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Casio instruments have long been amongst the best in the world; now, we are looking for the best Casio keyboards and digital pianos. With such a prolific manufacturer, there are enough options to make several lists, but we will try our best to narrow it down for you. We will list and review what we consider to be the best Casio offerings available in 2021. Let’s get started!

Here are the best Casio keyboards and digital pianos 2021:

1. Casio Celviano AP-700

The most realistic piano experience

We are stepping into expensive territory now with the Casio AP-700. At this level, it’s not enough just to sound good, it has to feel as close to the real thing as possible.

The AP-700 has scaled hammer action keys with premium ebony and ivory feel. The difference between these hammer action and those of the PX range is that these are mechanical. There are no springs at all, the hammer action is entirely dependent on levers and weights. It has a max polyphony of 256 notes.

Three are three main piano tomes, named Berlin, Hamburg, and Viena. The flagship voice is the Berlin grand piano, which is modeled on the legendary D282 Bechstein. On top of the three pianos, there are a further 21 onboard sounds. Instruments can be layered to create custom voices and exciting textures.

There are two levels of play-along material, including 15 high-quality orchestral recordings. For the less advanced players, there are 60 training songs to develop your playing. Like most other models, it has duet mode for teaching, but this one also has two headphone outputs, which is a nice touch.

The Casio AP-700 is a very realistic digital piano. The mechanical hammer action keys, combined with the ebony/ivory feel, is superb. In fact, you would struggle to find a digital piano that feels more realistic. In our opinion, that’s the main thing when spending so much money, because cheaper pianos can sound just as good.

Getting the whole experience depends more on the physical attributes, speaking of which, the AP-700 has a reasonably large cabinet. That might be a negative for some people, but again, if you want realism, this is it. Our advice would be that it’s too expensive for a beginner, other than that, we love it.

2. Casio Privia PX-S3000

The future of Privia keyboards

The PX-S3000 is one of the latest 88-key Casio keyboards. It has an ultra-modern design and is a sign of the future for the portable Privia range. We can all agree that good looks are only a secondary concern, but the fact that it looks super sleek doesn’t hurt one bit. It’s also the world’s slimmest keyboard piano, so we’re off to a good start.

The PX-S3000 has Casio’s scaled hammer action keys with five sensitivity levels. Considering how slim the keyboard is, it’s remarkable that it houses such a realistic keybed. It sports a max polyphony of 192 notes, which is higher than many similar keyboard pianos.

If the advanced hammer action keys weren’t enough, this gorgeous keyboard also features the Air sound engine. That means it has stunning piano sounds with damper and string resonance. In total, there are 700 voices and 200 rhythms, which should keep the most creative players busy for some time.

There are 96 registration memories to save custom voices, like layered or split patches. As well as the 200 onboard rhythms, you can stream music/backing tracks through the keyboards built-in speakers from a smart device via Bluetooth.

There are lots of good things to say about the Casio PX-S3000, but the thing that stands out most is the weight of the keys. Never before have we seen such a convincing hammer action keybed in such a slimline instrument. That feature alone males this keyboard a dream for the working musician.

Couple that with the sound quality of the AiR piano engine, and the results are quite astonishing. The PX-S3000 is a prime example of a professional Casio keyboard. Ultimately, you could find better sounds and a better feel, but at this size and weight, you won’t even get close.

3. Casio Privia PX-870

The best home digital piano under $1000

Casio’s Privia range has stood the test of time, usually in direct competition with the Yamaha Arius series.

The PX-870 is one of the best-selling Casio digital pianos. It has Casio’s premium Tri-sensor II hammer action keys, with a max polyphony of 256 notes. One of the best physical features of the high-end Privia pianos is the simulated ebony, and ivory feel keytops. It might sound like an indulgence, but it makes a huge difference.

As for the all-important piano sound, it comes from Casio’s remarkable AiR Sound Source. This sound engine is present in Casio pianos far more expensive than the PX-870, so when Casio says it’s their best ever, we believe them.

One of the factors that determine how well the piano can utilize the sound engine is its internal memory. Casio opted to increase the memory in this model compared to previous ones, to get the best out of the AiR piano engine. Everything about the piano performance is very accurate, including the mechanical noises like the pedals, or key lift, and so on.

