Marlin Vs Jyers Vs Klipper Comparison – Which to Choose?

When it comes to 3D printing, choosing the right firmware can make a big difference in the overall experience. 

Marlin, Jyers, and Klipper are all popular firmware options, but they each have their own unique features and ease of use. Firmware is a type of software that is pre-installed on a device and controls its basic functions, in this case, your 3D printer.

That’s why I wrote this article to compare and show the differences between 3D printer firmware.

What is the Marlin Firmware?

Marlin firmware is an open-source firmware for 3D printers. It is the most widely-used firmware and is known for its ease of use and powerful features. It is the standard firmware found in most 3D printers such as the Creality Ender 3 and many more.

The Marlin firmware is based on the popular Arduino platform. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform that allows you to edit and configure codes and firmware.

Marlin is highly customizable and can be used on a wide range of 3D printer controllers. It also supports various features like thermal protection, motor locking, positioning, auto bed leveling, and more.

Thermal protection helps to protect the printer from overheating while motor locking features help to prevent the motors from moving when the printer is not in use.

Positioning allows the printer to move to precise locations and auto bed leveling ensures that the build surface is always level and provides a better print quality.

What is the Jyers Firmware?

Jyers is a customized version of Marlin, which uses Marlin as a main foundation, but makes some adjustments to features to improve it in various ways.

This customized version consists of a set of changes made to the Marlin firmware’s default configuration files to adapt it to a specific 3D printer model, such as the Ender 3. 

These changes can include things like setting the correct number of extruders and adjusting other parameters to optimize the performance of the printer. 

Jyers is available on GitHub, but it’s important to note that it’s only compatible with Ender 3 printers and it may not work with other models or configurations.

Be aware that when using Jyers, it’s important to make sure you have the latest version of Marlin firmware and that you understand how to configure the firmware to work with your specific printer. 

What is the Klipper Firmware?

Klipper firmware is an open-source firmware for 3D printers that is designed to improve the performance and functionality of the printer. It is different from other firmware options like Marlin in that it requires an additional Linux-based computer to run it.

Klipper firmware is known for its advanced features, such as support for multi-extruder printers, advanced motion planning, and real-time control of the printer. 

This firmware is considered to be more advanced than other firmware options and may require more technical knowledge to set up and use. 

However, for users who are very experienced in 3D printing, Klipper firmware may be considered a powerful and flexible option that can greatly improve the performance and functionality of their printer.

Marlin Vs Jyers Vs Klipper – Installation Comparison

Marlin firmware, Klipper firmware, and Jyers all have some key differences in terms of installation and functionality.

Marlin Installation

Marlin firmware is generally considered to be easy to install, particularly for users who are familiar with the Arduino IDE. The Arduino IDE is a software that runs on a computer and allows users to write and upload code/firmware to the 3D printer.

These are the main steps to install Marlin:

1. Download the latest version of Marlin firmware from the official Marlin website or GitHub repository
2. Configure the firmware to match the specific hardware and settings of the 3D printer.
3. Compile the firmware using the Arduino IDE
4. Upload the firmware to the 3D printer using a USB cable

It’s important to remember that the process might change based on the particular 3D printer you’re using, and different users may find it more or less difficult.

Users consider Marlin to be easy to install even comparing it to a Windows installer, while other firmware such as Klipper can be a lot more complex, with users thinking it is closer to a Linux installer.

Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to install Marlin firmware.

Jyers Installation

Installing Jyers may be considered easy for users who are familiar with 3D printing, Marlin firmware, and the Ender 3 printer. However, for new users or those who are not familiar with the process, it may be challenging. 

These are the main steps you’ll go through to install Jyers:

1. Download the latest version of Jyers configuration from GitHub
2. Download the latest version of Marlin firmware from the official Marlin website
3. Replace the default configuration files in the Marlin firmware with the Jyers configuration files
4. Compile and upload the firmware to your Ender 3 printer’s controller board using the Arduino IDE

It’s important to keep in mind that the process might change based on the exact Marlin firmware and Jyers version you’re using. Make sure you have a copy of your current firmware on hand as a backup in case something goes wrong with the installation.

One user recommends using Jyers as it worked perfectly for him and he found the installation to be very easy without requiring any extra customization. 

Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to install the Jyers on your 3D printer.

