GAOMON M1230 Review | 66 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£55
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Type: pen tablet
  • Active drawing area: 41732 mm²
  • Resolution: N/A
  • Pen pressure levels: 8192
  • Report rate: 266 RPS

GAOMON M1230 review. Compare 66 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among drawing tablets and if it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the drawing tablet's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best drawing tablets on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.5

Technical Score

10.0%

7.8

User score

Good
6.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the drawing tablet's technical performance, covering eight key areas: drawing accuracy, pen performance, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, display quality, connectivity, software support, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare drawing tablets based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

50.0%

8.4

Pen & Input

40.0%

4.4

Display & Color

4.0%

6.6

Form Factor

3.0%

4.4

Connectivity

3.0%

6.0

Controls & Extras

Good
7.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

5.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(384)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(414)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 9.5
    Kids

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.7

    Weight

    45.0%

    10

    Price

    10.0%

    6.6

    Counted score

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Gaomon M1230 is an ultra-slim 12-inch graphics tablet featuring a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and ±60° tilt support via the battery-free AP32 stylus. It is equipped with a high report rate of 266 PPS and a resolution of 5080 LPI to ensure precise and lag-free input for digital art and online education. Main characteristics include a reversible Type-C port, a lightweight 510g build, and a comprehensive shortcut layout consisting of 13 express keys, 16 soft keys, and 13 dedicated multimedia keys. Its primary pros are its exceptional portability at just 7.5mm thick, broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Android, and the inclusion of a high number of customizable physical buttons to streamline workflow. However, potential cons include the lack of a built-in display, the absence of wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, and reported issues with shortcut key functionality when used in Android phone mode.

Technical Specifications of GAOMON M1230

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the drawing tablet's technical performance, covering eight key areas: drawing accuracy, pen performance, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, display quality, connectivity, software support, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare drawing tablets based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

50.0%

8.4

Pen & Input

40.0%

4.4

Display & Color

4.0%

6.6

Form Factor

3.0%

4.4

Connectivity

3.0%

6.0

Controls & Extras

6.5
GAOMON M1230 has a technical score of 6.51 points, which is lower than 58.3% of drawing tablets.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

5.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(384)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(414)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.8
GAOMON M1230 has a user score of 7.78 points, which is lower than 80.4% of drawing tablets.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
5.8
GAOMON M1230 has a popularity of 5.8 points, which is higher than 55.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the drawing tablet's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a drawing tablet with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.6
GAOMON M1230 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 53.6% of products in this category.
Type
What it is: Identifies whether the device is a screenless pen tablet or a pen display with its own built-in screen.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a screenless setup and direct on-screen drawing, because the device type changes how you position your hand, eyes, and workspace.

Importance: LOW

pen tablet
Display
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet itself includes an integrated screen instead of relying only on an external monitor.
When it matters: When you are deciding whether you want to draw directly on the tablet instead of looking at a separate monitor.

Importance: LOW

no
GAOMON M1230 does not have a display. 48.5% of drawing tablets have a display.
Compatibility
What it is: Shows which operating systems or platforms the tablet officially supports for drivers, software, and core input functions.
When it matters: When you need the tablet to work reliably with your current computer, phone, or creative software environment without driver problems.

Importance: LOW

Windows / macOS / Android
Wireless capability
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet can operate without a constant wired connection to the host device.
When it matters: When you want a cleaner desk, easier repositioning, or more flexibility for mobile use without a permanent cable tether.

Importance: LOW

no
GAOMON M1230 does not support wireless use. 18.6% of drawing tablets support wireless use.
Weight
What it is: Measures the total mass of the tablet, which affects portability, desk stability, and carrying comfort.
When it matters: When you move the tablet between rooms, carry it in a bag, or want it to feel stable without being cumbersome on the desk.

Importance: LOW

510 g
GAOMON M1230 weighs 510 g, lighter than 71.7% of drawing tablets.
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Active drawing area
What it is: Represents the usable surface where pen input is detected for drawing, writing, or navigation.
When it matters: When you want enough working space for broad arm movements, long strokes, or detailed retouching without feeling cramped.

