Creality K1 vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality K1 ($419, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, 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 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality K1 | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $419 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality K1
+Enclosed CoreXY at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger K1 Max
+Auto leveling and WiFi are standard, not options
+Toolless nozzle removal: unscrew nothing, pull the hotend out by hand
+Handles ABS well enough that most users don't feel they need active heating
−220mm cube feels cramped next to the K1 Max's 300mm
−Firmware shipped with issues that needed patches before it printed well
−Enclosure is passive, not heated: ABS warping is reduced, not eliminated
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality K1 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Choose the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality K1 better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 scores higher (8.6/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Creality K1 or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Creality K1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $40 more than the Creality K1?
The Creality K1 actually scores higher (8.6/10) despite costing $40 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Creality K1 and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality K1 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.