Creality Ender-3 V3 KE vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The Ender-3 V3 KE costs €299 and prints in one colour with an open chamber; the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo costs €439, has an enclosed chamber and prints in up to 4 colours. The question is whether multicolour and an enclosed chamber are worth about €140 more.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | 439 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 43.3 × 36.6 × 49 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7.8 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 220 × 220 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 240 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 1100 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 ±mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 220 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 240 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes | — |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | No | No |
| Max colors | 1 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 machine is compatible with major slicing software on the market. The manufacturer recommends using Elegoo Slicer, specifically optimized to leverage the CoreXY kinematics, multi-color printing via the CANVAS system, and vibration compensation algorithms (Input Shaping). Alternatively, popular slicers like Orca Slicer and Cura can be used, offering broad flexibility to users who prefer established workflows. The integrated dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity allows direct transfer of G-code files to the 8 GB internal memory without physical cards, while the internal camera enables remote monitoring and time-lapse video recording, simplifying the management of the printing process even from a distance. |
The differences that matter
- One colour vs up to 4 → colour changes happen mid-print on the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo, not on the Ender.
- Open vs enclosed chamber → only the Centauri works inside a closed housing.
- Bed 220×220 mm vs 256×256 mm → parts 25 cm wide fit on the Centauri, not on the Ender.
- Nozzle 300 °C vs 350 °C, bed 100 °C vs 110 °C → more headroom on the Centauri with materials that need high temperatures.
Which one to choose
Choose Ender-3 V3 KE if…
For single-colour printing on 220×220 mm at the lowest possible cost. Creality OS firmware is Klipper-based, with LAN and app control. You give up the enclosed chamber and multicolour, and the nozzle stops at 300 °C (manufacturer's declared value).
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if…
For printing in several colours, up to 4, on 256×256 mm, with an enclosed chamber and a nozzle up to 350 °C. It costs about €140 more, takes up about 50×48 cm and weighs 19 kg, against the Ender's 7.8 kg.
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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