Importance: HIGH

41,732 mm²
GAOMON M1230 offers an active drawing area of 41732 mm², larger than that of 51.3% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 1.1% of drawing tablets.
PC mode 258.4 x 161.5 mm.
Screen size
What it is: Measures the diagonal size of the built-in display, usually in inches, for pen display models.
When it matters: When you work directly on a pen display and need enough room for menus, canvas space, and hand placement at the same time.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Resolution
What it is: Shows the total number of display pixels available across the panel and defines image detail.
When it matters: When you want interface elements, brush edges, and artwork details to look clean on a built-in display.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Pixel density
What it is: Measures how many pixels are packed into each inch of the display, affecting sharpness and fine detail.
When it matters: When you are sensitive to visible pixels while drawing fine lines, reading small text, or checking detailed artwork.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Typical brightness
What it is: Represents the usual screen luminance the display can sustain in normal operation, usually measured in nits.
When it matters: When you work in bright rooms and need the display to remain clearly visible without washing out.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Stylus included
What it is: Indicates whether a compatible drawing pen is included in the box rather than sold separately.
When it matters: When you want to start drawing immediately and avoid paying extra for a compatible pen after buying the tablet.

Importance: HIGH

yes
GAOMON M1230 comes with a stylus. This feature is present on 100% of drawing tablets.
Pen technology
What it is: Identifies the stylus input technology used, such as EMR, AES, active, or passive implementations.
When it matters: When you compare drawing feel, charging needs, and compatibility between different pen systems.

Importance: HIGH

EMR (battery-free)
GAOMON M1230 uses EMR (battery-free) pen technology, more advanced than that of 4.6% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 95.4% of drawing tablets.
Pen pressure levels
What it is: Shows how many distinct pressure steps the stylus can register while drawing or writing.
When it matters: When you vary line weight and brush intensity often, because more pressure steps can give finer control over stroke response.

Importance: HIGH

8,192
GAOMON M1230 supports 8192 pen pressure levels, more than 9.3% of drawing tablets and equal to 75.7% of drawing tablets.
Pen resolution
What it is: Measures the positional precision of the pen input system, commonly expressed in lines per inch.
When it matters: When you need accurate cursor placement for detailed illustration, masking, or careful selection work.

Importance: HIGH

5,080 LPI
GAOMON M1230 supports a pen resolution of 5080 LPI, higher than that of 5.7% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 94.3% of drawing tablets.
Report rate
What it is: Shows how often the pen position is reported to the system, which influences cursor responsiveness.
When it matters: When you want pen tracking to feel snappy during fast strokes, handwriting, or quick gesture-based work.

Importance: HIGH

266 RPS
GAOMON M1230 has a report rate of 266 RPS, higher than that of 61.3% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 21.6% of drawing tablets.
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet supports Bluetooth for wireless connection to compatible devices or accessories.
When it matters: When you want wireless pairing with accessories or a less cable-heavy setup around the tablet.

Importance: LOW

no
GAOMON M1230 does not support Bluetooth. 13% of drawing tablets support Bluetooth.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports for high-speed data, charging, or display-related connections.
When it matters: When you want modern high-bandwidth Type-C connections for data, charging, or display-oriented accessories.

Importance: LOW

0
GAOMON M1230 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports, equal to 79.4% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports used for general data, charging, or accessory links.
When it matters: When you need flexible Type-C connectivity for everyday data links, charging, or accessory support.

Importance: LOW

1
GAOMON M1230 has 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports, more than 32.5% of drawing tablets and equal to 57.3% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for high-speed data transfer and peripheral connection.
When it matters: When you plan to connect fast external storage or peripherals directly and want enough high-speed Type-A ports.

Importance: LOW

0
GAOMON M1230 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, equal to 98.7% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports for standard high-speed peripheral and storage connections.
When it matters: When you still use standard USB-A devices and want enough direct ports without carrying a hub.