After the grand piano tones, the electric pianos are the best of the 19 onboard voices. Voices can be layered, too, and the keyboard can be split to create more diverse sounds. The onboard effects are pretty standard for the Privia range with reverbs, chorus, and brilliance.

In terms of interactive content, there are 10 concert play-along songs, but there is far more if you use the Chordana Piano app. The app also has lots of lessons and tutorials. Rounding up the main features is the 2-track record function, allowing up to 5000 notes.

As we have repeated time and time, Casio Privia digital pianos are always excellent. This particular model happens to be the best one available under $1000, which is good and bad. It’s good because it’s worth the money, but it’s bad because it’s getting into a price range where you have so many great pianos to consider.

We think the PX-870 could be more versatile, for example, the built-in recorder could have more tracks. Or, the onboard voices (other than the pianos) could be better. The thing is, this kind of instrument is mainly about the acoustic piano experience, everything else is secondary. In that sense, it ticks all the boxes, it feels and sounds just as it should.

4. Casio Privia PX-160

The best cheap Casio Privia keyboard

Yes, it’s another Casio Privia,but what do you expect? They are that good; you won’t find a list of Casiokeyboard reviews without them.

Despite being lower down in the Privia line up, the PX-160 has the same Tri-sensor II hammer action keys that you will find on the PX-870. They also share the same simulated ebony/ivory feel with the more expensive models.

Again, the flagship piano tone comes from the AiR sound engine. There are five acoustic pianos in total, amongst the 18 onboard voices. The voices also include some lush string ensembles that came from Casio’s award-winning PX-5S stage piano. Being cheaper than the PX-870 makes this digital piano more accessible to beginner players, and it has plenty of functions aimed at the learner market.

One of the best tuition features, which is common throughout the Privia range, is the duet keyboard mode. Duet mode creates two identical playing zones, so that a student and teacher can play side by side. It also has a second headphone jack, so you can keep your practice nice and quiet.

Yet another feature it has in common with the PX-870 is the 2-track recorder, and USB MIDI interface. The most obvious difference is that the PX-160 is much more portable, which is not only great for gigging, but also just moving it around the house.

The PX-160 is a fantastic way to get the outstanding AiR sound engine and realistic feel in an affordable weighted Casio keyboard. The fact that it shares most major functions/features with the much more expensive PX-870 speaks volumes about how good this keyboard is.

The piano sound, as we keep saying, is first class. The orchestral sounds are lovely, and they encourage a different style of playing, too, which is good for harmonic development. Having these features in a compact and affordable keyboard is why we think so highly of it.

5. Casio CT-X5000

The best arranger keyboard under $500

The first of two arranger keyboards on our list is the Casio CT-X5000. This budget Casio keyboard offers far more than its price tag suggests. It comes with 61 velocity-sensitive keys that have a nice action for a variety of playing styles, like piano, synths, organs, etc.

There are onboard sounds that come from the powerful AiX sound engine. The soundbank boasts everything from acoustic pianos right through to synth leads. If 800 voices aren’t enough for you, the soundbank is expandable and has plenty of space for user presets. The most noteworthy sounds are the real instruments, like acoustic pianos, horns, and strings, but the synths are better than most similar keyboards.

The 260 onboard rhythms, or smart accomplishments as they are better called, are also expandable. Things, like switching styles or triggering fills, can be controlled by footswitch, so you can keep your hands free for playing.

The DSP effects are high-quality, and include some amp models, too. The best of which is the rotary speaker emulator that gives a real vintage sound, especially to the organs. There are 100 effects in total, with some already applied to preset sounds by default.

The built-in sequencer has 17-tracks with a 42-part mixer. It’s user-friendly, and an excellent tool for beginner producer composers. Another cool production aspect is the phrase pads that you can use to trigger phrases that you have pre-recorded (up to 100).

The CT-X5000 isn’t quite the best Casio keyboard for beginners, but it could be the best arranger keyboard for beginners. If we had one complaint, it might be that some of the voices already have pre-programmed DSP effects. But, it’s not a massive complaint, at the end of the day, there are 800 voices and 100 effects, there’s something for everyone.

Having got our one complaint out of the way, the overall quality of the AiX sound engine is very high. Features like the rotary speaker emulator add lots of new creative possibilities, too. If you are a fast learner, you might outgrow the CT-X5000, but not before you’ve had more than your money’s worth.

