This comparison of the Zebra series of 4 inch desktop label printers includes the GC420, GK420 and GX420 printers

These are alll desktop printers suited for light to medium volume barcode and label printing, and include 2 inch and 4 inch printers. 2 inch printers are used mostly for printing barcodes up to 54mm wide, and 4 inch printers are used mostly for printing shipping labels and larger barcode labels. All the models are available in either direct thermal technology (Model "D"), or direct thermal and thermal transfer techonology (Model "T"), and come in either 203 dpi or 300 dpi print resolution.

The main differences between these three lines of printers are their print speed and interface options. As the price increases it will provide more interface options, additional options such as auto cutters, and better print speeds.

Here is a summary of the benefits and differences of these label printers:

Zebra GC420 (Replaced the Zebra TLP2844)

A simple, entry-level desktop label printer in this series, and is the most competitively priced.
Delivers quality, durability and reliable performance for low to medium volume printing applications.
Print speed: 4 inches per second .
Interface options: USB, Serial, Parallel.
Thermal Direct (GC420d) and Thermal Transfer (CG420T) models are available.

 

Zebra GK420 (Replaced the Zebra LP2844)

A solid mid-range printer in this series, reliably prints clear labels and barcodes. 
Has faster print speeds and network manageability for medium to large organisations.
Fast print speed: 5 inches per second.
Interface options: Ethernet, USB, Serial, Parallel.
203 dpi, Thermal Direct (GK420d) and Thermal Transfer (GK420t) models available.
Additional options include: ZebraNet® 10/100 Print Server & Asian and international font kits

 

Zebra GX420 and GX430

The highest-performance printer in this series, the GX420 is flexible and and efficient. 
Provides the fastest print speeds, and packed with extra features and options.
Print speed: 5 inches (GX420) and 6 inches (GX430) per second.
Interface options: WiFi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, Serial, Parallel.
203 dpi (GX420) or 300 dpi (GX430)
Thermal Direct (GX420d or GX430d) and Thermal Transfer  (GX420t or GX430t) models available.
Additional options include: LCD screen, Adjustable media sensor for black line media, Auto Cutter