Klipper Installation

Klipper firmware is different from other firmware options, like Marlin, in that it runs on a host computer rather than directly on the printer. This means that the installation process may be more complex and require more technical knowledge than other firmware options. 

These are the main steps you’ll go through to install Klipper:

1. Download and install the latest version of Klipper firmware from the official GitHub repository.
2. Configure the firmware for your specific printer and controller board by editing the configuration files
3. Install the necessary software on the host computer and the necessary libraries for Klipper to run
4. Connect the host computer to the printer’s controller board using a USB cable

It’s important to remember that the process might change based on the particular 3D printer and controller board you’re using, and different users may find it more or less difficult.

Don’t forget to check that your host computer meets the minimum requirements needed to run Klipper firmware. One user states that he managed to get Klipper installed and working on his Ender 3 printer in one hour with the help of a couple of online guides. 

Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to install the Klipper firmware.

Main Differences for Installation

Overall, the main difference between the three is the level of complexity and the additional features they offer. 

In general, Marlin is considered the most straightforward to install, while Klipper may require additional hardware and a bit more technical setup. Jyers is similar to Marlin but with some custom configurations for Ender 3 and Ender 5 printers.

One user thinks installing Klipper can be easier than Marlin and states that the printer updates will be a lot quicker with Klipper. Another user thinks Klipper can be even easier than installing and setting up the Jyers configuration. 

Marlin Vs Jyers Vs Klipper – Ease of Use Comparison

Marlin firmware, Klipper firmware, and Jyers all have some important differences in terms of ease of use.

Marlin Ease of Use

Marlin firmware is considered to be easy to use, as it is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. 

The firmware includes a wide range of features and settings that can be easily accessed and configured through the printer’s control interface, such as temperature control, bed leveling, and motion control. 

It also allows for real-time monitoring of the printer’s status and progress, including the ability to pause, resume, or cancel a print job.

There are a lot of guides and tutorials for the firmware available online. Also, Marlin has a large user community and many troubleshooting resources are available on forums and social media platforms.

Users recommend using the Marlin firmware if you don’t plan on experimenting much and just need a functional standard 3D printer, in that case, Marlin is the easiest firmware to use.

They also stated that if you’re already reaching the desired results with Marlin, there is no need to upgrade the firmware.

Jyers Ease of Use

Jyers is a customized version of the Marlin firmware and is designed to be easy to use and is intended to provide optimal performance and functionality for the Ender 3 printer. 

The firmware should function perfectly with the printer’s hardware and settings because it has been adjusted and optimized especially for the Ender 3.

However, it’s worth noting that the ease of use of Jyers can depend on the specific version of Marlin and Jyers firmware you are using and how well it is configured. 

If you are unfamiliar with Marlin firmware, learning the features and settings may take some time. Also, it’s important to make sure that the configuration is up-to-date and that you are using the latest version of Marlin firmware.

One user prefers Jyers even over the Klipper firmware for his Ender 3 printer as he had a lot of problems with Klipper but with Jyers his prints always come out perfect.

Klipper Ease of Use

The ease of use of Klipper firmware can depend on the user’s level of technical expertise and familiarity with 3D printing. Klipper firmware is considered to be more advanced than other firmware options and may require more technical knowledge to set up and use. 

However, for users who are very experienced with 3D printing, Klipper firmware may be considered to be easy to use.

The firmware provides a web interface that allows users to control and monitor the printer, including the ability to upload and print G-code files, adjust settings, and monitor the status of print jobs. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Users state that using Klipper will require a learning curve, especially for people who previously used Marlin. That’s because Klipper will require more time and energy to learn how to properly use it if you want to be successful in doing it, as noted by one user.

Another user stated that one of the main reasons to use Klipper over Marlin is the ability to tweak settings and experiment to improve your printer’s setup, something that is too difficult to do using Marlin.

Main Differences for Ease of Use

In terms of ease of use, Marlin and Jyers firmware are generally considered to be more straightforward than Klipper.

That’s because Klipper is a newer firmware and the installation process may require additional hardware and a bit more technical setup. The firmware is also more complex than Marlin, and the user interface may be more difficult to navigate.

Marlin’s configuration process is simple, and the firmware is easy to understand and use. The user interface is also simple and easy to navigate.

