Silhouette vs Circuit – Which Craft Cutting Machine is Right for You

Do you really wanna come to the judgment whether a silhouette trumps over the circuit cutter or the circuit surpasses silhouette?

I presume you do!

But, here, the controversy begins! Claiming what reigns over another is downright undermining the other tool, which might be efficient for other users.

Hence determining which one is superior from the conflict of different opinions and the online reviewing battle is notoriously tight.

I would feel relieved and fair to state that every crafting tool is ideal only if the user knows how to utilize it appropriately. 

So, there's basically no competition, but you can only come to a lucrative conclusion if you measure the perks and setbacks of each machine and accommodate your requirements along the comparison process.

Initially, you will get your answer.

So here I have lined up a silhouette vs. circuit guide to help you make a reasonable decision!

Let’s start!

Facts to Take into Account

Before I start outlining each machine's pros and cons, I would like to present some crucial facts, which is anything but redundant. Before purchasing a suitable tool for your vinyl cutting or any DIY project, you need to glance over these actualities!

So, these are some facts that you need to seize in your mind until the comparison guide because relying on these facts; your decision making won't be obscure anymore.

Cutting Efficiency- Silhouette Vs. Circuit

Needless to say, the cutting aspect of any of these tools will decide the worth. Hence first thing first, you need to know acknowledge which unit yields the ability to provide accurate cuts.

However, I would like to mention that the cutting efficiency or the caliber outweighs one another, focusing on your personal preference.

Meaning that circuit cutters claim that they distribute relatively better cuts with transparency whereas silhouette was often proved inferior in this aspect. But this can work both ways.

Because in my experience, I found cutting vinyl easier with my silhouette, and till now, I am not disappointed with the outcomes.

So whatever decision you will take, it should be hinged on your cutting preferences or expectations.

Let’s be a little bit over broad about the cutting habitats of silhouette and circuit tools.

Silhouette

Okay, so let me put this straight! And remember that whatever I am saying is my judgment and own experience.

So, with a silhouette cutting machine, you are supposed to cut materials in longer lengths.

When silhouette itself glorifies the idea of providing longer cuts, it was kind a disheartening for me when things didn’t happen expectedly.

On top of that, this tool asserts you to load up to 10 feet long paper or vinyl without a cutting mat, whereas when you actually exert any attempt, it fails or doesn't meet up to your predicted results.

This happened to me. I have wasted more vinyl rolls than I anticipated. So, if you want to work with longer sheets, then you need to make up your mind for multiple efforts. 

You aren't prone to get it done at the first try, but if you can, then great on you. However, you will need to curve the roll while feeding it inside the machine and straighten it manually.

Now, comes cutting card stocks.

This tool is probably the best, and work wonders when it comes to this task. It ensures giving you a precise, neat, and flawless cut every time with optimal mobility. Also, including a cutting mat isn’t necessary when you are working with a silhouette cameo.

So long story short, if you are willing to cut vinyl, then it might not be the best; however, opinions will differ. Although my luck wasn’t favorable in this aspect.

On the flip hand, if you aren’t expecting to conquer longer cuts at the first attempt, you’ll probably find cutting vinyl easier. Eventually, you can manually straighten the sheets when it gets curved.

Circuit

Now, if you ask how well a circuit can cut, then my answer will be "like wonder." Not even kidding! Circuit cutter effortlessly cuts through longer vinyl rolls without creating any cranky noise. Also, it doesn't jam when you feed the vinyl.

Quieter, seamless, and precise cuts every time. However, I personally don’t have a circuit cutter, but my sister owns one, and I sometimes borrow the device for the intricate projects.

But here is the tea! Surprisingly whereas silhouette claims to cut up to 10 feet, it also holds the ability to cut 2 feet in length only.

Besides, while you are trying to cut vinyl with a circuit cutter, you don’t need to initiate any manual reinforcement when it comes out of the device contrary to the silhouette. 

I would like to add chipboard, card stocks, and of course, vinyl often needs trimming and enhancement after the machine cuts. But when you have a circuit, you no longer need to stick with the tweezers or scissors. It comes out without any uneven edges.

So, if you are willing to cut vinyl with precision and require quick cuts, then circuit cutter can do the math as far as you aren't hopeful of getting longer cuts; you can make it with the silhouette only. It will be problematic at first, but eventually, you will get there.

Now the verdict comes as if you want to cut smaller vinyl, card stocks, and chipboards with faster and seamless experience then give it a go!

The Design Software and Its Complexities- Silhouette Vs. Circuit

After cutting the second most important feature of such device is its designing software or programs. Thus, in this segment, I will discuss both of their cutting programs and the sensitivities they bear.

Silhouette

I am pretty sure nothing can contradict this statement that using silhouette designing software is utterly easy. But back then, there were many conflicts and different notions about this tool as in how it is extremely baffling to use as a dummy.

What changed the scenario is that if you are into graphic designing or you already know how to use Adobe Illustrator, then there's nothing much you need to learn to craft your own designs with the silhouette studio software. 

Moreover, you can buy your blueprints as well as personalize them the way you want.

If you are willing to buy your own svg files, don't expect it to come free of cost or default. You need to pay for the upgrade, which is named as the designer version.

You don’t necessarily have to buy the paid upgrade; amazing images are accessible from the free software or at low prices in different competitive image libraries.

Also, the quality of the pre-stored images is pretty aesthetic and looks professional all the way. Needless to say, the paid ones are way classier and vivid.

You can literally cut files, share, or import your images via silhouette design studios.

Circuit

When it comes to circuit cutters, I always reminisce about one of the rumors it used to possess, which was being unable to upload your images.

Well, as I mentioned, it was just a stab in the dark. You can definitely upload your custom designs. In fact, unlike silhouette here, you don't need to pay for uploading your svg files.

Now, let's talk about the ease of use. Honestly, many people dictate that using the circuit design software is 2x easier than a silhouette design studio. Maybe it's true.

But I was always so caught up with my silhouette and its unlimited design options and so I didn’t need to switch.

However, I can agree that the circuit is easier to use and probably the best for simple designs.

But if you are into customizing your own designs and hate anything that constrains you to add up your creativity as an artist, then the circuit isn't the one for you. In oppose to that, if you are okay with the limitations and simple, neat designs, then circuit software will be suitable too. 

Because as long as you have external software like Adobe Illustrator and have no issue crafting designs in them and later importing it in the circuit, there's no need to be skeptical. You can have the best results with a circuit unless you aren’t expecting customization and are unwilling to use external software.

Price and variants- silhouette vs. circuit

The price of a silhouette cameo is $299.99 in the current market state. However, it can fluctuate due to the retailer's convenience or differ store-wise.

On the flip hand, circuit cutter air two mint typically costs the same as the silhouette; however, if it's on sale, you can get it by $199.99, which is the unique offer price.

Pros and Cons – Silhouette vs. Circuit

Lets glance over the pros and cons of each product

Silhouette

Circuit

Verdict

Well, for me, both of them are winners in different practical aspects. For artists who strive for diversity and expect creative and unique designs every time with longer cuts, silhouette wins the crown for them.

But if you want a sturdier, more robust, and faster tool with limited designs and clean vinyl cuts, then circuit cutter shines brighter.

Now choose your winner according to your requirements!