Creality Bed-levelling sensor for Ender-3 V3 SE & KE

You start auto-levelling on your Ender-3 V3 SE, the nozzle heats, comes down to the bed and keeps going. It scrapes the PEI sheet, the printer throws a height or "Key 2401" error, and your first layer is either crushed into the plate or floating in mid-air. When the sensor that sets your Z offset stops reading correctly, no amount of manual tweaking gives you a reliable first layer.

This genuine Creality bed-levelling sensor is the strain gauge pressure sensor that lets the Ender-3 V3 SE and KE measure their own Z offset automatically.

Replace a faulty sensor and your printer goes back to setting a correct first layer by itself, every time.

Genuine Creality Part 2101030196 | Fits Ender-3 V3 SE and V3 KE | Strain Gauge Pressure Sensing | Automatic Z Offset Calibration | Works Alongside the CR Touch Probe | Fitted Under the Print Bed | Restores Factory Levelling

Who the Ender-3 V3 SE and KE bed-levelling sensor is built for

Hobbyist Makers with a crashing or scraping nozzle

The Creality Ender-3 V3 SE 3D Printer is popular because it levels itself. When the pressure sensor fails, that convenience disappears and the nozzle can damage the build plate. Replacing the sensor restores hands-off calibration, so you can go back to printing a set of PLA desk organisers without babysitting the first layer.

Schools running several SE or KE printers

Classroom printers get bumped, moved and run by many users, and a printer with unreliable levelling wastes lessons. A replacement sensor brings a machine back to automatic calibration, so learners press print and get a usable first layer. A class can print its batch of PLA keyrings without a teacher adjusting Z offset machine by machine.

Small print farm operators

On a farm of Creality Ender-3 V3 KE 3D Printer machines, every printer needs to calibrate itself identically. One faulty sensor means one printer producing crushed or loose first layers and failed plates. Swapping the sensor brings it back into line, so a run of 30 PETG cable clips adheres consistently across every machine.

What sets the Ender-3 V3 SE and KE bed-levelling sensor apart

A first layer you never have to set by hand

The Ender-3 V3 SE and KE use two sensors to calibrate. The CR Touch probe maps the shape of the bed, and this pressure sensor sets the Z offset, the exact gap between nozzle and bed at the start of a print. During calibration the nozzle gently presses on the bed, and the sensor detects the moment of contact. The printer then stores that height as its offset. With a working sensor, you never need the paper test or live Z adjustments, and the first layer comes out right after a nozzle change, a plate swap or a move.

Strain gauge sensing for precise contact detection

The sensor uses a strain gauge, a thin resistive element whose resistance changes as it bends under load. The same principle used in a load cell lets the printer detect the small force of the nozzle touching the bed. Because it measures the actual contact between nozzle and surface, it accounts for nozzle length and plate thickness automatically. A damaged or drifting gauge reports contact too late or not at all, which is why a failing sensor causes the nozzle to drive into the bed instead of stopping.

Protects your build plate and nozzle

When the sensor misreads, the nozzle keeps descending until something gives. That usually means a gouged PEI surface, a bent spring steel sheet or a damaged nozzle tip. Forum reports from SE owners describe heated beds badly scored during failed auto Z offset runs. A correctly working sensor stops the nozzle at first contact, so calibration is gentle on your plate. Replacing a suspect sensor early is far cheaper than replacing the build surface and nozzle it damages.

Genuine part, matched to the factory firmware

The SE and KE firmware expects a specific signal from this sensor to trigger contact. This genuine Creality part, number 2101030196, is the factory component for both printers, so calibration thresholds work as designed and you do not need to modify firmware settings. It fits under the print bed in the factory position and connects to the existing wiring, keeping your printer identical to the original build in fused filament fabrication performance.

Full specifications: Ender-3 V3 SE and KE bed-levelling sensor

Ordering, shipping and support for Ender-3 V3 SE and KE sensors

We courier the Ender-3 V3 SE and KE bed-levelling sensor to any address in South Africa, or you can collect it from our Centurion or Boksburg store. Genuine Creality parts carry the manufacturer's warranty, with claims handled locally by our support team. Nozzles, hotends and other SE and KE spares are in our Creality spare parts range, alongside Creality PLA filament.

Frequently asked questions about the Ender-3 V3 SE and KE bed-levelling sensor

Is this the same as the CR Touch probe?

No, it is a separate sensor with a different job. The CR Touch probe measures the shape of the bed to build a mesh, while this strain gauge sensor detects nozzle contact to set the Z offset. If bed mesh probing fails, suspect the CR Touch. If the nozzle crashes during Z offset calibration, suspect this sensor.

My printer shows "Key 2401". Do I need a new sensor?

Not necessarily, so try the free fixes first. Australian distributor DREMC reports that some users cleared this error with a firmware update or factory reset. It can also come from the CR Touch failing to trigger. If the error persists after both, or the nozzle presses into the bed, replace the sensor.

Can I fit this to an Ender-3 V3 or V3 Plus?

No, this sensor is made for the Ender-3 V3 SE and Ender-3 V3 KE only. The CoreXZ Ender-3 V3 and V3 Plus use a different levelling system. Check your printer's model label before ordering.

How difficult is the replacement?

It is a moderate screwdriver job that involves working under the bed. Power off and unplug the printer, remove the build plate and bed fixings to reach the sensor, then disconnect and swap it in the same orientation. Reassemble, then run the full auto-levelling routine and print a first-layer test.

Is local warranty and support available?

Yes, genuine Creality parts carry the manufacturer's warranty, handled locally by our South African support team. If you are unsure whether the sensor, the CR Touch or a board is at fault, log a technical support ticket with photos and your error message, and we will help you identify the right part.