3D printers have evolved far beyond niche, costly gadgets for enthusiasts, becoming accessible tools for a wide range of users. With prices spanning from under $200 to several thousand dollars, there’s a model for every budget and purpose, depending on the print technology and features tailored to specific needs. The Creality K1 SE ($299) and ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro ($299.99) are stellar examples of affordable, high-performance printers that cater to both beginners and seasoned makers.
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The Creality K1 SE boasts a fully enclosed design, making setup a breeze—unpack, calibrate, and start printing. Its 600mm/s print speed, hands-free auto-leveling, and compatibility with advanced filaments like carbon fiber make it a versatile choice for hobbyists craving speed and flexibility. While it doesn’t quite match the rock-bottom pricing of open-frame budget models like the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE, its premium features, like an AI camera for print monitoring, justify the cost for those seeking a step-up experience.
Similarly, the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro offers a compelling package with its 500mm/s print speed, pre-installed Klipper firmware, and easy assembly, appealing to newcomers and tinkerers alike. Its semi-open frame is lightweight and space-efficient, and the dual-gear direct extruder ensures reliable prints with filaments like PLA, PETG, and TPU. Though it lacks the K1 SE’s enclosed build and AI features, its user-friendly interface and segmented heatbed for energy efficiency make it a strong contender for value-driven buyers.
In terms of bang for your buck, both printers shine, but the K1 SE edges out for advanced users with its faster speed and filament versatility, while the Neptune 4 Pro is a near-perfect pick for beginners prioritizing ease of use and affordability.
Related: 5 Surprising Reasons Why 3D Printed Houses Aren’t Taking Over Yet
Creality K1 SE vs ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro Overview
- Creality K1 SE: Launched in 2024, this printer offers a blazing 600mm/s print speed, hands-free auto-leveling, and a flagship-level direct extruder with a quick-swap tri-metal nozzle. Its enclosed design and Creality OS make it a versatile choice for beginners and advanced users.
- ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro: Priced at $299.99, this printer delivers 500mm/s print speeds, Klipper firmware, and a dual-gear direct drive extruder. Its semi-open frame and easy assembly cater to those seeking a budget-friendly, high-performance machine.
Both are ideal for crafting items like 3D printed vases or custom kitchen organizers. For more printer options, check our best 3D printers for home use.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Creality K1 SE | ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 (29% off, was $420) | $299.99 (17% off, was $360) |
| Print Speed (Max) | 600mm/s | 500mm/s |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Extruder | Direct Drive, Tri-Metal Nozzle | Dual-Gear Direct Drive |
| Auto-Leveling | Hands-Free, One-Tap | 121-Point Auto with Manual Adjust |
| Firmware | Creality OS (Klipper-based) | Klipper |
| Nozzle Temp (Max) | 300°C | 300°C |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, Nylon |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) | 19.6 lbs (8.9 kg) |
| Frame | Enclosed, Die-Cast Aluminum | Semi-Open, Aluminum with Steel Rails |
| Additional Features | Anti-Vibration Fan, Creality Cloud | Segmented Heatbed, Dual Cooling Fans |
Creality K1 SE
Performance and Print Quality
With a max speed of 600mm/s and 20000mm/s² acceleration, the K1 SE is 12x faster than traditional printers, as noted in our how long does 3D printing take guide. Its CoreXY system and anti-vibration fan with input shaping ensure high-quality prints with minimal ringing. Users praise its “spot-on” print quality with stock settings. The tri-metal nozzle and 60W hotend melt filaments quickly, producing clean prints in PLA and PETG. Overhangs up to 75° perform well, though 80° may show issues, which can be mitigated with tips from our 3D printing tips for beginners. It’s ideal for rapid production of decor items like 3D printed plant pots.
Ease of Use
Setup is nearly plug-and-play with one-tap auto-calibration, eliminating manual leveling hassles discussed in our how to fix first layer adhesion problems. Creality OS supports wireless printing, but filament loading can be cumbersome.
Build and Design
Its enclosed, die-cast aluminum frame ensures stability and low noise, ideal for ABS printing in a setup with 3D printer enclosures. At 22.5 lbs, it’s sturdy but less portable.
