GAOMON PD1161 Drawing Tablet with Screen - Pen Display for Artists

In this review of the GAOMON PD1161 drawing tablet, the bottom line is simple: it is a compact pen display aimed at beginners and hobbyists who want to draw directly on an 11.6 in screen without paying premium prices. The tablet must be connected to a PC or Mac, so it is best for users who already have a laptop or desktop and want a natural, paper-like drawing surface with a battery-free pen. Its strongest selling point is the feel and responsiveness of the pen on the pre-applied matte film, which makes sketching and painting feel familiar and fluid.

Key Features

• 11.6 in full HD IPS screen: Provides a compact drawing area with clear visuals for sketching and detailed work while remaining portable.
• Matte film surface: The pre-installed anti-glare film reduces reflection and gives pen strokes a tactile, paper-like feedback for greater control.
• Battery-free AP50 stylus: The included pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support so brushes and lines respond naturally to pressure and angle.
• Programmable shortcut keys: Eight side press keys and two pen buttons can be customized in the driver to speed up workflow and access common functions quickly.
• Wide software compatibility: Works with common creative apps and online collaboration tools on Windows and macOS, letting it serve both art and remote-work use cases.
• Complete accessory kit: Ships with replacement nibs, a pen holder, glove, 3-in-2 USB cable and power adapter to get started out of the box.

Who It's For

The PD1161 is aimed at beginner and intermediate digital artists, illustrators and photo editors who want the immediacy of drawing on-screen without investing in a large or expensive pen monitor. It is also convenient for students and remote workers who need a digital whiteboard or note-taking surface compatible with apps like OneNote or Zoom.

It is not a standalone tablet and therefore is not for users who need a fully portable device that runs without a computer. Professionals who require a larger color-critical monitor or wider gamut for print work should consider higher-end pen displays instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural, paper-like drawing feel thanks to the matte film and responsive stylus.
• Good value for the feature set, including 8192 pressure levels and tilt support in the battery-free pen.
• Customizable side keys and broad software compatibility make it flexible for art and remote collaboration.
• Compact 11.6 in size is portable and fits small workspaces.

Cons

• Requires connection to a computer and appropriate ports or converters, so not suited for standalone mobile use.
• Color gamut is mid-range (72% NTSC / 100% sRGB), which may not satisfy color-critical professional workflows.

Specifications

Display size	11.6 in full HD IPS
Color performance	72% NTSC (100% sRGB), 16.7 million colors
Stylus	Battery-free AP50, 8192 pressure levels, tilt support
Shortcut keys	8 programmable press keys + 2 pen buttons
Compatibility	Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later
Included accessories	Pen holder, 8 nibs, drawing glove, 3-in-2 USB cable, AC adapter
Warranty	1-year warranty and customer support

Our Verdict

The GAOMON PD1161 is a solid, budget-friendly pen display for beginners and hobbyists who want an on-screen drawing experience with a natural pen feel. It bundles a responsive battery-free stylus, programmable keys and a matte surface that reduces glare, making it good value for creative learners and remote collaborators. Those needing standalone portability or the top-end color accuracy of a pro monitor should look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer to use this tablet?
Yes. The PD1161 is not standalone and must be connected to a Windows or Mac computer via HDMI and USB or an appropriate converter.

Does the pen need charging?
No. The AP50 pen is battery-free and does not require charging while offering 8192 pressure levels and tilt support.

Will it work with my drawing software?
It is compatible with common creative apps like Photoshop, Krita, Medibang and Blender, and with collaboration tools such as OneNote and Zoom.