Today, our Creality K1 SE Review will feature the latest 3D printer from Creality. It is the second edition of the K1 and comes at a lower price than the more robust K1C.
This updated version of the K1 is like the K1C but with fewer features to save on costs. It combines the benefits of the two models while keeping it simple for entry-level users.
What makes this more budget-friendly 3D printer a good option? We will discuss all the details about this product and share our user experience in this Creality K1 SE Review.
Creality K1 SE Review – Design and Functionality
The 3D printer featured in our Creality K1 SE Review is a CoreXY 3D printer resembling the K1C. Instead of having a full enclosure, it has a metal die-cast frame. Also, it uses a single dynamically balanced fan rather than a triple-fan cooling system.
Another difference is the absence of its more expensive sibling’s bells and whistles. Unlike the K1C, the K1 SE has no built-in AI camera. However, it retains features like automatic Z offset, input shaping, and auto-leveling for convenience.
While the two 3D printers have numerous differences, they also have similarities. They have the same 220 x 220 x 250mm build volume and can operate at 600mm/s with 20000mm/s² acceleration. In addition, they use the same tri-metal nozzle and extruder featuring a side spring and ball plunger to avoid clogs.
Another impressive detail in the K1 SE is its heat and wear-resistant epoxy build plate. Since it is bendable, removing printed models is easier. One of its sides also has a silicone wiping strip for quick and easy cleaning of the nozzle tip.
In addition, it has pre-installed damping pads to reduce vibrations during operation. These pads keep the K1 SE stable to produce prints with better quality. Also, they helped minimise the noise during operation when we tested it for this Creality K1 SE Review.
Creality offers additional accessories you can separately purchase if you want to upgrade the K1 SE. These include an AI camera, a one-touch filament dryer, and the Creality hyperfilaments.
Key Features of the Creality K1 SE
This new 3D printer is an upgraded version of the original K1 and a simplified version of the K1C. What makes it a good product, and what makes it worth purchasing? Our Creality K1 SE Review will discuss all its features and improvements to answer this question.
Vigorous, Clog-Free Extrusion
The K1 SE uses the same extruder as the K1 with a newly added side spring and ball plunger. These elements help feed filaments precisely without clogging. It can handle regular filaments and flexible TPU, making this 3D printer versatile.
60W Hotend for Quick Heating
The ceramic heater around the hot end can melt various filaments, allowing ultra-fast printing. It can heat as quickly as 75 seconds from 0°C to 300°C.
Sturdy Tri-metal Nozzle for Easy Maintenance
The copper nozzle has a durable steel tip integrated with a titanium alloy heat break. It prevents heat creep and has an easy-to-swap design for increased convenience.
Solid Frame With Die-Cast Parts
The K1 SE has a robust frame with aluminium alloy parts made with integrated die casting. Its crossbeams and corner gussets on both sides reinforce the frame for steady operation with minimal shaking.
High-Speed Printing With CoreXY System
Like other 3D printers under the K series, the K1 SE uses the lightweight and agile CoreXY system. It enables impressive printing speeds up to 600mm/s with 20000m/s2 maximum acceleration.
When we tested this 3D printer for our Creality K1 SE Review, we were impressed with its performance. It can reach its highest printing speed without compromising print quality.
Pre-Assembled for Plug-and-Play
Creality pre-assembled and pre-tuned the K1 SE before reaching the customers. Once unboxed, you can power it on and follow the boot-up guide before printing. Unboxing and powering on only takes three minutes, making it a convenient plug-and-play 3D printer.
Automatic Calibration With a Single Tap
The K1 SE can perform automatic calibration with a single tap. It eliminates the hassle of doing levelling work with calibration paper.
The automatic calibration performs auto levelling, Z offset, and input shaping.
Skip Partial Failures
In batch printing, a failed print is inevitable. Fortunately, Creality solved this issue for improved working efficiency. With the K1 SE, you can exclude the failed print from printing.
