Brother GT-381 vs Mimaki TX300P-1800
Technical comparison for TSHIRT printers
Brother GT-381
Mimaki TX300P-1800
| Specifications | Brother GT-381 | Mimaki TX300P-1800 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | DTG | Industrial Textile |
| Color Output | CMYK + 4 White | Up to 8 colors |
| Print Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 1080 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | Fast | N/A |
| Color Print Speed (PPM) | Standard | 66 m2/h |
| First Page Out Time | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Double-Sided | No | No |
| Input Paper Capacity | 1 Platen | Roll Feed |
| Output Tray Capacity | N/A | Winder |
| Supported Paper Sizes | 14 x 16 inches | 1920 mm width |
| Paper Weight Support | Cotton | Fabric Rolls |
| Scanner Type | None | None |
| Scan Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No | No |
| Ethernet Support | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Printing Support | No | No |
| Display Panel | N/A | N/A |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | N/A |
| Ink/Cartridge System | N/A | N/A |
| Borderless Printing | N/A | N/A |
| Width | N/A | N/A |
| Depth | N/A | N/A |
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Machine Weight | N/A | N/A |
| Energy Efficiency | N/A | N/A |
| Noise Level (dB) | N/A | N/A |
| Processor Speed | N/A | N/A |
| Internal Memory | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | N/A | N/A |
| Security Features | N/A | N/A |
| Compatible OS | N/A | N/A |
| Included in Box | N/A | N/A |
| Warranty Period | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended Use | N/A | N/A |
| Brand | Brother | Mimaki |
Brother GT-381 Review
✅ Pros: Modular print heads allow for easy upgrades.
❌ Cons: Older technology compared to GTX series.
Mimaki TX300P-1800 Review
✅ Pros: Roll-to-roll printing for full textile production.
❌ Cons: Huge footprint, requires industrial space.
Expert Verdict
The Brother GT-381 and the Mimaki TX300P-1800 represent the divide between garment-based and textile-based printing. The Brother is a DTG (Direct-to-Garment) machine designed for printing finished shirts one by one on a platen. The Mimaki is an industrial roll-to-roll direct-to-textile printer, capable of printing hundreds of meters of fabric at a time for upholstery, fashion bolts, or flags. For a boutique t-shirt shop, the Mimaki is far too large and complex, but for a fabric designer or a small clothing manufacturer, it is a game-changing tool. The Mimaki offers much higher throughput and the ability to print on diverse fabrics including linen, silk, and polyester depending on the ink set chosen. The Brother GT-381 is restricted by its aging technology and slow manual loading process compared to the Mimaki's automated media feeding. However, for localized custom printing, the Brother is more approachable and easier to operate. If your goal is true industrial production and fabric creation, the Mimaki TX300P-1800 is the runaway winner. The Brother is a relic in comparison to the Mimaki's speed and scale.