Kyocera TK-57 Toner Cartridge - OEM Or Compatible?

In the market for laser printer consumables, two of the most sought after items is the OEM brand cartridge and the compatible laser toner cartridge. OEMs mandate the exclusive use of branded consumables while the aftermarket tracks the industry with its affordable offerings such as the Kyocera TK57 compatible toner cartridge that loads the Kyocera FS1920 printer.

So which of one should you use - the OEM cartridge or the Kyocera TK57 compatible toner cartridge? The article presents a comparative run through of both OEM and aftermarket consumable in the aspects of toner formulation, build quality, print quality, cost and cost per page.

Toner Formulation. Kyocera laser printers and replacement consumables are built with the patented ECOSYS Printer technology that puts premium on toner formulation. Compatible cartridges meanwhile have been infused with a toner formulation similar in concept to OEM technology. This puts doubts aside that the compatible laser toner cartridge will perform as well, if not better than the OEM.

Build Quality. The build qualityof the Kyocera cartridge is part of the total makeover involving ECOSYS technology. This is a commitment to its consumers that its consumables meet the industry standards of reliability, quality and performance while being eco-friendly at the same time. Following the lead of Kyocera, compatible toner cartridges also adhere to the vision of conforming to set industry standards so that good build quality can also be expected from the aftermarket product.

Print Quality. Laser prints produced by the Kyocera FS1920 printer could not be questioned. Definitely, the unit delivers one of the best prints the industry can offer. Again, the compatible laser toner cartridge can do no less and can now even match or even exceed the level of print quality espoused by Kyocera.

Cartridge Cost. The OEM TK57 comes with a yield rating of 15,000 pages based on the set 5% coverage standard so that its $95 pricing is just reasonable. The compatible Kyocera TK57 counterpart is however available for only $45.95 or about 51% lower. So with toner quality or performance out of the question, the compatible laser toner cartridge becomes the best option in this aspect.

Cost Per Page. With the TK57, print cost per page or CPP is considered low in the industry at 0.66 cents. But if the user wants to reduce per page print cost even further, the compatible TK57 cartridge can manage a 0.31 cents print cost per page.

There really is not much difference between the OEM Kyocera cartridge and Kyocera TK57 compatible toner cartridge in the aspects of reliability and print performance - except for the cost. Therefore, it becomes imperative to patronize the alternate print consumable and benefit from the cost savings it affords the user.

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