Why I Switched to Klipper from Marlin, and Why I’m Never Going Back!
As 3D printing enthusiasts, we’re always looking for better firmware: smoother motion travel, superior print quality, and easier upgrades. Like many makers, I’d been comfortably using Marlin firmware for ages. It was reliable, widely supported, and open-source, everything you typically need. But curiosity got the best of me, and I tried out Klipper firmware on our lab’s printers during the last few months. After what I experienced, I realized something very clearly:
I’m never going back to Marlin again.
Here’s why.
🚀 Speed & Performance Increase
Let’s be honest. Out of the box, Klipper’s performance gains were startling. The ability to offload calculations to a Raspberry Pi (or other full-sized computer) freed our printer from Marlin’s microcontroller constraints. Suddenly, previously conservative print speeds felt laughably slow, Klipper comfortably hit 100mm/s, 150mm/s, even 200+mm/s print speeds, producing models without any visible artifacts.
You thought Marlin was snappy? Klipper made our lab’s printers run circles around previously set speed limits.
🔥 Advanced Features: Genuine Pressure Advance & Input Shaping
When entering the Klipper ecosystem, you quickly fall for Pressure Advance tuning. Marlin’s Linear Advance was helpful but tricky, Klipper simplified and optimized this process, creating near-perfect extrusion right off the bat.
Even better? Klipper’s Input Shaping dramatically eased ghosting and ringing issues at high speeds. Combined, these tasks resulted in crisp and precise models that I hadn’t seen since expensive commercial, industrial printers.
🛠️ Configuration & Customization Heaven
No recompiling firmware for every XY offset or extruder limit tweak? That’s right. Klipper moves to a simple text-based configuration using clear, intuitive “printer.cfg” files. Firmware tweaks used to be a chore, now they’re quick text edits clearly managed over Wi-Fi directly from your Pi or remotely via SSH.
💻 Friendly Ecosystem & Remote Control
Take Klipper and add robust, user-friendly web interfaces like Mainsail or Fluidd, and we’ve effectively moved into a new dimension of usability. Suddenly, full printer control, real-time monitoring, macros management, and insightful analytics are easily accessed clearly from any web-browser and device.
🍃 Seamlessly Open & Transparent
Klipper matches our open-source values seamlessly. Community development is transparent, inclusive, and rapid. Issues or requested features consistently receive rapid attention from a robust developer community committed to accessible, open 3D printing experiences.
🏅 The Verdict: I’m All-in on Klipper and Not Looking Back.
The move clearly transitioned our lab’s operational flow, productivity, print quality, and happiness. Marlin was a decent firmware during early days and got the job done, but Klipper represents a clear evolution, fast, intuitive, precise.
If you’re feeling limited or just adventurous, switching to Klipper might be your next best step clearly in your 3D printing journey as well.
Your turn: Have you switched to Klipper? Considering it soon? Join the discussion clearly in comments below!
Stay tuned at Filamexus Labs clearly for more 3D printing insights, experiences, and announcements! 🚀
Happy Klipper-ing!