Detailed Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 (29% off, was $420) |
| Print Speed (Max) | 600mm/s |
| Acceleration | 20000mm/s² |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Extruder | Direct Drive, Tri-Metal Nozzle |
| Hotend | 60W, 300°C max |
| Auto-Leveling | Hands-Free, One-Tap |
| Firmware | Creality OS (Klipper-based) |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| Frame | Enclosed, Die-Cast Aluminum |
| Additional Features | Anti-Vibration Fan, Creality Cloud |
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro
Performance and Print Quality
Reaches 500mm/s (recommended 250mm/s for quality), powered by Klipper firmware. All-metal guide rails enhance precision, producing prints like a 3DBenchy in 18 minutes. The dual-gear direct extruder ensures smooth filament flow, yielding detailed prints for intricate decor like 3D printed wall hooks. Cooling fans reduce warping, though high speeds above 300mm/s may compromise quality.
Ease of Use
Assembly takes ~15-30 minutes, guided by a digital manual. The 121-point auto-leveling requires initial Z-offset tweaks, as noted in our 3D printer maintenance guide. Klipper’s interface is user-friendly, though some report firmware issues.
Build and Design
The semi-open aluminum frame is lightweight (19.6 lbs) but noisier. Cable management benefits from user-printed clips, as suggested in our must-have 3D printer accessories.
Detailed Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 (17% off, was $360) |
| Print Speed (Max) | 500mm/s |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Extruder | Dual-Gear Direct Drive, 5.2:1 Reduction Ratio |
| Hotend | 300°C max |
| Auto-Leveling | 121-Point Auto with Manual Adjust |
| Firmware | Klipper |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, Nylon |
| Weight | 19.6 lbs (8.9 kg) |
| Frame | Semi-Open, Aluminum with Steel Rails |
| Additional Features | Segmented Heatbed, Dual Cooling Fans |
Filament Compatibility
Both support PLA, PETG, ABS, and TPU with 300°C nozzles, perfect for projects like sustainable decor. The Neptune 4 Pro handles nylon, while the K1 SE is limited to regular filaments. Learn more in our PLA vs ABS vs PETG guide.
Price and Value
The K1 SE ($299.00) offers a 29% discount and high sales, with Creality Cloud adding appeal for remote printing, as discussed in our best 3D printer deals. The Neptune 4 Pro ($299.99) with a 17% discount and Klipper firmware is a strong contender, though nozzle availability is limited.
Rating Table
| Criteria | Creality K1 SE | ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Print Speed | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Print Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros and Cons
Creality K1 SE
- ✅ 600mm/s max speed
- ✅ Enclosed frame for stability
- ✅ Hands-free auto-calibration
- ✅ High-quality prints with stock settings
- ❌ Cumbersome filament loading
- ❌ No carbon fiber support
- ❌ Fan noise post-printing
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro
- ✅ 500mm/s speed with Klipper firmware
- ✅ Easy assembly and lightweight
- ✅ Segmented heatbed for efficiency
- ✅ Supports nylon
- ❌ Noisier fans
- ❌ Limited nozzle availability
- ❌ Firmware issues reported
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Creality K1 SE for the fastest speeds and a quiet, enclosed design, perfect for rapid prototyping of cool things to 3D print. See how it compares to its sibling in our Creality K1 vs K1 SE.
Choose the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro for a lightweight printer with Klipper firmware and a larger build volume, ideal for detailed DIY 3D printed decor. Compare it to another ELEGOO model in our Neptune 4 Pro vs Neptune 3 Pro.
Both are top-tier budget options in 2025, with strong sales and user reviews (4.1/5 for K1 SE, 4.2/5 for Neptune 4 Pro). For more insights, explore our ultimate 3D printer tier list. Happy printing, and share your creations!
FAQs: Creality K1 SE vs ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro
Which printer is faster, the Creality K1 SE or ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro?
The Creality K1 SE is faster, with a maximum print speed of 600mm/s compared to the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro’s 500mm/s. However, for optimal quality, the Neptune 4 Pro is recommended at 250mm/s.
Can both printers handle the same filaments for home decor projects?
Both support PLA, PETG, ABS, and TPU, ideal for decor like 3D printed vases. The Neptune 4 Pro also supports nylon, while the K1 SE is limited to regular filaments.
Is the Creality K1 SE or ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro easier for beginners?
The Creality K1 SE is more beginner-friendly due to its hands-free auto-calibration and plug-and-play setup. The Neptune 4 Pro requires minor tweaks, as noted in our 3D printer maintenance guide.
Which printer is better for a small workspace?
The ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro is lighter (19.6 lbs) and has a semi-open frame, making it more portable and space-efficient. The K1 SE’s enclosed design (22.5 lbs) is sturdier but less compact.
How do their prices compare, and which offers better value?
The Creality K1 SE ($299.00, 29% off) and ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro ($299.99, 17% off) are nearly identical in price. The K1 SE offers slightly better value with its enclosed design and Creality Cloud, as discussed in our best 3D printer deals.