Importance: LOW

0
GAOMON M1230 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, equal to 98.1% of drawing tablets.
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N. of express keys
What it is: Counts the programmable shortcut keys built into the tablet for quick access to commands.
When it matters: When you rely on shortcut-heavy workflows and want more actions accessible on the tablet without reaching for the keyboard.

Importance: LOW

29
GAOMON M1230 has 29 express keys, more than 100% of drawing tablets.
Includes built-in soft keys.
N. of dials
What it is: Counts the physical dials or rotary controls available for shortcuts, zoom, brush size, or similar functions.
When it matters: When you want physical rotary controls for zoom, brush size, timeline scrubbing, or other actions you repeat constantly.

Importance: LOW

0
GAOMON M1230 has 0 dials, equal to 77.2% of drawing tablets.
Stand included
What it is: Indicates whether a separate stand is included to support the tablet at adjustable working angles.
When it matters: When you want an ergonomic drawing angle right away and do not want to budget for a separate stand after purchase.

Importance: LOW

no
GAOMON M1230 does not come with a stand. 29.1% of drawing tablets come with a stand.
Fold-out legs
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet has built-in fold-out legs for basic angle adjustment on a desk.
When it matters: When you want a quick built-in way to tilt the tablet without buying a separate stand first.

Importance: LOW

no
GAOMON M1230 does not have fold-out legs. 7.3% of drawing tablets have fold-out legs.
Pen stand included
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated holder or stand for the stylus is included in the package.
When it matters: When you want the stylus stored safely on the desk instead of rolling around or getting misplaced between sessions.

Importance: LOW

no
GAOMON M1230 does not come with a pen stand. 59.6% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
Only loop/clip storage.
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GAOMON M1230 vs the average drawing tablet

  • 23 more express keys
    GAOMON M1230 has more express keys than the average drawing tablet (29 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.
    Includes built-in soft keys.
    What it is: Counts the programmable shortcut keys built into the tablet for quick access to commands.
    When it matters: When you rely on shortcut-heavy workflows and want more actions accessible on the tablet without reaching for the keyboard.

    Importance: LOW

    GAOMON M1230 has more express keys than the average drawing tablet (29 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.29 vs 6
  • 14.2% higher report rate
    GAOMON M1230 has a higher report rate than the average drawing tablet (266 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
    What it is: Shows how often the pen position is reported to the system, which influences cursor responsiveness.
    When it matters: When you want pen tracking to feel snappy during fast strokes, handwriting, or quick gesture-based work.

    Importance: HIGH

    GAOMON M1230 has a higher report rate than the average drawing tablet (266 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.266 RPS vs 233 RPS
  • 9.4% lighter pen
    GAOMON M1230 includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (12 g vs 13.25 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.25 g.
    What it is: Measures the mass of the stylus itself, which affects long-session comfort and handling feel.
    When it matters: When hand comfort matters during long drawing sessions and you are sensitive to how heavy a stylus feels over time.

    Importance: HIGH

    GAOMON M1230 includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (12 g vs 13.25 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.25 g.12 g vs 13.25 g
  • 3 mm thinner body
    GAOMON M1230 is thinner than the average drawing tablet (7.5 mm vs 10.5 mm). The average drawing tablet is 10.5 mm thick.
    What it is: Describes the front-to-back depth of the tablet body, which affects portability and how slim the device feels.
    When it matters: When slimness matters for packing the tablet away, carrying it daily, or keeping the drawing surface low on the desk.

    Importance: LOW

    GAOMON M1230 is thinner than the average drawing tablet (7.5 mm vs 10.5 mm). The average drawing tablet is 10.5 mm thick.7.5 mm vs 10.5 mm
  • 32.5% lighter design
    GAOMON M1230 is lighter than the average drawing tablet (510 g vs 755 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 755 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the tablet, which affects portability, desk stability, and carrying comfort.
    When it matters: When you move the tablet between rooms, carry it in a bag, or want it to feel stable without being cumbersome on the desk.

