Sato W2312-400DB-EX1 vs Sato W2312-400CN-EX1: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato W2312-400DB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1 are WS2-series 300 dpi direct thermal desktop label printers sharing the same print engine, speed, connectivity suite, and memory configuration. A buyer choosing between them is deciding between two variants of the same platform that differ primarily in included hardware accessories and the depth of physical and environmental specifications documented. This comparison examines print capability, media handling, and physical deployment factors to surface the meaningful differences between these two models.
In This Guide
- Are the print engine and output specifications the same between the W2312-400DB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1?
- Which model provides more documented media handling capability and includes an integrated cutter?
- How do the two models compare on physical dimensions, power requirements, and operating environment?
- Which should you choose: the W2312-400DB-EX1 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Are the print engine and output specifications the same between the W2312-400DB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1?
Both models share an identical core print specification. Each uses direct thermal print technology, which eliminates the need for a ribbon for short-term label applications. Resolution is 300 dpi on both units, and print speed is rated at 7 inches per second on both. Maximum print width is 2.2 inches on both models.
Memory is confirmed at 256 MB Flash and 128 MB SDRAM on both units. The W2312-400CN-EX1 additionally specifies 128 MB User Storage; this figure is not listed in the W2312-400DB-EX1 specs. Connectivity is identical on both: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Display is confirmed as a 2.4-inch color LCD on both models. On raw print output, the two printers are spec-equivalent.
Which model provides more documented media handling capability and includes an integrated cutter?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 provides substantially more documented media handling detail. Its specs confirm a media width range of 0.5 to 2.83 inches, a 1-inch media core, and a maximum roll diameter of 5 inches. It also lists a maximum ribbon length of 984 ft (300 m), though both units are direct thermal and require no ribbon in standard operation. The W2312-400DB-EX1 does not list any of these media capacity figures.
Critically, the W2312-400CN-EX1 includes an inline cutter as a standard feature. This is explicitly called out in its spec features field and in its primary marketing bullet. The W2312-400DB-EX1 specs make no mention of a cutter. For workflows requiring automatic label separation, the CN variant is the only confirmed option between these two. The CN model also documents tool-free printhead replacement, which the DB model specs do not mention.
How do the two models compare on physical dimensions, power requirements, and operating environment?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 is the only model with documented physical dimensions (6.3 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches), weight (3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg), power input (AC 100–240V, 50/60 Hz), and operating temperature range (41°F to 104°F / 5°C to 40°C). None of these parameters are listed in the W2312-400DB-EX1 specifications.
Both units are rated for desktop mounting and confirmed compatible with Windows operating environments. The absence of dimensional, power, and thermal data for the W2312-400DB-EX1 is a practical constraint for IT procurement, facilities planning, and international power compatibility assessments. Buyers evaluating rack space, UPS sizing, or operating in environments with temperature variability should note that only the W2312-400CN-EX1 provides the figures needed to make those determinations from published specs alone.
Which should you choose: the W2312-400DB-EX1 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
Our take: The W2312-400CN-EX1 is the stronger choice when documented media handling capacity, an integrated inline cutter, and verified physical deployment specifications are required. Both models are spec-identical on the print engine: 300 dpi, 7 ips, 2.2-inch maximum print width, and full USB/Ethernet/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. The CN variant adds three concrete differentiators absent from the DB model's published specs: a confirmed inline cutter for automatic label separation, a documented media width range of 0.5–2.83 inches with a 5-inch maximum roll diameter, and full physical deployment data (6.3 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches, 3.5 lbs, AC 100–240V, 41°F–104°F operating range). The W2312-400DB-EX1 may suit buyers whose workflow does not require a cutter and whose IT procurement process does not depend on published physical and power specs. High-volume label environments requiring automatic cutting should specify the CN variant.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato W2312-400DB-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 inches | 2.2 inches |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Display | 2.4-inch color LCD | 2.4-inch color LCD |
| Flash Memory | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| SDRAM | 128 MB | 128 MB |
| User Storage | — | 128 MB |
| Cutter Included | — | Yes (inline) |
| Tool-Free Printhead Replacement | — | Yes |
| Media Width Range | — | 0.5 to 2.83 inches |
| Max Roll Diameter | — | 5 inches |
| Media Core | — | 1 inch |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | — | 6.3 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | — | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) |
| Power Input | — | AC 100–240V, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | — | 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) |
| Form Factor | Desktop | Desktop |
| OS Compatibility | Windows | Windows |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the W2312-400DB-EX1 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 is the stronger choice when documented media handling capacity, an integrated inline cutter, and verified physical deployment specifications are required. Both models are spec-identical on the print engine: 300 dpi, 7 ips, 2.2-inch maximum print width, and full USB/Ethernet/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. The CN variant adds three concrete differentiators absent from the DB model's published specs: a confirmed inline cutter for automatic label separation, a documented media width range of 0.5–2.83 inches with a 5-inch maximum roll diameter, and full physical deployment data (6.3 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches, 3.5 lbs, AC 100–240V, 41°F–104°F operating range). The W2312-400DB-EX1 may suit buyers whose workflow does not require a cutter and whose IT procurement process does not depend on published physical and power specs. High-volume label environments requiring automatic cutting should specify the CN variant.
Does the W2312-400DB-EX1 include a cutter like the W2312-400CN-EX1?
Based on the published specifications, no. The W2312-400CN-EX1 explicitly lists a cutter as an included feature. The W2312-400DB-EX1 specifications do not mention a cutter. Buyers requiring automatic label separation should select the W2312-400CN-EX1 or confirm cutter availability with Sato directly for the DB variant.
Is the W2312-400DB-EX1 or W2312-400CN-EX1 better for high-volume shipping label operations?
For high-volume operations where automatic label cutting and confirmed media roll capacity matter, the W2312-400CN-EX1 has the advantage based on available specs. It documents an integrated cutter, a 5-inch maximum roll diameter, and a 0.5–2.83 inch media width range. The W2312-400DB-EX1 specs do not confirm these parameters. Print speed and resolution are identical at 7 ips and 300 dpi on both.
Are there any differences in connectivity or memory between the W2312-400DB-EX1 and W2312-400CN-EX1?
Connectivity is identical on both models: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Flash memory (256 MB) and SDRAM (128 MB) are confirmed equal on both. The W2312-400CN-EX1 additionally specifies 128 MB User Storage; this figure is not listed in the W2312-400DB-EX1 published specifications.
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