Kyocera's ECOSYS and TASKalfa design separates the drum from the toner. The drum stays in the machine for 100,000 to 300,000 pages and only the TK toner container is replaced. Match the TK number to the printer model rather than to the page count: TK-1110 and TK-1120 for ECOSYS P2040, M2040 and P2235; TK-8505 for TASKalfa 3010 and 3212.
- Yields: TK-1110/1120 1,200–1,300 pages; TK-1150/1160 3,000–7,200; TK-5240/5250 2,600 and 5,000 in colour; TK-8505 12,000.
- The same TK number can be listed as standard or high-capacity by region, so confirm the suffix before ordering volume.
- Because the drum stays in the machine, a compatible TK cartridge has no drum to match — the risk sits with chip and fill weight instead.
Kyocera's ECOSYS and TASKalfa printers are famous for low total cost of ownership — but only if you buy the right toner. The TK naming system confuses first-time buyers, and ordering the wrong TK cartridge wastes time and money. Here's how the system works, model by model.
First, understand Kyocera's design philosophy
Unlike HP or Canon, most Kyocera laser printers use a drum-and-toner-separated design: the drum unit is built into the machine and lasts 100,000–300,000 pages, while you only replace the small toner container (the TK cartridge). This is why Kyocera marketing emphasizes "ECOSYS" — fewer replaceable parts, less waste, and dramatically lower running costs over the machine's life.
Practical consequence: when a Kyocera printer says "replace toner," you almost never need a drum — just the correct TK toner. This makes compatible toner especially attractive, since the consumable is simple and standardized.
Request a quote for Kyocera TK toner series →
How to find the right TK cartridge in 30 seconds
- Look at the label inside the toner compartment or on the old cartridge itself — it lists the TK number (e.g. TK-1120)
- Or check your printer's model: ECOSYS P2040dn uses TK-1120; M2540dn uses TK-1150/TK-1160
- Or search your printer model on our site — the compatible cartridge page lists every matching printer
Still unsure? A quick rule of thumb: the first two digits often cluster by printer generation. TK-11xx and TK-12xx serve the popular ECOSYS P20xx/M20xx entry series; TK-52xx/TK-53xx serve ECOSYS M55xx color models; TK-8xxx serves the TASKalfa color copiers.
Popular TK cartridges at a glance
| Cartridge | Typical printers | Black yield |
|---|---|---|
| TK-1110 / TK-1120 | ECOSYS P2040, M2040, P2235 | 1,200–1,300 pages |
| TK-1150 / TK-1160 | ECOSYS M2540, P3150 | 3,000–7,200 pages |
| TK-3100 | ECOSYS FS-1025, M1040 | 1,200 pages |
| TK-4105 | TASKalfa 2010, 2011 (A3) | 7,200 pages |
| TK-5240 / TK-5250 | ECOSYS M5521, P5021 (color) | 2,600 / 5,000 pages |
| TK-8505 | TASKalfa 3010, 3212 (A3) | 12,000 pages |
Yields are measured at 5% coverage, so heavy printing consumes toner faster. You can browse our full Kyocera-compatible toner range or jump straight to compatible TK-1120 and compatible TK-1150.
Standard vs high-capacity: which TK version?
Many TK numbers come in standard and high-capacity versions (e.g. TK-1150 vs TK-1160, TK-5240 vs TK-5250). As with HP's 206A/206X pairing, the high-capacity version usually costs 30–50% more but holds 2–2.4× the toner — meaning lower cost per page. For any machine that prints more than a few thousand pages a year, buy the high-capacity version.
Are compatible TK cartridges safe?
Compatible TK toners are manufactured to match Kyocera's physical specs and electrical contacts. Quality suppliers test every batch and back cartridges with a warranty. Real-world savings are typically 40–60% vs original, which matters a lot on high-volume A3 machines where originals cost $100+ per cartridge. Look for suppliers who publish their chip compatibility and offer a no-quibble replacement policy — that's the real safety guarantee.
Our buying tips
- Confirm the exact TK number before ordering — TK-1120 and TK-1150 are NOT interchangeable
- For color Kyocera machines, note that some models need all four colors (TK-5240/5250 + C/M/Y) — replace only the empty one
- Keep one spare of your most-used TK on hand; A3 offices should stock the high-capacity version
- Buying in bulk for a fleet? Request a price list covering all your TK models — volume pricing applies
Browse our Kyocera cartridge collection to check compatibility against your exact printer model.
Kyocera Toner Cartridges we supply
Factory-direct compatible Kyocera toner cartridges from Zhuhai, China. Same quality standard across the range, free sample units (buyer pays courier), OEM/ODM private label available.
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