Main points
- It boasts exceptional pen pressure sensitivity, a sleek and ergonomic design, and customizable buttons for a personalized workflow.
- The Gaomon PD1320 is a budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those on a tight budget.
- The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** provides exceptional pen pressure sensitivity, a comfortable pen, and customizable buttons for a streamlined workflow.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. Two popular contenders in the market are the Gaomon PD1320 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small**, both offering compelling features at different price points. This comprehensive comparison aims to guide you in making an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Unveiling the Contenders: Gaomon PD1320 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small
Gaomon PD1320 is a budget-friendly option known for its large active area, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with both Windows and macOS. Its affordable price makes it an attractive choice for beginners and those on a tight budget.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a premium tablet designed for professional artists and designers. It boasts exceptional pen pressure sensitivity, a sleek and ergonomic design, and customizable buttons for a personalized workflow. However, its higher price tag may be a deterrent for casual users.
Active Area and Dimensions: Finding the Right Canvas
The Gaomon PD1320 boasts a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for intricate drawings and detailed illustrations. Its overall dimensions are 13.78 x 8.66 x 0.39 inches, making it a relatively large tablet.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a smaller active area of 7.9 x 5.9 inches, which may be sufficient for most digital art tasks. Its compact dimensions of 10.24 x 7.17 x 0.35 inches make it highly portable and ideal for travel.
Pen Pressure Sensitivity: Unleashing Your Artistic Expression
Both tablets offer excellent pen pressure sensitivity, a crucial factor for achieving natural and nuanced strokes. The Gaomon PD1320 boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control over line thickness and brush strokes.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small takes it a step further with 10,240 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing even greater precision and responsiveness. This higher sensitivity is particularly beneficial for professional artists who require the utmost accuracy in their work.
Pen Functionality and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control
The Gaomon PD1320 comes with a comfortable and lightweight pen that features two side buttons for customizable functions. It also supports pen tilt recognition, adding another layer of expressiveness to your drawings.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is renowned for its exceptional pen design. It features a textured grip for enhanced control and a balanced weight distribution for fatigue-free drawing sessions. The pen also includes two side buttons and a built-in eraser for a seamless workflow.
Buttons and Customization: Personalizing Your Workflow
Both tablets offer customizable buttons for shortcuts and hotkeys, streamlining your workflow. The Gaomon PD1320 features six programmable buttons on the tablet itself, allowing for quick access to frequently used tools.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small goes a step further with a dedicated ExpressKeys remote that provides eight customizable buttons. This allows for even more personalization and efficiency, especially for professional artists who rely on multiple shortcuts.
Software Compatibility and Drivers: Seamless Integration
Both the Gaomon PD1320 and **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They come with their respective drivers, which provide essential customization options and ensure smooth performance.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Gaomon PD1320 is a budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those on a tight budget. Its affordable price point allows you to explore digital art without breaking the bank.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a premium tablet designed for professional artists and designers. Its higher price reflects its exceptional features and build quality, making it a worthwhile investment for serious creatives.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You: A Decision Framework
If you are:
- A beginner or on a budget: The **Gaomon PD1320** offers a great value for money with its large active area and responsive pen.
- A professional artist or designer: The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** provides exceptional pen pressure sensitivity, a comfortable pen, and customizable buttons for a streamlined workflow.
- Looking for portability: The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** is more compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel.
- Need a large drawing area: The **Gaomon PD1320** boasts a bigger active area, perfect for intricate drawings and illustrations.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Battle
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Gaomon PD1320 offers a solid blend of features and affordability, while the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** delivers a premium experience with exceptional pen technology and customization options. Consider your budget, workflow, and artistic aspirations to make the right decision.
What You Need to Know
1. Is the Gaomon PD1320 compatible with Android devices?
No, the Gaomon PD1320 is not compatible with Android devices. It is primarily designed for use with Windows and macOS operating systems.
2. Does the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small come with a screen protector?
No, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small does not come with a screen protector. You may need to purchase one separately to protect the tablet’s surface.
3. Can I use the Gaomon PD1320 with Photoshop and Illustrator?
Yes, the Gaomon PD1320 is compatible with popular software like Photoshop and Illustrator. It can be used for a wide range of digital art tasks, including drawing, painting, and graphic design.
4. What is the difference between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium?
The main difference is the active area. The Small version has a smaller active area, making it more portable, while the Medium version offers a larger drawing space.
5. Are there any specific drawing programs recommended for these tablets?
Both tablets are compatible with various drawing programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The choice depends on your personal preference and artistic style.