6. Casio WK-7600

The affordable band in a box

Casio pitches the WK-7600 as an affordable powerhouse, and at first glance, that seems an apt description.

The WK-7600 is a 76-key arranger keyboard with a massive 820 voices. The voices range from acoustic pianos, electric pianos to horns, and strings. Although, the organ sounds are some of the most impressive, thanks to the high-quality DSP rotary speaker emulation. If that wasn’t enough, there are physical drawbars to give an authentic organ experience (50 user presets can be saved).

There are 260 smart rhythms that can respond to your playing in various ways, to provide a full backing band. As well as that, there are 100 DSP effects from basic reverbs to crazier phaser and flanger effects. All of which can be tweaked extensively and saved as user presets.

The heart of many arranger keyboards is the sequencer. The WK-7600 has a 17-track sequencer (16 tracks plus 1 system track), and 32-channel mixer. For composers of any kind, this is fantastic for getting ideas together. These compositions can then be saved on an SD card as SMF’s (Standard MIDI Files).

If the 260 onboard rhythms aren’t specific enough for you, there is a pattern sequencer, so you can create your own. The pattern sequencer allows for up to 8 tracks, which are drums, percussion, bass, and five chord tracks.

The Casio WK-7600 is definitely the powerhouse that it’s advertised to be. It has all the expected bells and whistles of a good arranger keyboard. It has a massive soundbank, it has lots of rhythms, and it has a built-in sequencer.

However, the WK-7600 goes beyond what we expected in an affordable arranger. The sequencer is fantastic, but what’s even better is the addition of the pattern sequencer. Another particularly impressive feature is the rotary speaker emulation, that, along with the drawbars, takes you into full Hammond organ mode.

This keyboard would be a fantastic buy even if it were a little more expensive, but we’re happy it’s not!

7. Casio Privia PX-770

The best beginner home digital piano

The Casio Privia PX-770 offers a realistic piano experience at a reasonable price. Being part of the Privia PX digital piano range means that it’s going to be good, it’s just a question of how good.

It has 88 full-size keys with scaled hammer action. The hammer action is a Tri-sensor system, meaning there are three velocity layers. The keys also have a simulated ebony and ivory finish, adding another layer of realism, and it helps maintain grip when your fingers sweat. The PX-770 has a max polyphony of 128 notes, which is pretty standard for a digital piano at this price.

It comes with the same outstanding Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR piano engine that the higher-priced models have. The grand piano sounds were samples at four different velocity levels, so they are quite exquisite. There are 19 onboard voices, including electric pianos, and organs. The number of voices is quite pleasing for this kind of digital piano.

The sounds can be shaped further by the onboard effects. There are four reverb types and four chorus types that add depth to your tone.

Casio digital pianos are known to be fantastic instruments to learn on. The PX-770 has lots of play-along content, including 60 built-in songs, and duet mode, which is perfect for teaching. It’s easy to keep track of your progress, too, with the 2-track MIDI recorder. The whole thing is wrapped up in a stylish, slimline 3-pedal stand/cabinet.

The Casio PX-770 is a beautiful piano and ideal for any student/learner. It’s also ideal for any advanced player who doesn’t want to spend the extra money on the PX-870.

Casio’s best-ever grand piano tone (as they claim themselves) is absolutely gorgeous. The realistic ebony/ivory feel of the keys, of course, helps the piano tone. The other available voices are good, but not as important. Ultimately, it’s not quite as good overall as the PX-870, but it’s considerably cheaper, and for many, it will be the better option between the two.

8. Casio CGP-700

The most versatile portable digital piano

The CGP-700 is a nice alternativeto other Casio keyboard models, with a bit more versatility than most. Theversatility makes for value for money that you don’t see in some of the otherranges.

It comes with Tri-sensor scaled hammer action keys, not quite the same as the high-end Privia models, but very good nevertheless. The CGP-700 sits on an included stand with built-in speakers.

Now, here is where that value for money starts to come in. The CGP-700 has a massive 550 onboard voices and 200 rhythms. That’s a great deal more than the average digital piano. Rather than a bog-standard 2-track recorder, there is a 16-track sequencer with enough memory for up to 100 songs.

