Can a newcomer who relies on Kickstarter funding rival the xTool P3?
In a bold move that has captured the attention of the maker community, laser engraver newcomer TYVOK has openly tried to compare their newly launched Kickstarter machine with xTool’s polished offering. In a recent social media post, the crowdfunding-backed company sought to position its latest offering, the K1 Pro, as a direct competitor to the recently launched xTool P3.
The post, published on TYVOK’s Facebook page, provided a ‘side-by-side’ comparison of the two CO₂ laser machines. It read:
“Tyvok K1 vs. the new xTool P3 – Which CO₂ laser platform fits your needs? Recently many users have been discussing the newly launched xTool P3 (80W). To help everyone compare, here’s a clear overview side by side with our Tyvok K1 Pro (100W):
“Tyvok K1 Pro: 100W CO₂ Power – stronger performance for thick materials / Multiple sizes up to 1200×2000 mm – handle large signage in one pass / X-axis lifting platform – stable & consistent flatness / Modular & Upgradable – extend the platform, slower depreciation / Expected Price: $2,799 (£2,066)
“xTool P3 (80W): 80W CO₂ Power – mid/high-end desktop machine / 915×458 mm working area – medium-sized projects / AutoLift Base + Dual Cameras + LiDAR – easy positioning / Fully Enclosed Design – safer for homes & studios / Expected Price: $5,999 (£4,429)
“Both machines are powerful, but they target different needs. If you want a larger size, stronger power, and scalability → Tyvok K1 Pro. If you want ease of use, enclosed safety, and smart positioning → xTool P3
“Which one would you choose for your workshop? Share your thoughts in the comments.”
Seeking to contribute to the discussion, we posted a comment asking if xTool machines would face lengthy delivery times, as seen with the previous TYVOK machine. We also asked if the community would have to find machine fixes despite rigorous testing prior to shipping. For some reason, our comment was promptly deleted.
In the spirit of transparency, and to provide a more balanced perspective, we offer a less biased comparison of the two machines for your consideration. Note: All prices are converted to GBP at a rate of $1 USD = £0.738.
xTool P3 vs. TYVOK K1 Pro: A Fair Comparison
Based on our research, here is a true and fair comparison between the Tyvok K1 and the xTool P3 laser engravers, focusing on key features, power, work area, and price.
It’s important to note that the Tyvok K1 is a newer model and appears to be in a pre-launch or presale phase, while the xTool P3 is also a very new model, with some information available from “first look” videos and press releases.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | TYVOK K1 Pro | xTool P3 |
| Laser Power | 100W CO₂ | 80W CO₂ |
| Working Area | Up to 1200mm x 2000mm | 915mm x 458mm (with passthrough) |
| Design | Semi-enclosed, modular | Fully enclosed |
| Expected Price | £2,066 | £4,429 |
| Primary Advantage | Higher power and a vast working area for industrial-scale projects. |
A focus on smart features, ease of use, and enhanced safety for a wider user base.
|
| Considerations | As a pre-launch product, long-term support and reliability are unproven. The open design may require a dedicated workshop with robust ventilation. |
The fully enclosed design may be limiting for certain large projects without using the passthrough feature. It carries a significantly higher price tag.
|
Analysis
Power and Performance: The Tyvok K1 has a higher-wattage laser (100W vs. 80W), which theoretically allows for faster cutting speeds and the ability to cut through thicker materials in a single pass. The Tyvok K1 also has a higher specified maximum speed.
Work Area and Flexibility: The Tyvok K1 offers a significantly larger enclosed working area, making it ideal for large-scale projects that can fit inside the machine. The xTool P3, while having a smaller enclosed area, addresses large-format projects with its motorised auto-passthrough, allowing you to work on materials of nearly any length.
Design and Safety: Both machines feature enclosed designs with cameras and auto-focus for ease of use. The xTool P3 places a strong emphasis on safety with its fire detection and emergency stop features, while the Tyvok K1’s semi-enclosed design may offer more accessibility but slightly less containment.
Cost: The Tyvok K1 appears to be positioned as a more affordable option. While it’s a cheaper machine, it also has less research and development prior to its public release. Early buyers essentially act as testers, and the company often relies on the community to find fixes when things break or don’t work as expected. xTool, on the other hand, is a more expensive machine that benefits from a higher level of research and development before it goes to market. These are high-end products that have been thoroughly tested and checked before public release.
The two machines, while both powerful CO₂ lasers, are clearly aimed at different types of user. TYVOK’s K1 Pro offers raw power and a huge working area at a highly competitive price, appealing to professional workshops and those with a focus on large-scale production. In contrast, the xTool P3’s selling point is its refined, user-friendly experience and comprehensive safety features, making it a strong contender for smaller workshops or home studios where safety and convenience are paramount.
Related Posts