Open-Source Klipper-Based Creality OS
Creality OS offers many advanced functions, including input shaping and linear advance. You can customise it or join the open-source community to discover more about 3D printing.
Updated Creality Print 5.0
The K1 SE uses a refreshed UI for a brand-new slicing experience. Creality Print 5.0 has presets that seamlessly match any specific 3D model and filament. Also, Creality added many new functions for better print quality and work efficiency.
Creality Cloud
Creality Cloud is a diverse and convenient 3D printing platform with a 3D model library. It also allows cloud printing and interacting with other hobbyists in an online community.
Hands-on with the Creality K1 SE
In this Creality K1 SE Review, we tested the 3D printer extensively to provide a comprehensive analysis of its capabilities. Our goal was to evaluate not only the print quality but also to see if the K1 SE could deliver on its promise of high-speed performance while maintaining precision.
After unboxing the K1 SE, we found the setup process straightforward. Once placed on our workspace and powered on, the printer’s intuitive touchscreen interface guided us through the initial configuration.
Selecting the desired language was quick, and connecting to our WiFi network was seamless. The K1 SE automatically initiated a self-check, including calibration, which was a standout feature. This automatic calibration process saved us time and effort, ensuring the printer was well-prepared for immediate use.
However, despite the K1 SE’s convenient auto-calibration, we highly recommend manually checking the printer for firmware updates. Ensuring you have the latest firmware installed is essential for optimal performance and stability, and it’s a simple step that can prevent potential issues during printing.
Downloading and installing the most recent updates before starting any project is a crucial part of the setup that we advise users to consider.
When it came to performance, the Creality K1 SE did not disappoint. During our tests, it consistently delivered fast, stable prints with minimal noise, even at higher speeds. One of the primary selling points of this model is its ability to maintain exceptional print quality without sacrificing speed, and it lived up to this claim.
The printer’s sturdy build and advanced components contributed to its overall stability, which is crucial when printing intricate models at faster rates.
Another area where the K1 SE excelled was its hot-end heating efficiency. The hot end reached optimal temperatures quickly, reducing the wait time between starting the print and the actual extrusion process.
This swift heating capability played a key role in ensuring high-quality results, even when we pushed the printer to higher-speed settings.
The true test of any 3D printer is the quality of its printed models, and the K1 SE delivered outstanding results. Across multiple print tests, we observed excellent surface finishes on our models, with smooth textures and fine detail resolution.
There were no significant issues with stringing, warping, or layer inconsistencies, which can often occur when printing at high speeds. This consistency in output made the K1 SE a reliable choice for both rapid prototyping and high-detail projects.
The Creality K1 SE impressed us with its blend of speed, stability, and print quality. Whether you’re an experienced maker looking for faster turnaround times or a beginner seeking a user-friendly 3D printer, the K1 SE is a strong contender that performs well in various printing scenarios.
With a few minor adjustments, such as keeping firmware updated, this 3D printer has the potential to become a versatile tool for creators at any skill level.
Creality K1 SE Review Summary
The Creality K1 SE offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance, positioning itself as an attractive option for both beginners and experienced users. With its simplified design compared to the K1C, this model retains key features like automatic calibration, input shaping, and a robust CoreXY system, all while keeping costs down.
During testing, the K1 SE consistently delivered high-speed, high-quality prints with minimal noise and strong stability, thanks to its sturdy die-cast frame and well-engineered components. Its fast-heating hot-end and versatile extrusion system further enhance its overall usability, making it ideal for a wide range of projects.
Though it lacks some premium features, like an AI camera, the K1 SE compensates with a user-friendly, plug-and-play setup and reliable performance. The automatic calibration and Creality OS, combined with its open-source Klipper-based system, make this 3D printer a capable and convenient choice for makers.
The Creality K1 SE proves to be a solid investment for those looking for a budget-friendly, high-speed 3D printer that doesn’t compromise on quality. Whether for rapid prototyping or detailed designs, this printer offers versatility and reliability in an accessible package.
