Review of GAOMON S620 Graphics Tablet for Drawing and Online Teaching

Description

A Compact and Versatile Graphics Tablet for Creative Minds

Testing out the GAOMON S620 Graphics Tablet was an exciting experience for a digital art enthusiast like myself. This 6.5 x 4-inch tablet, with its impressive 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity, felt like a compact powerhouse for anyone venturing into digital art, gaming, or even online teaching. While it comes with a lot of advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind before diving in.

User-Friendly Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about this tablet was its sleek, minimalistic design. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around in a backpack. The surface area of 6.5 x 4 inches seemed perfect for smaller desks or working on the go. While it’s not as large as professional-grade tablets, the compact size is surprisingly effective for beginners or hobbyists.

The four customizable express keys on the side are a nice touch. I mapped mine to frequently used functions like undo, zoom, and brush size adjustment, which made my workflow so much smoother. The tablet feels sturdy enough, though it’s primarily plastic. The included two-finger glove made a noticeable difference in reducing friction, allowing my hand to glide smoothly over the surface.

Passive Pen Performance

One of the standout features is the battery-free pen. Not having to worry about charging the pen is a blessing, especially when you’re in the middle of a creative flow. The 8192 pressure levels provided remarkable precision, letting me create both delicate sketches and bold strokes effortlessly. I tested this with Adobe Photoshop, Krita, and CorelPainter, and the pen responded beautifully across all platforms. Even tiny details felt incredibly natural to draw, almost like using a traditional pencil.

However, the pen doesn’t come with an eraser tip, which might be an issue for some. Personally, I didn’t miss it too much since one of the express keys could be programmed as an eraser.

Compatibility and Software Integration

This tablet is a great fit for Windows, Mac, and Android devices, making it highly versatile. It worked seamlessly with Android (as long as the device supported OTG), although I had to purchase a separate USB adapter. On the PC side, it integrated well with popular programs like Adobe Illustrator, Clip Studio, and Paint Tool Sai2.

That said, setting it up for Android was slightly tricky. The lack of a straightforward guide for this part was frustrating, and I had to dig around online for a solution. Once configured, though, drawing on my Android tablet was a smooth experience.

Target Users: Who Is This Tablet For?

This device is primarily aimed at beginners and intermediate users. If you’re a student learning digital art or a casual gamer looking for a tablet compatible with Osu!, this is a fantastic option. It’s also useful for online teachers, as it functions well for annotating documents or presentations during virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom.

For professionals, however, the smaller size might feel limiting. Advanced users working on large, complex projects might prefer a larger tablet with additional features like a built-in screen.

Favorable Aspects

• Compact and portable design, ideal for small workspaces.
• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise and natural drawing.
• Battery-free pen eliminates the hassle of charging.
• Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Android systems.
• Customizable express keys enhance productivity.

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of an eraser tip on the pen.
• Setup for Android devices could be more user-friendly.
• The small working area might not suit professionals handling complex projects.

Product Comparisons

Compared to rivals like the Wacom Intuos Small, the GAOMON S620 holds its ground surprisingly well. Both offer similar features like customizable keys and pressure sensitivity, but the GAOMON’s battery-free pen is a clear win for convenience. However, Wacom’s software support and setup guides are typically more polished, which makes it easier for beginners to get started.

The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is another competitor worth mentioning. While it offers a larger drawing area, it’s also bulkier and less portable than the GAOMON S620. If portability is a priority, the GAOMON is a better choice.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of value for money, this tablet hits the sweet spot. It offers a solid set of features for a price that’s hard to beat, especially for beginners. You’re getting a durable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank. Sure, there are more expensive tablets out there with additional perks, but for its price range, this one delivers impressively.

I’d recommend this tablet for anyone looking to dip their toes into digital art, gaming, or online teaching. It strikes a great balance between affordability and functionality, making it a smart investment for casual users and aspiring artists alike.

Additional information