Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Creality Ender-3 V3 KE
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Same price, same Cartesian kinematics and the same declared top speed: the choice is between multicolour printing and build volume. The A1 mini does colour, the Ender-3 V3 KE has more room and a hotter bed.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | 299 € |
| Price updated on | — | 06/2026 |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 43.3 × 36.6 × 49 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 220 × 220 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 240 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 350 W |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | 0.1 ±mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 220 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 240 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | No |
| Max colors | 4 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. | Powered by Creality OS (based on Klipper), it supports LAN and cloud control via the Creality Print app. It remains compatible with major third-party slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer. |
The differences that matter
- Colours 4 (with accessory) against 1 → multicolour parts print only on the A1 mini.
- Volume 180 × 180 × 180 mm against 220 × 220 × 240 mm → a 240 mm tall part fits on the Ender-3 V3 KE, on the A1 mini it stops at 180.
- Bed 80 °C against 100 °C → the Ender-3 V3 KE can run materials that call for a hotter bed.
- Native Klipper firmware on the Ender-3 V3 KE, not on the A1 mini → it changes where you find profiles and mods.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 mini if…
You print colourful objects, like tags, logos or figures, and want to reach 4 colours: that needs the multicolour accessory, with Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer. It also runs in LAN mode, with no cloud. The trade-off is a 180 × 180 × 180 mm volume and a bed that reaches 80 °C.
Choose Ender-3 V3 KE if…
You print taller or wider parts in a single colour: 220 × 220 × 240 mm, with a bed up to 100 °C. It runs Creality OS, based on Klipper, and accepts Cura and PrusaSlicer. The trade-off is that there is no multicolour printing at all.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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