Both the standard and the special edition share at its core the same platform. All the internals, barrel, reservoir, gauges, etc.. are exactly the same and they should perform the same. The main difference lies with the stock, as the special edition comes with a high-quality wooden stock instead of the synthetic one. Another major difference is that both the stock and the shroud are made of carbon fiber in the special edition. These three elements make the Special Edition a bit lighter, which is rather counterintuitive given the wooden stock! Another minor difference is that the shroud vents are now towards the back of the shroud and closer to the shooter. This means that you might feel the K1 rather louder (as the air would vent out closer to you), but in reality, from the front of the airgun, the Special Edition is quieter. NOTE: late Standard edition also have the vents towards the back.