Kyocera M5526CDW vs Brother MFC-L3770CDW: The Battle of the Best Printers is On!

Choosing the right color laser printer for your home or small office can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with two formidable contenders like the Kyocera M5526cdw and the Brother MFC-L3770cdw. Both machines boast impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each printer, helping you make an informed decision.

Print Speed and Quality: A Tale of Two Printers

When it comes to print speed, the Kyocera M5526cdw takes the lead, churning out a remarkable 35 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and white and color documents. The Brother MFC-L3770cdw, on the other hand, prints at 28 ppm for black and white and 21 ppm for color. While the Brother might lag slightly in speed, it still offers a respectable rate for most users.
In terms of print quality, both printers deliver excellent results. The Kyocera M5526cdw produces sharp text and vibrant colors, making it suitable for professional documents and presentations. The Brother MFC-L3770cdw also excels in print quality, offering crisp text and accurate color reproduction. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific print needs and budget.

Paper Handling and Capacity: A Matter of Convenience

The Kyocera M5526cdw boasts a generous paper capacity of 650 sheets, thanks to its standard 550-sheet tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray. This makes it ideal for high-volume printing environments where frequent paper refills are a nuisance. The Brother MFC-L3770cdw, however, offers a slightly lower capacity of 250 sheets, supplemented by a 50-sheet manual feed slot. While this may be sufficient for occasional printing tasks, users with higher print volumes might find themselves refilling the tray more often.

Connectivity and Features: A Symphony of Options

Both printers offer a wide range of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. This ensures seamless integration with your existing network infrastructure. The Kyocera M5526cdw takes it a step further by including a built-in duplexer for automatic double-sided printing, saving paper and reducing costs. The Brother MFC-L3770cdw also features a duplexer, along with a convenient automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning multiple pages.

Toner Costs and Efficiency: A Long-Term Perspective

Toner costs are a significant factor to consider when choosing a printer. The Kyocera M5526cdw uses a high-yield toner cartridge that can print up to 12,000 pages in black and 10,000 pages in color. This translates to lower per-page costs compared to the Brother MFC-L3770cdw, which has a slightly lower yield. However, the Brother MFC-L3770cdw boasts a lower purchase price, making it a more budget-friendly option upfront.

Design and Durability: A Marriage of Form and Function

Both printers are designed with durability and user-friendliness in mind. The Kyocera M5526cdw features a robust build and a compact footprint, making it suitable for various workspaces. The Brother MFC-L3770cdw also boasts a sturdy construction and a sleek design that complements modern office environments.

Verdict: The Ultimate Champion?

Choosing between the Kyocera M5526cdw and the Brother MFC-L3770cdw depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize high-volume printing with low per-page costs, the Kyocera M5526cdw is the clear winner. Its impressive print speed, generous paper capacity, and high-yield toner cartridges make it a reliable and cost-effective solution.
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a smaller footprint and the convenience of an ADF, the Brother MFC-L3770cdw is a solid choice. Its excellent print quality and user-friendly features cater to a wider range of needs.

Beyond the Print: Exploring the Multifunctionality

While both printers excel in printing, their multifunctionality sets them apart. The Kyocera M5526cdw offers a comprehensive suite of features, including copying, scanning, and faxing. Its high-resolution scanner captures detailed images and documents, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.
The Brother MFC-L3770cdw also boasts a robust multifunctionality, including copying, scanning, and faxing. Its ADF simplifies the process of scanning multiple pages, while its high-resolution scanner delivers exceptional image quality.

The Final Word: Choosing the Right Fit

Ultimately, the best printer for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Kyocera M5526cdw is a powerful workhorse designed for high-volume printing and demanding environments. The Brother MFC-L3770cdw, on the other hand, offers a balanced approach, combining affordability, user-friendliness, and versatile features.
By carefully considering your printing needs, budget, and desired features, you can choose the printer that best suits your requirements and elevates your productivity.

What You Need to Learn

Q: What is the difference in the resolution of the two printers?
A: Both the Kyocera M5526cdw and Brother MFC-L3770cdw offer a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white printing and 600 x 600 dpi for color printing.
Q: Are the printers compatible with mobile devices?
A: Yes, both printers support wireless connectivity and are compatible with mobile devices via apps like Kyocera Mobile Print and Brother iPrint&Scan.
Q: Which printer is better for home use?
A: For home use, the Brother MFC-L3770cdw might be a better choice due to its smaller footprint and lower initial cost. However, if you print frequently, the Kyocera M5526cdw’s lower per-page costs could be more advantageous in the long run.
Q: What is the warranty period for each printer?
A: The Kyocera M5526cdw comes with a one-year warranty, while the Brother MFC-L3770cdw offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Q: Do the printers have automatic document feeders (ADFs)?
A: The Brother MFC-L3770cdw features an ADF, while the Kyocera M5526cdw does not.