Quick answer: The XP-Pen Star G640 and Gaomon S620 are both compact, entry-level graphics tablets with a similar active area and 8192 pressure levels. The Gaomon S620 is generally listed with a slightly larger active area and a few programmable express keys, while the Star G640 is a simpler, keyless design with a slim profile. Choose the S620 if shortcut keys and a bit more room matter, and the G640 if you want the most minimal, portable setup.
The XP Pen Star G640 vs Gaomon S620 question comes up because these two tablets sit in the same corner of the market: small, inexpensive pen tablets used for digital painting practice, photo retouching, note taking, signing documents and online teaching. They look alike on paper, and the real differences come down to workspace size, shortcut keys, driver software and how comfortable each pen feels to you. This comparison puts them side by side so you can pick the right one without paying for features you will not use.
Specifications below follow the general manufacturer listings, and models and revisions change, so verify the numbers on the current product pages before buying. If you are deciding between brands more broadly, the in-depth XP-Pen vs Huion drawing tablet review covers how these makers compare across their ranges.
XP-Pen Star G640 vs Gaomon S620: Quick Comparison
| Feature | XP-Pen Star G640 | Gaomon S620 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pen tablet (no screen) | Pen tablet (no screen) |
| Active area (listed) | About 6 x 4 inches | About 6.5 x 4 inches |
| Pressure levels (listed) | 8192 | 8192 |
| Pen | Battery-free pen | Battery-free pen with side buttons |
| Express keys | None (as generally listed) | Four programmable keys |
| Thickness | Very slim | Slim |
| Connection | USB to computer | USB to computer |
| Android support | Listed for supported devices | Listed for supported devices |
| Best for | Minimal, portable use, beginners | Users who want shortcut keys |
Design and Build
Both tablets use a plastic body with a textured drawing surface, and both are light enough to carry in a bag. The Star G640 has a thin profile and a clean layout without buttons on the tablet itself. This keeps the surface uncluttered and makes it easy to position the tablet in any orientation.
The Gaomon S620 adds a row of express keys along one side. This gives it a slightly wider footprint, but it also means shortcuts like undo, brush size or eraser are always a press away. Left-handed users can rotate the tablet so the keys sit on the preferred side, and both drivers generally allow rotating the work area for this purpose.
Surface feel
Both use a matte, textured surface designed to feel a little like paper, which gives some grip against the pen nib. Texture affects how fast nibs wear. A rougher surface feels more natural for sketching but wears nibs faster. Smoothness is subjective, so compare reviews of the specific model you are considering.
Active Area and Workspace
The active area is the part of the tablet that responds to the pen. A 6 by 4 inch area is small. On a large monitor, a small tablet maps to the whole screen, so small hand movements translate into large cursor movements. This can feel twitchy at first.
A slightly wider area, such as around 6.5 inches, adds a little comfort for people who draw with larger arm movements. The difference is modest, but when the workspace is already small, half an inch matters for sketching.
Tips for working on a small tablet:
- Map the tablet to a portion of the screen, not the whole thing, for more precise movement.
- Zoom in on your canvas to work on details so your pen strokes feel proportionate.
- Use the tablet at a slight angle that matches your wrist rather than keeping it perfectly straight.
Pen and Pressure
Both tablets list 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and use a battery-free pen, which means you never need to charge it. The number of levels matters less than how well the software and tablet translate light and heavy pressure into line variation. For beginners, both are sufficient for basic digital painting, inking and sketching.
Pen buttons
Pens that include side buttons let you assign actions like right-click, eraser or brush size changes. Check whether the pen you receive has buttons and whether you like how they feel under your finger. If buttons are easily pressed by accident, you can disable them in the driver.
Nibs
Spare nibs are typically included. Nibs wear faster on textured surfaces, so keep spares ready. If you are new to pen tablets in general, the beginner guide to using a Huion pen tablet explains the basic setup and habits that carry over to most brands.
Express Keys and Shortcuts
Express keys speed up repetitive tasks. Without them, you will rely on keyboard shortcuts with your other hand, which works fine if you are at a desk with a keyboard. With them, you can keep your non-drawing hand off the keyboard.
- If you use shortcuts heavily: Four keys can cover undo, redo, brush and eraser.
- If you work with a keyboard nearby: A tablet without keys is perfectly workable.
- If you draw on a laptop or in a small space: Fewer physical keys mean fewer things to bump.
Software and Drivers
Both tablets need a driver on Windows and Mac. The driver controls pressure curve, button assignments and work area. Drivers are updated periodically, so download the latest from the manufacturer’s official site rather than using a disc or third-party source.
Common driver features include:
- Pressure curve adjustment
- Screen mapping and work area
- Pen button and express key assignment
- Left-handed mode and rotation
- Per-application profiles
If you have used another brand’s tablet before, uninstall its driver first. Conflicting drivers are a common cause of pens that do not respond.
Compatibility
Both tablets are commonly used with Windows and Mac computers, and both brands list support for some Android and Chromebook devices. Exact support varies by model, operating system and device, so check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before assuming that your phone or tablet will work. Common art programs such as Krita, Photoshop-style editors, Clip Studio-style software and free tools generally recognize standard pen tablets, though pressure settings differ between programs.