The focal point of the CGP-700 is the 5.3-inch color touchscreen that controls almost everything. The touchscreen has an icon-based system, so finding your way around.

We spoke about value for money with this keyboard, and that might make some people think it’s about quantity over quality. However, that’s not the case, the voices may not be as authentic as higher-end models, but they are still good. The sheer number of voices goes some way to make up for the slight drop in quality.

The built-in sequencer is more in-depth than you’d expect, and the touchscreen ties everything together nicely. Casio’s CGP-700 is the ideal keyboard for anyone who wants a balanced mix between performance and production.

Conclusion

We can tell you that it was no easy task to choose the best Casio keyboards and digital pianos. It’s difficult enough when you are trying to separate keyboards from various manufacturers. But, when they are all from the same manufacturer, they carry far more similarities, making it a more difficult decision.

So, when you are choosing the right Casio for you, find a way to shortlist even further. Think about the size/style (keyboard or digital piano) then think about the features you need most. Hopefully, that will leave you with a few fantastic options!

James is a writer and musician with a passion for audio production. He is a lover of all things tech, especially the latest keyboards, synths, DAW’s, virtual instruments, and effects plugins. Musical interests include jazz, funk, hip hop, blues, and rock.

It seems that Casio digital pianos are great for not only home use but also studio and stage use. Even, they are an excellent tool for both beginners and piano teachers.

And today, we will give you a closer look at our Casio CDP 235 review, which is known as a new version when examining vs CDP 230.

This digital piano boasts a new improved Grand Piano sound that makes you think about an actual grand piano. Although it isn’t, it has been attracting lots of piano players.

So, what is the BIG reason?

Follow us and discover now!

Casio CDP 235 Specs And Features

Before diving into our detailed review, you should have a general look at the Casio CDP 235 at first.

• 88 weighted keys, scaled hammer action keyboard
• 700 built-in tones and 200 built-in rhythms
• 152 built-in songs
• 90 arpeggiator types and 305 presets
• Dual-Element AHL sound source
• Digital effects including hall, reverb, and chorus
• 6-track recording
• Step Up Lesson function
• LCD screen with backlight
• 2 full-force sound speakers
• AMP Output 8W + 8W
• Maximum polyphony of 64 notes
• SD memory card slot, MIDI, and USB
• Headphone jack, mic, and audio in
• Weight: 11.3 kg
• Dimensions: 28.6 x 132.2 x 12.9 cm
• Includes songbook, music stand, sustain pedal, and AC adapter

A Complete Casio CDP 235 Review

The First Look

When it comes to the Casio CDP 235 or CDP235R or CDP235CSCB, all are the same. If seeing the model of CDP235CSCB, that means this digital piano offers a bench and stand without requiring an extra charge.

These 88-key pianos are equipped with an effect function that might recreate the rich, warm acoustics of a concert hall. And while playing, you will feel the inherent closeness of a concert hall performance.

Thanks to the weighted keys, this instrument can replicate the resistance that you always feel when playing a traditional grand piano.

How about its design?

With a slim, compact and lightweight design, you are able to transport it to anywhere you want.

Advanced Features

Since the appearance of CDP 235 is to replace the CDP 230, it boasts about some new features.

LCD Screen

Instead of giving a gold/orange color from the previous model, the Casio CDP 235 comes with the display screen with backlight in a blue color. The button description text is in a white color that makes everything easier to read.

Polyphony

When the first model only comes with 48 notes of polyphony, this instrument has 64 notes of polyphony. That means the piano sound, itself, is better.

Besides, layering two sounds together is less uncertain.

Keyboard

With a spring-less hammer system, the Casio CDP 235 similarly works as grand pianos and gives a naturally firm keyboard touch at the same time.

When playing the lower notes, you recognize they are relatively heavier than the higher notes, like the keys on the grand pianos.

Touch Response

Touch Response allows you to add a subtle difference to notes by changing how much pressure you touch the key.

Speakers

If examining vs Yamaha P115, the speakers from the CDP 235 clearly and powerfully reproduce a rich, dynamic range. With two speaker systems of 8W + 8W amplifiers, they deliver rich, high-quality, and fat sounds from the bass to the treble.

Chord Book

If you don’t know how to play a specific chord, you can avail the Chord Book as a reference. Select the chords you want to play, hear their sound and simply practice.

