Creality K1 vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality K1 ($419, 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 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $290 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality K1 | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $419 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 6.4/10 |
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
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 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 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 better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 scores higher (8.6/10). 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 or Longer Orange 4K?
The Creality K1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1 worth $290 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Creality K1 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $290 gets you enclosed corexy at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger k1 max.
What's the main difference between Creality K1 and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Creality K1 is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.