Use Cases: Which Tablet Fits Which Task?
| Use case | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First graphics tablet for digital painting | Either | Both offer pressure sensitivity at a low cost |
| Frequent shortcut use | Gaomon S620 | Programmable express keys |
| Travel and small desks | XP-Pen Star G640 | Slimmer, keyless footprint |
| Photo retouching | Either | Pressure helps with masks and dodge/burn |
| Online teaching and signing | Either | Pen input works well for handwriting |
| Left-handed users | Either | Rotate the work area in the driver |
| Wider arm movements | Gaomon S620 | Slightly larger listed area |
| Cleanest, simplest setup | XP-Pen Star G640 | No keys to configure |
Price and Value
Both tablets sit in the budget range. Prices change often and vary by retailer, so compare the current cost along with what is included, such as extra nibs, a pen holder, adapters for phones, a cleaning cloth or an artist glove. Over a few years, the tablet itself is rarely the cost that matters. Your time spent learning the tool matters more, and either of these gets you started.
Pros and Cons
XP-Pen Star G640
- Pros: Slim, lightweight, simple layout, battery-free pen, 8192 pressure levels.
- Cons: No shortcut keys, small workspace.
Gaomon S620
- Pros: Express keys, slightly larger listed workspace, battery-free pen, 8192 pressure levels.
- Cons: Slightly larger footprint, driver customization takes a little setup time.
Things to Check Before You Buy
- Your computer’s ports: Some laptops need a USB adapter.
- Your operating system version and driver support.
- Whether you need Android support.
- Whether you want a pen with buttons.
- Return policy, in case the surface or pen feel does not suit you.
- Desk space for the tablet and your arm.
Drawing Feel: Tracking, Lag and Tilt
Spec sheets for both tablets list similar report rates and resolution figures. In practice, small differences in these numbers rarely decide a purchase. What you notice day to day is how quickly the cursor follows the pen, whether lines wobble at slow speeds and whether strokes begin smoothly when you press lightly.
- Lag: A little delay is normal on any tablet and depends heavily on the art program, brush size and your computer’s speed. Large brushes with complex textures lag more than simple round brushes.
- Line wobble: Slow, shaky lines usually come from your hand, not the tablet. Many programs include a stabilizer or smoothing setting that cleans up lines.
- Pen tilt: Entry-level tablets in this class often do not list tilt recognition, which is used for shading effects in some brushes. If tilt matters to you, check the specifications before buying.
- Hover distance: The pen is detected slightly above the surface, which lets you position the cursor without touching down.
Care and Maintenance
A small tablet that is looked after can last for years. A few habits help.
- Wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth, and use a barely damp one only if needed.
- Replace worn nibs. A nib that has been ground down can scratch the surface.
- Keep the pen in its holder or a case when not in use.
- Do not bend the USB cable tightly at the port.
- Avoid leaving the tablet in a hot car or in direct sunlight, since heat can warp thin plastic bodies over time.
Should You Consider a Different Tablet?
If you plan to draw seriously, a slightly larger tablet is often more comfortable. Small tablets like these work best when you are learning, traveling or working in tight spaces. A medium tablet gives you more room for large strokes. If you need to see what you are drawing, a pen display is a different category entirely and costs more.
Other brands, such as Huion and Wacom, offer similar entry-level options. Reading about how brands differ in software, pens and build helps you make a decision beyond a single model pair. The XP-Pen versus Huion comparison for 2026 is a good next read if you want to see more of the market.
Getting Started After You Buy
- Install the driver from the manufacturer’s site before plugging in the tablet.
- Restart the computer.
- Plug in the tablet and open the driver to confirm it is detected.
- Set the work area to match your screen shape to avoid stretched strokes.
- Adjust the pressure curve until a light touch produces a thin line and a firm press gives a thicker one.
- Practice basic strokes, circles and lines for a few days before attempting finished work.
FAQs
Is the XP-Pen Star G640 better than the Gaomon S620?
Neither is better in every case. The G640 is simpler and slimmer, while the S620 adds express keys and a slightly larger listed area. Pick based on whether you value shortcuts or minimalism.
Does the Gaomon S620 have express keys?
It is generally listed with four programmable express keys. Check the current product page, because configurations can change.
Do these tablets need a driver?
Yes, for full pressure support and settings, install the driver from the official site on Windows or Mac.
Can I use the XP-Pen Star G640 or Gaomon S620 with an Android phone?
Both brands list some Android compatibility, but it depends on the model and device. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list and whether you need an adapter.
Are these tablets good for beginners?
Yes. Both are inexpensive, compact and support pressure sensitivity, which is enough to learn digital drawing basics.
What is the difference between a pen tablet and a pen display?
A pen tablet has no screen: you draw on the tablet and look at your monitor. A pen display has a screen so you draw directly on the image.
Final Thoughts
The Star G640 and S620 are close in capability. Choose the S620 for programmable keys and a slightly bigger workspace, or the G640 for a streamlined, travel-friendly tablet. Whichever you pick, install the driver properly and spend time adjusting the pressure curve and work area.
To see how these makers compare across more models, read the full XP-Pen and Huion drawing tablet comparison before you decide.
