Zebra GK420T, TT Printer 203 dpi, US Cord, EPL, ZPLII, USB, Ethernet, GK42-102210-000, Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer **

Yes! The GC420, GK420 and GX420 Zebra printers are our number one selling label printers. The difference between the GC, GK and GX are features. The GC is the basic model and comes with only Serial/USB connections and a tear bar, while the GK is a bit faster and add's LAN (aka Ethernet), with a tear bar where the GX is also a bit faster than the GK and add's WiFi, Bluetooth and an auto-cutter.

There are two types of technologies used for label making, Direct Thermal (aka DT) and Thermal Transfer (aka TT).

Direct Thermal is what receipt printers use, so they're quick, cheap to run but the labels made aren't going to be very tough, so they are for short term use, like on a shipping label or retail products.

Thermal Transfer uses two parts, a label and a ribbon that is made out of wax and resin. These labels are much tougher and when the right combination purchased, can last up to 3 years in the harshest of conditions...rain, hot, cold, bright light, scratching and even resistant to chemicals that could be spilled on them in an industrial setting. The big thing to know is that not all ribbons work with all labels; they need to be matched.

Last tidbit is that for the GC, GK and GX printers, the models ending with a D can only do Direct Thermal labels, but the T models can do both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer. You just interchange the labels as you need. Note, not all label printers are like this, some TT printers are TT only, so it can be a little bit of a minefield for the beginner. But that's why we're here and ready to help!