Gaomon PD1220 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Ultimate Drawing Tablet Showdown!

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the compact tablet space are the Gaomon PD1220 and the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small**. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for artists, designers, and illustrators. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Gaomon PD1220 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black, plastic build. It features eight customizable shortcut keys on the left side and four on the top, offering ample control during your creative process. The tablet’s surface is smooth and responsive, providing a comfortable drawing experience.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, takes a more premium approach with a sleek, aluminum design. It offers a minimal footprint, making it ideal for tight workspaces. The tablet features a dedicated ExpressKeys™ dial for quick access to brush size, opacity, and other essential settings. The surface is also smooth and responsive, but with a slightly textured feel for enhanced grip.

Pen Technology

Both tablets come equipped with pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural drawing experience. The Gaomon PD1220’s pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing accurate and nuanced strokes. It also includes tilt support, allowing you to create expressive lines and shading effects.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small‘s pen boasts a similar 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support. However, it stands out with its unique design. The pen is lightweight, balanced, and ergonomically designed, reducing fatigue during long drawing sessions. It also features two side buttons that can be customized to your liking.

Software and Compatibility

Both tablets offer excellent compatibility with popular creative software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The Gaomon PD1220 comes with driver software that allows you to customize pen settings, shortcut keys, and other features. It also supports Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small also offers driver software for customization and supports Windows and macOS. It’s noteworthy that Xencelabs provides a dedicated software suite called “Control Panel” that offers advanced pen settings, calibration tools, and other features.

Features and Functionality

The Gaomon PD1220 excels with its expansive active area, providing ample space for drawing and navigating your canvas. It also features a built-in LCD screen that displays real-time pressure sensitivity information, allowing you to monitor your strokes in detail.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small focuses on portability and ease of use. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel and on-the-go sketching. It also features a unique “Pen Display Mode” that allows you to use the tablet as a secondary display, extending your desktop workspace.

Price and Value

The Gaomon PD1220 is generally priced lower than the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small**. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a high-quality drawing tablet without breaking the bank.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is positioned at a slightly higher price point, reflecting its premium build quality, advanced features, and software suite. However, it offers excellent value for its price, especially for professionals and serious artists.

Gaomon PD1220 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Gaomon PD1220 and **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Gaomon PD1220 is a great choice for:
• Budget-conscious artists
• Those who need a large active area
• Artists who prefer a traditional drawing experience

• Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is a great choice for:
• Professionals and serious artists
• Those who value portability and ease of use
• Artists who appreciate premium build quality and advanced features

Final Verdict: Embracing Your Artistic Journey

Both the Gaomon PD1220 and **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** offer exceptional drawing experiences. The Gaomon PD1220 shines with its affordability and spacious drawing area, while the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** excels with its premium design, advanced features, and portability. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and artistic style.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The **Gaomon PD1220** offers a more affordable entry point, while the **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** provides a more premium experience with its ergonomic pen and intuitive software.

Q: Which tablet is better for professionals?
A: The **Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small** is generally preferred by professionals due to its premium build quality, advanced features, and dedicated software suite. However, the **Gaomon PD1220** can also be a viable option for professionals who prioritize a large active area and affordability.

Q: Is the Gaomon PD1220 compatible with macOS?
A: Yes, the Gaomon PD1220 is compatible with both Windows and macOS.

Q: Does the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small have a built-in screen?
A: No, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small does not have a built-in screen. It acts as a pressure-sensitive input device for your computer monitor.

Q: Which tablet has better pen pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing accurate and nuanced strokes. However, some users may find the Xencelabs pen to have a slightly more responsive and natural feel.