Creality K1 Max vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality K1 Max ($599, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K ($129, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Creality K1 Max takes the crown with 8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $470 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality K1 Max | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 300 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 18 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality K1 Max
+300mm cube enclosed: print a Mandalorian helmet without splitting it
+600mm/s speed means the size doesn't slow you down as much as you'd expect
+AI camera catches spaghetti before it ruins a 6-hour print
+Creality's community already has calibration guides for everything
−Gets loud pushing near 600mm/s, noticeable in a quiet room
−Early firmware had issues; patch it before you do anything else
−38cm footprint needs a proper desk, not a side table
Longer Orange 4K
+$129 is the absolute floor for resin printing
+WiFi at this price is genuinely surprising
+4K resolution is enough to see if resin is your thing
−118x66mm build plate: one mini at a time, if they're small
−4K resolution is dated next to 9K and 12K competitors
−Long-term reliability is unknown; smaller community means fewer fixes documented online
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality K1 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for cosplay
- Large build volume
- AI camera
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Longer Orange 4K if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality K1 Max better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 Max scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Longer Orange 4K may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Creality K1 Max or Longer Orange 4K?
The Creality K1 Max is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1 Max worth $470 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Creality K1 Max scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $470 gets you 300mm cube enclosed: print a mandalorian helmet without splitting it.
What's the main difference between Creality K1 Max and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Creality K1 Max is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.