Creality K1 Max vs Longer Orange 4K V2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality K1 Max ($599, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K V2 ($199, 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 6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K V2 saves you $400.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality K1 Max | Longer Orange 4K V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 300 mm | 120 x 68 x 195 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 18 kg | 4.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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 V2
+Better light uniformity than the V1 means fewer dark patches at plate edges
+WiFi at $199 is a feature the original didn't have
+Compact enough to store in a drawer when not printing
−4K resolution is dated: the Elegoo Mars 4 offers 7K for $149 with better community support
−120x68mm plate is small even by entry-level standards
−Longer's support community is thin: problems are harder to solve than on Elegoo hardware
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 V2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality K1 Max better than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 Max scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Longer Orange 4K V2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Creality K1 Max or Longer Orange 4K V2?
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 $400 more than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
The Creality K1 Max scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6/10). The extra $400 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 V2?
Technology: the Creality K1 Max is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K V2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.