Just released — full support runway ahead
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want CoreXY speed and optional multicolor printing in the trusted Ender 3 form factor — and are comfortable with a hands-on setup experience.
Full details →Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Makers who need enclosed CoreXY printing for PA-CF and ASA on a budget — and want a capable alternative to Bambu without the ecosystem lock-in.
Full details →| Creality Ender 3 V4 | Creality K1C | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 235 mm | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA-CF |
| Released | Jan 15, 2026 | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~854 days | ~450 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | — | K1C 2 or K2 successor (Expected mid-2026) |
The V4's rigid frame reduces vibration at high speeds, improving print quality over the V3 KE's lighter structure.
The Combo bundle includes Creality's CFS filament system for 4-color printing, expandable to 16 colors with additional CFS units — one of the most affordable multicolor setups available.
The Ender 3 family has the largest 3D printing community in the world, with extensive documentation, mods, and active Creality firmware updates.
The K1C ships with a hardened steel nozzle rated for carbon-fiber filaments — a significant cost advantage over printers that require aftermarket nozzle upgrades.
Few printers under $400 offer genuine enclosure capability. The K1C delivers ABS and ASA-capable chamber temperatures.
Competitive speed with Bambu's P-series at a fraction of the price.