The K1C (prosumer) and K2 Plus (professional) are a step-up decision within Creality's lineup: same ecosystem, different class of machine. Note that the K1C has been replaced by the K2 and is no longer sold new. Both are enclosed CoreXY printers with 4-slot multicolor, a 600 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The K2 Plus costs $700 more and gets you 254% more build volume and extra engineering materials (PA).
This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Creality K2.
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 →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Professionals and studios who need large-format enclosed multicolor printing without the premium price of Bambu's or Prusa's flagship offerings.
Full details →| Creality K1C | Creality K2 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $499 | $1,199 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | ★ 350 × 350 × 350 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jan 20, 2024 | Sep 15, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~450 days | ~450 days |
| Cycle advice | Superseded | Wait |
| Deals advice | Clearance | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The K1C has been replaced by the K2 and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
The K2 Plus was released on Sep 15, 2024, 788 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 450 days; it is now 338 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the K2 Plus is the safer buy right now — it is 338 days past its ~450-day cycle with no successor announced, while the K1C has already been replaced by the K2.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The K1C lists at $499 and the K2 Plus at $1,199 — $700 apart, so the K2 Plus costs 140% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $41 for the K1C versus $28 for the K2 Plus — so the pricier K2 Plus actually gives you more build space per dollar.
Buy the K2 Plus. The K1C has already been replaced by the K2 and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the K1C appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the K2 Plus against the K2.
Compare Creality K2 vs Creality K2 Plus →
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
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 $500 offer genuine enclosure capability. The K1C delivers ABS and ASA-capable chamber temperatures.
Matches the Bambu P2S's 600 mm/s top speed for about $50 less.
One of the largest build volumes available in an enclosed CoreXY printer, suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Creality's CFS (Creative Filament System) provides 4-color filament switching comparable to Bambu's AMS at a lower price point.
The K2 Plus delivers professional-level features at a price point accessible to serious hobbyists and small studios.