Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 vs Qidi Tech Q2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Two enclosed CoreXY printers with a build plate of about 26 cm and native Klipper: the choice is between saving €125 and having headroom for multicolor. With the accessory the Q2 reaches 16 colors, the Centauri Carbon 2 reaches 4.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~349–399 € | 499 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm | 40.2 × 43.8 × 49.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 19.35 kg | 18.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 270 × 270 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1100 W | 630 W |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 350 °C | 370 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 600 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 16 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 system is natively supported by QIDI Studio, a slicing software derived from PrusaSlicer and Orca Slicer, providing a modern interface and advanced features. The open architecture still allows the use of third-party slicing solutions. Network connectivity, via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, facilitates direct remote printing and monitoring, aided by the built-in camera. |
The differences that matter
- Colors with accessory: 4 vs 16 → a part with more than four colors can only be printed on the Q2.
- Price: €374 vs €499 → the Centauri Carbon 2 costs €125 less.
- Bed: 256×256 mm vs 270×270 mm → a part between 256 and 270 mm wide only fits the Q2.
- Nozzle: up to 350 °C vs up to 370 °C (manufacturer-stated values) → more headroom on the Q2 for filaments that need high temperatures.
Which one to choose
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
you mostly print in one color or two to four colors, everyday parts and prototypes, and would rather keep €125: the Centauri Carbon 2 costs €374, the Q2 €499. You give up colors beyond the fourth and 14 mm of bed on each side.
Choose Q2 if…
you print in color with the accessory and want more than four shades on one part, or you have parts wider than 256 mm: the Q2 has a 270×270 mm bed. You pay €125 more, €499 in total, and the multicolor accessory is still to be bought.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
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.