After five years, I needed to replace my Maker which had a failing rubber roller (they are now plastic). Faster, quieter, but I didn't have to relearn anything and I love that! I'm happy.
This was an upgrade machine for me. I have the Cricut Joy Xtra, Explore Air 2 and a Maker. The Cricut machines are so easy to set up and get started right out of the box. I haven't used my new Maker 4 much yet (but have lots of projects I want to do when I find the time!). I did notice that it is much quieter than the Maker and seems to cut much faster as well.
I am loving my Cricut 4. It was easy to set up, and cuts great. I haven't trie4d it out with any specialty products yet, but I can say for my usager so far it exceeds expectaionts.
Similar operation to my Explore and Maker but faster. I feel like it cuts the fastest when I use the Kraftboard setting. I don’t feel it’s as fast with the heavy cardstock setting.