Ricoh Ri 100 vs Brother GT-381

Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide

Ricoh Ri 100 Ricoh Ri 100
VS
Brother GT-381 Brother GT-381

Ricoh Ri 100

✅ Compact, desktop-friendly, and very easy to use.
❌ Only prints on light-coloured fabrics (No white ink).

Brother GT-381

✅ Modular print heads allow for easy upgrades.
❌ Older technology compared to GTX series.
Feature Ricoh Ri 100 Brother GT-381
Print Technology Inkjet DTG DTG
Colour Output CMYK CMYK + 4 White
Print Resolution 1200 x 1200 dpi 1200 x 1200 dpi
Black Print Speed (PPM) 80 sec Fast
Colour Print Speed (PPM) 120 sec Standard
First Page Out Time N/A N/A
Auto Double-Sided No No
Input Paper Capacity Built-in Tray 1 Platen
Output Tray Capacity N/A N/A
Supported Paper Sizes 291 x 204 mm (A4) 14 x 16 inches
Paper Weight Support Light Cotton Cotton
Scanner Type None None
Scan Resolution N/A N/A
Auto Document Feeder None None
Copy Speed No No
Wi-Fi Connectivity Yes No
Ethernet Support Yes Yes
USB Connectivity Yes Yes
Mobile Printing Support Yes 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

⚖️ Expert Verdict

The Brother GT-381 and Ricoh Ri 100 represent the two extremes of DTG printing. The GT-381 is a massive industrial machine that can print on dark shirts with white ink. The Ricoh Ri 100 is an ultra-compact 'all-in-one' desktop DTG printer that only prints on light-colored garments (no white ink). The Ricoh is perfect for small gift shops or events because it includes a built-in finisher. However, the Brother GT-381 is a far more powerful and versatile machine that can handle any garment color and much larger designs. For a serious garment business, the Brother is the only real choice, while the Ricoh is a specialized convenience tool for light-only printing.

What Owners Are Saying?

Ricoh Ri 100

Penny
"Perfect entry-level DTG for my boutique. It’s the size of a standard office printer but prints directly onto totes and tees. You don't need a massive heat press because of the built-in finisher unit. Not for mass production, but for bespoke 'while-you-wait' gifts, it’s proper sorted."

Brother GT-381

OldSchool_Print
"A bit dated now compared to the GTX, but still a solid workhorse if you find one second-hand. The modular print heads are a good strategic design—you can start with CMYK and add white later. A bit slow by modern standards, but built like a tank."

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