Creality K1 Max vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
K1 Max and Centauri Carbon 2 are both enclosed CoreXY machines running Klipper. What separates them is build volume, 300 mm per side against 256 mm, and price: the K1 Max costs €525 more.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 899 € | ~349–399 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 43.5 × 46.2 × 52.6 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 300 × 300 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 300 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1000 W | 1100 W |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 300 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 300 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | 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 | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | It runs on the Klipper-based Creality OS. Compatible with Creality Print, Cura, and PrusaSlicer, featuring remote control support via Wi-Fi or LAN. | The proprietary Elegoo OS, built on Klipper architecture, manages full-auto calibration routines and AI-assisted monitoring. The machine is primarily supported by Elegoo Slicer (an Orca Slicer derivative), ensuring optimal control over material profiles and dynamic color changes. Users can also natively use Orca Slicer or export G-code from third-party alternatives like Cura. The intuitive touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity enable seamless remote management and direct job queuing over the local network. |
The differences that matter
- Price: €899 against €374 → the €525 gap would pay for another Centauri Carbon 2.
- Build volume: 300 × 300 × 300 mm against 256 × 256 × 256 mm → parts between 256 and 300 mm print whole only on the K1 Max.
- Nozzle: 300 °C against 350 °C (manufacturer's rated values) → the Centauri Carbon 2 has 50 °C more headroom at the hotend.
Which one to choose
Choose K1 Max if…
You print single parts that don't fit in 256 mm, such as a 280 mm frame or panel, and would rather not split and glue them. You accept paying €525 more for a 2023 design, with a nozzle rated to 300 °C instead of 350 °C.
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
You print desk-sized objects and spare parts within 256 mm and want to spend €374. The nozzle is rated to 350 °C, against 300 °C on the K1 Max. You give up 44 mm per side and 44 mm of height.
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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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.