Ender 3 V3 KE vs Ender 3 V3 SE: Which One You Should Buy?

Introduction

In September of this year, Creality unveiled a highly cost-effective 3D printer called the Ender 3 V3 SE. During their mid-September product launch event, we also learned about another printer named the Ender 3 V3 KE, which is set to be released soon. This printer focuses on enhanced intelligence and speed while maintaining an affordable price point, and it’s expected to hit the market around early November.

The Ender 3 V3 KE is the newer model, offering several upgrades and enhancements over the Ender 3 V3 SE. It features a brand-new software UI, a larger color touchscreen, and improved connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi and LAN printing. The Ender 3 V3 KE also boasts faster printing speeds and a wider range of compatible printing materials, making it a great choice for those seeking increased productivity and versatility.

On the other hand, the Ender 3 V3 SE remains a solid option, especially for beginners or those on a budget. It delivers reliable printing performance and includes features such as automatic bed leveling and a decent build volume.

In the following sections, we will delve into the specific features and performance of each printer, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your requirements. So let’s dive in and discover which Ender 3 V3 printer is the right fit for you!

Ender 3 V3 KE vs Ender 3 V3 SE

Specs	Ender-3 V3 SE	Ender-3 V3 KE
Printing Technology	FDM	FDM
Build Volume	220 x 220 x 250mm	220 x 220 x 240mm
Product Dimensions	400 x 366 x 490mm	433 x 366 x 490mm
Package Dimensions	575 x 390 x 235mm	502 x 409 x 280mm
Net Weight	7.34kg	7.8kg
Gross Weight	9.18kg	9.9kg
Typical Printing Speed	180mm/s	300mm/s
Max. Printing Speed	250mm/s *	500mm/s (Test with Hyper PLA)
Acceleration	2500mm/s²	8000mm/s²
Printing Accuracy	±0.1mm	±0.1mm
Layer Height	0.1-0.35mm	0.1-0.35mm
Extruder Type	“Sprite” Direct Extruder	Upgraded “Sprite” direct drive extrusion
Leveling Mode	Auto Leveling	Hands-free auto leveling
Build Surface	PC Spring Steel	PEI flexible build plate
Nozzle Temperature	≤260°C	≤300°C
Heatbed Temperature	≤100°C	≤100°C
Mainboard Type	32-bit Silent Mainboard	32-bit Silent Mainboard
Display Screen	3.2” Color Knob Screen	4.3” color touch screen
Power Loss Recovery	Yes	Yes
Nozzle Diameter	0.4mm	0.4mm (default)
Extruder Count	1	1
Rated Voltage	100-120V~, 200-240V~, 50/60Hz	100-120V~, 200-240V~, 50/60Hz
Rated Power	350W	350W
File Transfer	SD Card	USB drive, LAN, Creality Cloud APP
Supported Filaments	PLA, PETG, TPU(95A）	PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU(95A), ASA
File Formats for Slicing	STL, OBJ, 3MF, AMF	STL, OBJ, 3MF, AMF
Slicing Software	Creality Print, Cura 5.0 or Newer Version, Simplify3D	Creality Print, Cura, Simplify3D
Supported PC OS	Windows, Mac OS, Linux	Not specified
UI Languages	English, French, Portuguese, Turkish, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese	Not specified
Filament Diameter	Not specified	1.75mm
Filament Runout Sensor	Not specified	Yes
Vibration Compensation Sensor	Not specified	Optional
Creality AI Camera	Not specified	Optional

Key Features of Ender 3 V3 KE

Check the latest discount for Ender-3 VE KE & SE >>

The Ender 3 V3 KE is a remarkable 3D printer that offers users a more intelligent and user-friendly experience. With its upgraded features, this printer stands out from its predecessor, the Ender 3 V3 SE.

One of the standout features of the Ender 3 V3 KE is its brand-new software UI. The navigation bar and model visualization have been revamped, providing users with a more intuitive and visually appealing interface. The addition of vibrant colors makes monitoring the printing process a breeze.

In terms of connectivity, the Ender 3 V3 KE supports multi-platform connectivity, including the Creality Cloud app, web interface, and Creality Print. This means that users can effortlessly control their printer from multiple platforms, no matter where they are.

The screen of the Ender 3 V3 KE has undergone a significant facelift, featuring a 4.3-inch color touchscreen. The touchscreen’s responsive knob and larger screen size enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, the printer supports Wi-Fi and LAN printing, allowing for easy connectivity.

Alert management has also seen improvements with the Ender 3 V3 KE. The local screen displays alerts, ensuring that users do not miss important notifications. The app also provides real-time remote notifications. Moreover, the printer offers automatic screen dimming, giving users the option to set the screen to dim after a certain period of time or not at all.

The Ender 3 V3 KE has significantly boosted its printing speed, with a maximum printing speed of up to 500mm/s and an acceleration of 5000mm/s². This enhancement not only makes prints faster but also improves production efficiency. The printer also comes equipped with dual Z-axes and dual Y-axes to ensure stability during high-speed printing.

Another notable feature of the Ender 3 V3 KE is its compatibility with various filaments, including PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PC, and ASA. The extruder has been upgraded to support high-temperature printing up to 300°C, expanding the range of materials that can be used.

Read: Creality Ender-3 V3 KE/SE Upgrades: 9 Essentials

Key Features of Ender 3 V3 SE

The Ender 3 V3 SE is packed with impressive features that set it apart from its predecessor, the Ender 3 V3 KE. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this 3D printer a standout choice for both beginners and experienced users.

