Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
MK4S 3D Printer kit and X-Smart 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if max colors and work area matters more; choose X-Smart 3 if price matters more. On the category's overall technical index, X-Smart 3 scores 48/100 against 34/100 for MK4S 3D Printer kit.
| Parameter |
MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
X-Smart 3
Qidi Tech
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 819 € | ~350–450 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 55 × 40 cm | 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 210 mm | 175 × 180 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 170 mm |
| Power (W) | 240 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 250 mm | 175 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 220 mm | 170 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 290 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | 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 | False | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | False |
| Multicolor requires accessory | True | False |
| Max colors | 5 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 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: MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € vs X-Smart 3 400 € — X-Smart 3 wins (+105%)
- Max colors: MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 vs X-Smart 3 1 — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+400%)
- Work area: MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+67%)
- Enclosed chamber: X-Smart 3 yes, MK4S 3D Printer kit no
- Build height Z: MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+29%)
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value max colors, work area and build height z.
Choose X-Smart 3 if…
you value price, enclosed chamber and native klipper.
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.