Prusa Research MK4S vs Qidi Tech i-Fast
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
MK4S and i-Fast are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose MK4S if price matters more; choose i-Fast if work area and enclosed chamber matters more. On the category's overall technical index, i-Fast scores 45/100 against 17/100 for MK4S.
| Parameter |
MK4S
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
i-Fast
Qidi Tech
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2021 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 999 € | ~1800–2500 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 55 × 40 cm | 71 × 51 × 67 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 33 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 210 mm | 330 × 250 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 320 mm |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | — | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | — | 320 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | — | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | — | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | — | 150 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | True |
| Filament sensor | — | True |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | — | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | True |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | — | False |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | True | False |
| Max colors | — | 2 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | PrusaSlicer (optimized) and Prusa Connect for remote control. The machine accepts G-code from any slicer (Cura, Simplify3D) and communicates via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi using an open Marlin-based protocol. Compatible with OctoPrint and offline management. Does not require a Prusa account to print, unlike machines with proprietary firmware that block features without connection. | The machine comes with the proprietary Qidi Print software, a slicer based on proven open-source architectures, specifically optimized for the profiles of the technical materials supported by the printer. Users can still generate G-code using other widely adopted third-party slicers on the market, such as Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, after manual configuration of machine and extruder parameters. Although it lacks native cloud features or advanced remote connectivity for corporate fleet management, it supports direct file transfer via local Wi-Fi or USB drives, ensuring a secure offline workflow for intellectual property protection. |
The differences that matter
- Price: MK4S 999 € vs i-Fast 2150 € — MK4S wins (+115%)
- Work area: MK4S 250×210 mm vs i-Fast 330×250 mm — i-Fast wins (+57%)
- Enclosed chamber: i-Fast yes, MK4S no
- Multi-extruder: i-Fast yes, MK4S no
- Multicolor requires accessory: MK4S yes, i-Fast no
Which one to choose
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.