Review of Creality K1 and K1 Max 3D Printers: Surprising Quality at Expected Speed

In recent years, the field of 3D printing has made significant advancements. Creality, one of the leading manufacturers of 3D printers, continues to push the boundaries by introducing new models that keep up with the latest trends.

Traditionally, Creality has focused on producing affordable machines for entry-level users. This made me skeptical about the capabilities of their newest flagship models, the K1 and K1 Max, particularly in comparison to high-speed 3D printers. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The K1, and especially the K1 Max, deliver impressive performance and are well worth the investment.

8.5

Creality K1 Max

Likes

• Large utility room
• Good prices
• Very fast
• A first-class entertainer every time

Dislikes

• Failure information for filament feed
• Poor people

The K1 Max, despite being Creality’s flagship model with a higher price tag and impressive features, stands out among the two. The increased build volume, Lidar bed control, and long-term camera make the K1 Max a highly recommended choice for anyone interested in producing high-quality prints. On the other hand, the K1 is a solid option that doesn’t quite reach the same level as the K1 Max, but it still delivers satisfactory performance.

8.0

Creality K1

Likes

• A great price
• Very fast
• Support program

Dislikes

• Slicer is not good
• The app is very heavy

The K1 and K1 Max share many similar features, although the K1 Max offers better build quality. The Max model comes with a glass top, enhancing clarity compared to the plastic top of the K1. Moreover, the K1 Max has a larger build area, making it a more substantial machine. However, apart from these differences, most other aspects remain the same between the two models.

Both machines are equipped with direct-drive extruders and can reach temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius. Although I encountered some challenges with filament feeding in the K1 Max due to its larger size, a simple shake usually resolved the issue. However, it was a slight inconvenience that should be addressed.

Setting up both printers was straightforward. They are designed to be plug-and-play, allowing for quick and efficient installation. I was able to unbox the printer and start my first print within 5 minutes, including the Wi-Fi setup and app download.

Note on the phone app: While the app provides convenient features such as monitoring prints through the camera on the K1 Max and the control panel on the K1, the Creality Cloud app has received mixed reviews. The software consists of a workbench for managing physical printers, a slicer for preparing models for printing, and a library for accessing pre-designed models. The workbench functionality works well, allowing users to monitor and control various aspects of the print process. However, concerns have been raised in the 3D printing community regarding the use of unlicensed intellectual property (IP) through the app. Some users choose to avoid certain features of the app due to these concerns, although basic slicing and printing functions function properly.

As for the build quality, the K1 and K1 Max are sturdy machines overall, with some minor cosmetic flaws. While crucial components like stepper motors, lead screws, and belts are properly assembled and durable, some aesthetic details such as the placement of the Creality logo may be slightly crooked. However, these imperfections do not affect the printers’ performance but may be disappointing considering the price point.

Both the K1 and K1 Max excel in the print quality department. Gone are the days of extensive tinkering required to achieve optimal prints, as these printers deliver impressive results out of the box. While Creality boasts a speed of 600mm/s, my tests revealed a maximum speed of 300mm/s, which is still a considerable improvement compared to printers from just a year ago. When using high-viscosity materials like Hyper Series PLA, the results at these high speeds are exceptional. Even printing with PETG at 150mm/s produces remarkable results, preserving intricate details. The PETG dragon printed during testing showcases the printers’ capabilities.

Both 3D printers performed well in CNET’s stress tests, with the K1 Max slightly outperforming the K1. The Lidar-assisted bed control likely contributed to this success, allowing for easy removal of test models. Bridging tests demonstrated the printers’ excellent capabilities, even at high speeds. For more information on our testing methods, refer to our comprehensive list of the best 3D printers.

The larger build volume of the K1 Max allows for more versatile printing options, making it a more appealing choice for enthusiasts. While the K1 is a solid printer, it lacks the standout features of the K1 Max. The K1 Max’s enclosed design, compact size, and ability to print large cosplay props and accessories make it a must-have for costume and prop designers, particularly considering its price tag of under $1,000.

Regardless of whether you opt for the affordable K1 or the larger K1 Max, both models offer excellent value for the price. While some modifications may be required to unlock their optimal performance, these printers are still capable of delivering impressive results. If you have a budget of $900, I recommend choosing the K1 Max for its additional features, such as Lidar bed control and a time-lapse camera, along with its generous build volume of 300 x 300 x 300mm. However, if your budget is limited to $600, the K1 is a solid choice, although the Bamboo Lab P1P may offer slightly better performance at a similar price point.