Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3

Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)

In brief

Centauri Carbon 2 and X-Smart 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if work area and max colors matters more; choose X-Smart 3 if multicolor requires accessory matters more.

Parameter
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Centauri Carbon 2 Elegoo F2 · Intermediate
Qidi Tech X-Smart 3 X-Smart 3 Qidi Tech F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2026 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) ~349–399 € ~350–450 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm
Weight (kg) 19.35 kg 10.5 kg
Work area (mm) 256 × 256 mm 175 × 180 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 256 mm 170 mm
Power (W) 1100 W 350 W
Maximum speed 500 mm/s 500 mm/s
Declared precision 0.1 mm 0.1 mm
Category specs
Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) 256 mm 175 mm
Build height Z (mm) 256 mm 170 mm
Kinematics CoreXY CoreXY
Max nozzle temperature (°C) 350 °C 300 °C
Max bed temperature (°C) 110 °C 120 °C
Max print speed (mm/s) 500 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 True False
Multicolor requires accessory True False
Max colors 4 1
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 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

  • Work area: Centauri Carbon 2 256×256 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+108%)
  • Max colors: Centauri Carbon 2 4 vs X-Smart 3 1 — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+300%)
  • Build height Z: Centauri Carbon 2 256 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+51%)
  • Multicolor printing: Centauri Carbon 2 yes, X-Smart 3 no
  • Multicolor requires accessory: Centauri Carbon 2 yes, X-Smart 3 no

Which one to choose

Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…

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

See the Centauri Carbon 2 sheet →

Choose X-Smart 3 if…

you value 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.