Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3

Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)

In brief

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

Parameter
Elegoo Centauri Carbon Centauri Carbon Elegoo F2 · Intermediate
Qidi Tech X-Smart 3 X-Smart 3 Qidi Tech F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2025 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) ~300–450 € ~350–450 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 39.8 × 40.4 × 49 cm 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm
Weight (kg) 17.5 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) 320 °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
Input shaper True True
Multicolor printing True False
Multicolor requires accessory True False
Max colors 4 1
Ecosystem
Cloud dependency No No
Software notes This printer is natively supported by Elegoo Slicer, a slicing software based on Orca Slicer that provides users with pre-configured, carefully optimized profiles designed to maximize both part detail and overall printing speed. Additionally, the machine's operating system is fully compatible with the most popular and community-endorsed third-party slicing software, such as Orca Slicer and Ultimaker Cura. The versatile onboard connectivity options include standard USB ports and a reliable dual-band Wi-Fi module (operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). This infrastructure enables effortless remote monitoring and comprehensive control of the printing process via its network interface and the built-in chamber camera, greatly streamlining daily workflow management. 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 256×256 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — Centauri Carbon wins (+108%)
  • Max colors: Centauri Carbon 4 vs X-Smart 3 1 — Centauri Carbon wins (+300%)
  • Build height Z: Centauri Carbon 256 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — Centauri Carbon wins (+51%)
  • Multicolor printing: Centauri Carbon yes, X-Smart 3 no
  • Multicolor requires accessory: Centauri Carbon yes, X-Smart 3 no

Which one to choose

Choose Centauri Carbon if…

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

See the Centauri Carbon 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.