Creality K1C vs Prusa Research MK4S kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The chamber decides it: the K1C is enclosed and costs 220 € less, while the MK4S stays open but rests on an ecosystem of official profiles.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 599 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 35.5 × 35.5 × 48.2 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 12.4 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 220 × 220 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 250 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 100 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 220 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 250 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | 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 | Yes | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Uses Creality Print, an optimized proprietary slicer. Fully compatible with third-party software such as Orca Slicer and PrusaSlicer. | The MK4S runs proprietary Prusa firmware based on Marlin, not GRBL. It is managed through PrusaSlicer (with over 180 official profiles included), Simplify3D, or Cura with community profiles. Files are loaded via USB, local network, or PrusaConnect and the Prusa mobile app; it is not compatible with LightBurn or LaserGRBL, being a filament printer. The machine can run fully offline with no cloud dependency, and receives regular firmware updates along with pre-tuned profiles for Prusament materials. |
The differences that matter
- Chamber: enclosed versus open → the K1C prints in a closed space, the MK4S does not.
- Price: 599 € versus 819 € → the K1C costs 220 € less.
- Software: Creality Print, also with Orca and PrusaSlicer, versus PrusaSlicer with over 180 official profiles → the MK4S arrives with profiles ready for Prusament materials.
Which one to choose
Choose K1C if…
You print in an enclosed chamber, with Klipper firmware and a nozzle up to 300 °C, for 599 €. The declared speed reaches 600 mm/s (manufacturer-declared values); the bed is 220 × 220 mm and heats to 100 °C.
Choose MK4S kit if…
You work with PrusaSlicer, which ships with over 180 official profiles plus the ones for Prusament materials, and want a machine that runs offline with no cloud. You accept an open frame and 220 € more; you get a 250 × 210 mm bed that heats to 120 °C.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
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 →
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
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