Jyers is similar to Marlin and is a fork of Marlin firmware, it is designed to be an alternative firmware for the Ender 3 and Ender 5 series of 3D printers. The configuration process is also simple and easy to understand and use.

Overall, Marlin and Jyers are considered to be more user-friendly for beginners and for those who want a simple and straightforward 3D printer control experience.

Klipper may be more suitable for advanced users who are willing to invest more time and effort in setting up and configuring their printer.

Marlin Vs Jyers Vs Klipper – Features Comparison

The Marlin firmware, the Klipper firmware, and the Jyers configuration all have a few features in common. All of them are open-source firmware that provides advanced motion control options to help improve precision and accuracy.

They all support temperature control and monitoring to ensure that the extruder and bed are at the correct temperature for printing and support SD card printing. This allows the user to print a model by saving it to an SD card and then inserting it into the 3D printer.

The more specific features of each of the firmware are detailed below.

Marlin Features

Here are some of Marlin’s exclusive features:

• Support for different control boards
• Thermal protection
• Large user community
• Support for different G-codes
• Easy-to-use interface

One of the main features that only Marlin has is the support for a wide range of control boards as the firmware can be installed on a variety of them. This makes it a versatile option for users who may have different types of hardware.

The firmware also includes advanced features like thermal protection which helps to prevent overheating of the extruder and bed and keeps the printer running smoothly.

Marlin also has a large user community and many available resources. This makes it easier to find help and support when needed and to take advantage of the many modifications and improvements that have been made by the community over time.

It also supports a wide range of G-codes, which are the instructions that the printer uses to move and perform actions. This allows for greater flexibility in terms of the types of objects that can be printed.

One of the most important features Marlin has that remains one of the reasons users prefer it is the easy-to-use interface. The simple and easy-to-use interface makes it accessible to users of all skill levels.

Users think Marlin is a great option, especially for beginners because it is easy to work and has many great features while still being relativity easy to customize.

Check out the video below for detailed information on the Marlin firmware and its features.

Jyers Features

Jyers shares many features with Marlin, but there are also some features that are specific to Jyers and not present in Klipper or Marlin.

Here are some of Jyers’s exclusive features:

• Designed for the Ender 3/Ender 5
• Support for Smoothieboard
• Improved Marlin features

The firmware is specifically designed for the Ender 3 and Ender 5 series of 3D printers, which means that it is tailored to their specific hardware and requirements. This allows for optimal performance and ease of use when using these printers.

Jyers also includes support for Smoothieboard, which is an open-source, community-driven electronics controller for 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters.

A lot of users recommend Jyers over standard Marlin as it includes a lot of improved features, as well as adding a few capabilities that the standard firmware was not capable of.

Check out the video below for detailed information about the Jyers features.

Klipper Features

Here are some of Klipper’s exclusive features:

• Use of separate computer
• Motion planning
• Support of multiple extruders
• Dynamic bed leveling

One of the main features of Klipper is that it uses a separate computer to handle some of the intensive tasks, which allows the printer’s main control board to focus on other tasks. This can lead to improved performance and more precise control of stepper motors.

Klipper firmware also includes advanced features like real-time motion planning, which allows for more precise control of the printer’s movements and can lead to better print quality.

The firmware also supports multiple extruders, which is useful for printing with multiple materials or colors in a single print.

There are also advanced calibration options like setting steps/mm and other parameters that can help achieve better print quality and fine-tune the printer.

Klipper also supports dynamic bed leveling, which allows for real-time correction of the bed surface during the print process, resulting in better first-layer adhesion and overall print quality.

A lot of users recommend using Klipper as its features allow you to achieve high-quality results. One user, the owner of an Ender 3, really noticed the difference between print speed and print quality after switching from Marlin to Klipper.

Check out the video below for detailed information about the Klipper features.

Main Differences Between Firmware

The Marlin firmware, the Klipper firmware, and Jyers all have some important differences. 

Marlin firmware is known for its ease of use and powerful features, it runs on the printer’s microcontroller, and it’s considered to be one of the most user-friendly and feature-rich firmware options available for 3D printers. 

Klipper firmware, on the other hand, runs on a host computer and it’s known for its advanced features and real-time control, it may require more technical knowledge to set up and use. 

Jyers is a set of changes made to the Marlin firmware’s default configuration files to adapt it to a specific 3D printer model, the Ender 3.