Direct Drive Extruder: The Ender 3 V3 SE comes equipped with a direct drive extruder, offering improved filament control and compatibility with a wide range of materials. This feature allows for faster printing speeds and reduces the risk of filament jams, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.

Auto Bed Leveling: Say goodbye to manual bed leveling with the Ender 3 V3 SE’s auto bed leveling feature. This innovative technology ensures a perfect first layer every time, resulting in improved print quality and reduced print failures. With auto bed leveling, you can focus on creating without the hassle of manual adjustments.

Touch Screen Interface: The Ender 3 V3 SE features a user-friendly touch screen interface, making it easier than ever to navigate through settings and monitor your prints. With its intuitive design and vibrant display, you can effortlessly control and monitor your prints with just a few taps.

Linear Rail Motion System: The inclusion of a linear rail motion system enhances the stability and precision of the Ender 3 V3 SE. This advanced system reduces vibrations and ensures smooth and accurate movements, resulting in higher print quality and faster print speeds.

Affordability: Despite its impressive features, the Ender 3 V3 SE remains an affordable option for 3D printing enthusiasts. Creality has managed to strike a balance between performance and price, making this printer accessible to a wide range of users.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, both the Ender 3 V3 KE and the Ender 3 V3 SE offer impressive capabilities that can meet the needs of different users. However, there are some key differences that set them apart.

One notable difference is the printing speed. The Ender 3 V3 KE takes the lead with a maximum printing speed of up to 500mm/s and an acceleration of 5000mm/s². This enhancement not only makes your prints faster but also improves production efficiency. On the other hand, the Ender 3 V3 SE offers a maximum printing speed of 250mm/s and an acceleration of 2500mm/s². While still impressive, it falls behind the KE in terms of speed.

In terms of stability, both printers have their strengths. The Ender 3 V3 KE comes equipped with dual Z-axes and dual Y-axes, as well as upgraded slider and linear guide rails on the X-axis to reduce vibrations and enhance print quality. This ensures stability during high-speed printing. The Ender 3 V3 SE, on the other hand, features a gantry structure and a single Z-axis leadscrew. While it may not have the same level of stability as the KE, it still delivers reliable printing performance.

Another important aspect to consider is the extruder and hotend. The Ender 3 V3 KE comes with an upgraded Sprite direct drive extruder and an all-metal hotend that supports high-temperature printing up to 300°C. This allows for compatibility with a wider range of filaments, including PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PC, and ASA. The Ender 3 V3 SE, on the other hand, features the “Elf” proximity extruder and has a nozzle temperature limit of 260°C. While it still supports popular filaments like PLA, PETG, and TPU, it may not be as versatile as the KE in terms of material options.

Overall, both the Ender 3 V3 KE and the Ender 3 V3 SE offer impressive performance capabilities. The KE stands out with its faster printing speed and broader filament compatibility, making it a great choice for users in need of increased productivity and material options. On the other hand, the SE still delivers reliable printing performance and is suitable for beginners and budget-conscious users. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which printer is the best fit for you.

User Experience Comparison

When it comes to user experience, both the Ender 3 V3 KE and the Ender 3 V3 SE offer exceptional performance and convenience. However, there are some key differences that may sway your decision.

The Ender 3 V3 KE introduces a brand-new software UI and revamped navigation bar, making it easier than ever to navigate and monitor your printing process. The vibrant colors and model visualization add a touch of excitement to your printing experience. Plus, with multi-platform connectivity, including the Creality Cloud app, web interface, and Creality Print, you can control your printer from anywhere.

On the other hand, the Ender 3 V3 SE also provides a user-friendly experience. Its 3.2-inch color rotary screen offers easy navigation and control, ensuring a smooth printing process. With the Creality Cloud app and local network printing options, you have flexibility in managing your prints.

Both printers offer automatic bed leveling, ensuring that your prints adhere properly without manual intervention. The automatic filament loading and unloading functions make filament management a breeze. Additionally, they both support OTA online firmware updates, keeping your printer up to date with the latest features and improvements.

In terms of aesthetics, the Ender 3 V3 KE features a minimalist design with a unique nozzle cover, adding a futuristic touch to your workspace. The Ender 3 V3 SE, on the other hand, boasts a sleek and compact design that fits well in any setting.

Purchase Recommendations

If you are a beginner or have budget constraints, the Ender 3 V3 SE is a solid option. It provides reliable printing performance at an affordable price point. With features like automatic bed leveling, a decent build volume, and a user-friendly interface, it offers great value for money. This printer is suitable for those who are just starting their 3D printing journey or who have limited experience with 3D printers.

On the other hand, if you are an experienced user seeking faster print speeds, a wider range of material choices, and a larger touchscreen interface, the Ender 3 V3 KE is a worthwhile investment. With its upgraded features such as a direct drive extruder, faster printing speeds, and an improved user interface, this printer offers increased productivity and more material options. It is ideal for users who require higher performance and are willing to invest a bit more in their 3D printing experience.

In terms of price, the Ender 3 V3 SE is priced at $199, while the Ender 3 V3 KE is priced at $279. Considering the additional features and enhanced performance of the Ender 3 V3 KE, the price difference is justified for users who require those extra capabilities.

In conclusion, both the Ender 3 V3 SE and the Ender 3 V3 KE are excellent printers, each catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, you can choose the Ender 3 V3 series printer that best suits your requirements and enjoy a high-quality 3D printing experience.

Check the latest discount for Ender-3 VE KE & SE >>