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro also utilizes a USB cable for connectivity. It offers wider compatibility, supporting Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS.
Software and Drivers
Both Gaomon and XP-Pen provide dedicated software and drivers to enhance the user experience.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 comes with Gaomon’s driver software, which allows you to customize pen settings, calibrate the tablet, and configure shortcut keys.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro features XP-Pen’s driver software, offering similar customization options as Gaomon’s driver. It also includes additional features like screen rotation and pen calibration.
Pricing and Value
Both tablets offer excellent value for their price.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 is generally priced lower than the Artist 13.3 Pro, making it a budget-friendly option for artists on a tight budget.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro comes at a slightly higher price point due to its built-in display and advanced features. However, it offers exceptional value for its price, providing a comprehensive drawing experience.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Gaomon M1220 and XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro largely depends on your individual needs and budget.
Gaomon M1220: The M1220 is a solid choice for budget-conscious artists who prioritize a spacious active area and responsive pen technology. Its affordability and compatibility make it an excellent entry-level option.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro is ideal for artists who value a direct and intuitive drawing experience with a built-in display. Its superior pen technology, high resolution, and accurate color reproduction make it a great choice for professional and demanding users.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that meets your specific requirements and workflow. Consider factors such as budget, active area, resolution, pen technology, and display preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between the Gaomon M1220 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro?
A: The primary difference lies in the presence of a built-in display. The Artist 13.3 Pro features a 13.3-inch display, offering a direct drawing experience, while the M1220 is a pen tablet without a display, requiring you to use your computer monitor.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The M1220 is a more affordable option, while the Artist 13.3 Pro offers a more intuitive learning experience with its built-in display.
Q: Is the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro worth the extra cost?
A: The Artist 13.3 Pro’s additional cost is justified by its built-in display, improved pen technology, and higher resolution. If you prioritize a direct drawing experience and accurate color representation, the Artist 13.3 Pro is a worthy investment.
Q: Can I use the Gaomon M1220 with my iPad?
A: No, the Gaomon M1220 is not compatible with iPads. It is designed for use with Windows and macOS computers.
Q: What are the key features of the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro pen?
A: The Artist 13.3 Pro pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, eight customizable buttons, and an ergonomic design for comfortable drawing sessions.
