Creality K1C vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3

Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)

In brief

K1C and X-Smart 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose K1C if max colors and work area matters more; choose X-Smart 3 if price matters more.

Parameter
Creality K1C K1C Creality F2 · Intermediate
Qidi Tech X-Smart 3 X-Smart 3 Qidi Tech F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2024 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) 599 € ~350–450 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 35.5 × 35.5 × 48.2 cm 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm
Weight (kg) 12.4 kg 10.5 kg
Work area (mm) 220 × 220 mm 175 × 180 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 250 mm 170 mm
Power (W) 350 W 350 W
Maximum speed 600 mm/s 500 mm/s
Declared precision 100 μm 0.1 mm
Category specs
Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) 220 mm 175 mm
Build height Z (mm) 250 mm 170 mm
Kinematics CoreXY CoreXY
Max nozzle temperature (°C) 300 °C 300 °C
Max bed temperature (°C) 100 °C 120 °C
Max print speed (mm/s) 600 mm/s 500 mm/s
Enclosed chamber True True
Filament sensor True True
Auto bed leveling Mesh Mesh
Standard nozzle diameter (mm) 0.4 mm 0.4 mm
Multi-extruder False False
Native Klipper True True
Input shaper True True
Multicolor printing False False
Multicolor requires accessory True False
Max colors 4 1
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 QIDI X-Smart 3 is primarily managed via QIDI Slicer, a proprietary software based on the latest versions of PrusaSlicer, optimized to fully leverage the machine's high speeds and CoreXY structure. The interface offers both a beginner mode and an advanced mode for granular control of parameters. The printer comes with pre-installed Klipper firmware, allowing advanced users direct access to the Fluidd web interface for real-time monitoring, calibration, and macro customization. Nevertheless, compatibility is guaranteed with the most popular third-party slicing software, including Ultimaker Cura, Simplify3D, and standard PrusaSlicer, ensuring a flexible and adaptable workflow.

The differences that matter

  • Price: K1C 599 € vs X-Smart 3 400 € — X-Smart 3 wins (+50%)
  • Max colors: K1C 4 vs X-Smart 3 1 — K1C wins (+300%)
  • Work area: K1C 220×220 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — K1C wins (+54%)
  • Build height Z: K1C 250 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — K1C wins (+47%)
  • Multicolor requires accessory: K1C yes, X-Smart 3 no

Which one to choose

Choose K1C if…

you value max colors, work area and build height z.

See the K1C sheet →

Choose X-Smart 3 if…

you value price and max bed temperature.

See the X-Smart 3 sheet →

MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.