Sato W2312-400CB-EX1 vs Sato W2312-400CN-EX1: Specification Comparison
Both products are Sato WS2-series 300 dpi direct-thermal desktop label printers sharing the same SKU base (W2312-400C_-EX1), differing only in a single suffix character. They target the same buyer segment: shipping, retail, or light-industrial label printing at a compact desktop footprint. This comparison examines how the two models diverge across connectivity and included hardware, physical and environmental specifications, and media handling — the three axes most relevant when choosing between near-identical label printer SKUs for a deployment.
In This Guide
- Do the W2312-400CB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1 differ in connectivity or included hardware features?
- How do the two models compare on physical dimensions, weight, power requirements, and operating environment?
- Which model offers more detailed media handling and memory specifications for format-intensive or high-volume label workflows?
- Which should you choose: the W2312-400CB-EX1 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Do the W2312-400CB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1 differ in connectivity or included hardware features?
Both models share an identical connectivity stack: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Neither model has a connectivity advantage over the other based on the provided specifications.
The key hardware differentiator is the integrated cutter. The W2312-400CN-EX1 specification explicitly lists 'Cutter included' as a feature, along with 'Tool-free printhead replacement.' The W2312-400CB-EX1 specs do not mention a cutter or tool-free printhead replacement. Buyers who require automatic label cutting at the printer — common in high-throughput shipping or ticketing environments — will find the CN variant relevant on that basis alone.
The 'B' suffix in W2312-400CB-EX1 may denote a Bluetooth-primary or bundle configuration, but the provided specifications do not confirm this interpretation. Only the presence of a cutter and tool-free printhead swap is confirmed as a hardware distinction for the CN model.
How do the two models compare on physical dimensions, weight, power requirements, and operating environment?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 provides full physical and environmental specifications: dimensions of 6.3" x 7.5" x 6.5", weight of 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg), AC input of 100–240 V at 50/60 Hz, and an operating temperature range of 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C). These figures are not provided for the W2312-400CB-EX1.
For installers and IT buyers planning rack-adjacent desktop placement, power circuit compatibility, or deployment in temperature-variable environments such as warehouses or loading docks, the CN model's documented 100–240 V universal input and 5°C–40°C range give concrete planning data. The CB model's absence of these specs requires a separate datasheet lookup before deployment decisions can be finalized.
Both units are classified as desktop form factor. No dimensions or weight are published for the CB variant in the provided specifications.
Which model offers more detailed media handling and memory specifications for format-intensive or high-volume label workflows?
Both models support media rolls up to 5" outer diameter. The W2312-400CN-EX1 adds specificity: media width range of 0.5" to 2.83", a 1" media core requirement, and a maximum ribbon length of 984 ft (300 m). Note that both models are direct thermal — ribbon length is listed for the CN variant but direct thermal printing does not consume ribbon; this figure may reflect the chassis's thermal-transfer capability if configured differently, or a spec entry error. Buyers should verify with Sato documentation.
Memory specifications are documented for the CN model: 256 MB Flash, 128 MB SDRAM, and 128 MB user storage. The CB model's marketing copy references '256 MB Flash + 128 MB SDRAM' in a card bullet but these values do not appear in its structured spec fields — they are not confirmed at the same level as the CN model's verified spec entries.
Both models display output on a 2.4" color LCD. The CN model's display is described as a touchscreen in its marketing copy; the CB model's display description does not include the touchscreen qualifier.
Which should you choose: the W2312-400CB-EX1 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
Our take: The W2312-400CN-EX1 is the stronger choice when physical planning data, an integrated cutter, and fully documented media and memory specifications are required. The CN model is the only variant that provides confirmed dimensions (6.3" x 7.5" x 6.5"), weight (3.5 lbs), universal AC input (100–240 V), operating temperature range (41°F–104°F), structured memory specs (256 MB Flash / 128 MB SDRAM / 128 MB user storage), media width range (0.5"–2.83"), and an included cutter with tool-free printhead replacement. The W2312-400CB-EX1 matches on core print specs — 300 dpi, 7 ips, 2.2" max print width, direct thermal — but lacks these documented attributes. Choose the CB model only if a cutter is unnecessary and the missing environmental and physical data can be sourced separately from Sato's datasheet before deployment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato W2312-400CB-EX1 | Sato W2312-400CN-EX1 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Direct Thermal | Direct Thermal |
| Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Print Speed | 7 ips | 7 ips |
| Max Print Width | 2.2" | 2.2" |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Display | 2.4" color LCD | 2.4" color LCD touchscreen |
| Cutter Included | — | Yes |
| Tool-Free Printhead Replacement | — | Yes |
| Flash Memory | 256 MB (marketing copy only) | 256 MB (spec field) |
| SDRAM | 128 MB (marketing copy only) | 128 MB (spec field) |
| User Storage | — | 128 MB |
| Media Width Range | — | 0.5" to 2.83" |
| Max Roll Diameter | 5" | 5" |
| Media Core | — | 1" |
| Dimensions | — | 6.3" x 7.5" x 6.5" |
| Weight | — | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) |
| Power Input | — | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | — | 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the W2312-400CB-EX1 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 is the stronger choice when physical planning data, an integrated cutter, and fully documented media and memory specifications are required. The CN model is the only variant that provides confirmed dimensions (6.3" x 7.5" x 6.5"), weight (3.5 lbs), universal AC input (100–240 V), operating temperature range (41°F–104°F), structured memory specs (256 MB Flash / 128 MB SDRAM / 128 MB user storage), media width range (0.5"–2.83"), and an included cutter with tool-free printhead replacement. The W2312-400CB-EX1 matches on core print specs — 300 dpi, 7 ips, 2.2" max print width, direct thermal — but lacks these documented attributes. Choose the CB model only if a cutter is unnecessary and the missing environmental and physical data can be sourced separately from Sato's datasheet before deployment.
Is the W2312-400CB-EX1 or W2312-400CN-EX1 better for high-volume shipping label lines that need automatic cutting?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 is the documented choice here. Its specifications explicitly list 'Cutter included' as a feature. The W2312-400CB-EX1 specifications do not mention a cutter. If automatic label separation at the printer is required for throughput, the CN variant is the only model with that capability confirmed in the provided specs.
Do both models work on 100–240 V power, and can I deploy them internationally?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 specifies AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz input, confirming international power compatibility. The W2312-400CB-EX1 does not include power input specifications in the provided data. Buyers planning international or mixed-voltage deployments should verify the CB model's power requirements directly against Sato's datasheet before purchasing.
Are the print speed, resolution, and connectivity the same on both models?
Yes, based on the provided specifications. Both the W2312-400CB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1 are rated at 300 dpi resolution, 7 ips print speed, 2.2" maximum print width, direct thermal print method, and identical connectivity: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The core print performance is equivalent; the differences lie in included hardware (cutter on CN), physical documentation, and memory spec sourcing.
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