Z offset & Klicky Probe - How to get consistent First Layer?

[waxen raft]

I've got a 2.4, just finished installing Klicky. I've always had first layer inconsistencies. Thought Klicky would fix it and just realised that all Klicky really is, is just a replacement for the induction probe, which always worked well anyway!

The issue seems to be with the Z-offset. I always heat up my nozzle to temp before homing, as I find that the tiniest little bit of cold filament makes the printer think the nozzle is lower than it actually is, and throws off the Z-offset. Even when warm, sometimes a bit of warm filament will leak out and throw it out by as little as 0.05mm, if not more.
Everything is tight & secure. Triple checked it. But even with the nozzle at temp, it still sometimes gives me inconsistencies. So the question is, how do I fix this?

Does everyone end up using Auto-Z with Klicky/Probe? Or is everyone still using the Z-Endstop? I have a few Ender 3's and with a BLTouch, because it uses that as a Z-endstop, same as my Prusas using the PINDA probe, it is ALWAYS consistent. I want that same consistency with my Voron. Not interested in TAP. people have been having lots of success for years on Vorons, but just no idea how.

Hoping for some help here as I've always had to manage and try to get my first layer dialed in by eye for every print with Live Z-offset adjustments

[lilac pelican]

Auto z offset has worked really well for me for consistent first layers with both PLA and ABS. Also, I probe the bed at 3mm/sec with kicky. It returns more consistent measurements at that speed.

[boreal kraken]

I have a v2 350 klicky no AutoZ and don't have problems, one thing id like to ask is how long you're heating up for, so the printer can actually work out its thermal drifts/expansion you can read more about drifts and possibly fixing the Z offset problem if that is the problem here https://ellis3dp.com/Print-Tuning-Guide/articles/troubleshooting/index_first_layer_squish_consistency_issues.html

[waxen raft]

I find it doesn't matter, if i'm doing PLA, literally running some 0.2mm squares (3 x 3 grid) i will get consistently different results sometimes in a matter of minutes between prints. If ABS heatsoak till chamber temp is at least 40deg which is usually around 20-25mins or so

What else could be the cause of the inconsistent first layer?

[boreal kraken]

Id say go through the first layer inconsistencies section, but really its checking hardware grub screws, deracking, magnets (Klicky), also I found out if your PEI has bubbles if can really start throwing stuff off idk if thats common knowledge

[waxen raft]

got a link for how to setup please? is Auto-Z the same as Klicky Virtual Z Endstop