    Importance: LOW

    GAOMON M1230 is lighter than the average drawing tablet (510 g vs 755 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 755 g.510 g vs 755 g
  • 3 mm thinner body
    GAOMON M1230 is thinner than the average drawing tablet (7.5 mm vs 10.5 mm). The average drawing tablet is 10.5 mm thick.
  • 32.5% lighter design
    GAOMON M1230 is lighter than the average drawing tablet (510 g vs 755 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 755 g.
  • 14.2% higher report rate
    GAOMON M1230 has a higher report rate than the average drawing tablet (266 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
  • 9.4% lighter pen
    GAOMON M1230 includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (12 g vs 13.25 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.25 g.
  • 23 more express keys
    GAOMON M1230 has more express keys than the average drawing tablet (29 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.
  • 2 fewer nibs included
    GAOMON M1230 includes fewer replacement nibs than the average drawing tablet (8 vs 10). The average drawing tablet includes 10 replacement nibs.
  • No pen stand included
    GAOMON M1230 does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
    Only loop/clip storage.
  • 2 fewer nibs included
    GAOMON M1230 includes fewer replacement nibs than the average drawing tablet (8 vs 10). The average drawing tablet includes 10 replacement nibs.
    What it is: Counts how many replacement pen nibs are included with the tablet or stylus package.
    When it matters: When you want spare nibs in the box so heavy use does not force an immediate extra purchase.

    Importance: HIGH

    GAOMON M1230 includes fewer replacement nibs than the average drawing tablet (8 vs 10). The average drawing tablet includes 10 replacement nibs.8 vs 10
  • No pen stand included
    GAOMON M1230 does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
    Only loop/clip storage.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated holder or stand for the stylus is included in the package.
    When it matters: When you want the stylus stored safely on the desk instead of rolling around or getting misplaced between sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    GAOMON M1230 does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
  • 2.8% lower user score
    GAOMON M1230 has a lower user score than the average drawing tablet (7.78 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    GAOMON M1230 has a lower user score than the average drawing tablet (7.78 vs 8.000).7.78 vs 8

Graphic comparison of GAOMON M1230 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about GAOMON M1230?

  • Highly affordable and offers excellent value for money for beginners or budget-conscious artists
  • Large 10 x 6.25 inch active drawing area provides ample space for comfortable movement
  • Smooth, paper-like surface texture enhances the drawing feel compared to glassy screens
  • Battery-free AP32 pen features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60° tilt support for natural lines
  • Slim (7.5mm) and lightweight (510g) design makes it highly portable for travel
  • Supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Android devices via OTG

What customers dislike about GAOMON M1230?

  • Buttons are not ambidextrous, which may be inconvenient for left-handed users as they cannot be switched to the other side
  • Lacks a physical touch ring or dialer found on other Gaomon models like the M10K Pro
  • Multimedia keys are fixed to default functions and do not support custom reprogramming
  • Some users reported initial difficulty finding and installing the correct drivers to enable full functionality
  • Limited diagonal line jittering has been observed by some reviewers during slow strokes

Expert reviews

F
fredzone.org
07/07/2022

The GAOMON M1230 is an affordable, entry-friendly 12-inch graphics tablet with a 16:9 aspect ratio matching standard computer monitors, offering a spacious 25.84 cm x 16,15 cm work area. The tablet is highly portable due to its thin and lightweight chassis, and it features non-slip pads at the back to keep it stable during use. Setting up the device is straightforward across Mac,...Read more

C
christec.net
25/03/2022

Here is a specific summary of the Gaomon M1230 graphic tablet review: Review Summary The Gaomon M1230 is an screenless, budget-friendly graphic tablet designed specifically for novices, digital artists on a tight budget, and mobile creators. Measuring only 7.5 mm thick and weighing 510 grams, this lightweight device features an eco-friendly ABS plastic build with a distinct...Read more

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