Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want CoreXY speed without the Bambu ecosystem or Prusa premium — and are comfortable with a more hands-on setup experience.
Full details →Mid-cycle — watch for announcements before buying
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from MK4, MK3.5
Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.
Full details →| Creality Ender 3 V3 KE | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 240 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC |
| Released | Sep 15, 2023 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~450 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Caution |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | Ender 3 V4 or V3 KE 2 (Expected mid-2026) | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) |
The KE brings CoreXY motion to the Ender 3 family — historically a bed-slinger platform — delivering 500 mm/s without the Bambu premium.
The Ender 3 series has one of the largest 3D printer communities in the world, with thousands of documented modifications and upgrades.
If you outgrow the KE, the Creality K1C and K2 Plus are natural next steps within the same brand ecosystem.
MK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.
Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.