Step Up Lesson

The best way to start a song is to separate it into short phrases, practice each phrase and then put all together. The new function of Step Up Lesson does exactly what you want, allowing you to improve your playstyle.

Thanks to 152 built-in songs with 50 exercise phrases, you can cover a massive range of genres for lesson play.

Or you can load more songs from external sources. But, note that the fingering guide won’t be shown for such songs.

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Other Features To Consider

Sounds

First of all, let’s talk about a massive tone list!

With 700 high-quality tones, you can play tunes from different genres. You also welcome 200 rhythms and an advanced auto accompaniment with lots of styles such as Latin, Samba, Cumbia, Calypso, etc.

Thanks to the dual-element AHL sound system, the quality of the tones is exquisite. It’s because this system utilizes waveforms of distinct samples of the same notes at the light and strong key pressures.

Music Preset

If you want to change the keyboard setup such as tempo, tone, rhythm, etc., it’s best to choose a Music Preset. With 305 music presets, you can cover a massive range of musical genres.

It’s ideal for playing a particular song as well.

Connectivity

Thanks to the USB port, it’s easy to connect to the computer from Windows Vista to Windows 10 and Mac OS. Especially, the SD memory card slot is convenient for transferring data, up to 32GB.

Or in case you need to connect with another GM-compatible device or with a computer, this instrument offers the general MIDI (GM Level 1) as well.

For Your Entertainment

Aside from some main changes above, the Casio CDP 235 reviewconcentrates on other entertainment features, including:

Sampling And Playing

The sampling feature is an ideal way to create new and creative sounds. For instance, you are able to test a sound from a microphone and perform it on the keyboard.

Or utilize the sampled sounds to create music or play notes if you like. Even, you can add vibrato, reverb or other effects to the sampled sounds to play notes on the keyboard.

Audio Or Mic In Jack

This digital piano is capable of connecting a CD player, digital audio player or other audio devices with ease. You even perform along with music played through the speakers of the keyboard.

And you can sing along with the built-in songs or any song loaded from outside sources by simply using the MIC.

Pros And Cons Of The Casio CDP 235

Things We Like

• 88 weighted keys, giving an authentic feeling of playing a grand piano
• Increased polyphony
• Comes with a massive tone list
• Features Hall button
• Offers two full-force sound speakers
• Provides an intuitive teaching system
• Good price
• Comes with a full set of accessories

Things We Don’t Like

• The sustain pedal is a bit smaller than the previous model.
• Some negative complaints of the key action movement

Other Alternatives As Compared With Casio CDP 235

Casio CDP 235 Vs Yamaha P45

At first sight, both instruments are ideal digital pianos for beginners and students.

The P45 keyboard comes with a full set of 88 graded hammer standard keys. It also owns 64-note polyphony, offering much more vibrant and fuller piano sound.

The AWM stereo sampling only delivers a rich and natural piano sound, not focusing on treble or bass like the CDP 235.

Overall, the Yamaha P45 conveys the realistic sound and touch to experience. And in case your budget is under $500, you can consider this product.

Versus Yamaha P115

The Yamaha P115 is a bit more expensive than the CDP 235, though both are known as the best choice for home use and even performance.

This digital model is close to playing on an authentic Yamaha piano. With 88 weighted hammer action keys, it is capable of controlling touch and responsiveness. It also comes with unique resonance and grandeur lower notes.

Thanks to 192 notes of polyphony, you are able to perform any song you want.

Casio CDP 235 vs PX 160

The Casio PX 160 also comes with 88 weighted keys, but it highlights the famous feature of Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II. By using 3-sensor detection system, it prevents your fingers from slipping, imparts cleaner feeling, and offer a prestigious look.

Although the PX 160 boasts its 128-note polyphony, its built-in songs and tone lists are less than the CDP 235.

When it comes to the speaker system, both CDP 235 and PX 160 are similar.

Casio CDP 235 vs CDP 135

Compared to the Casio CDP 235, the CDP 135 is described as the unbeatable value.

This instrument is equipped with 88 fully weighted keys to offer an authentic feel of an acoustic piano. Its powerful and clear built-in speaker system shows a nice grand sound together with a rich hall reverb effect and other great tones.

Although the Casio CDP 135 doesn’t provide a MIDI recorder, it has kept a USB port as well as other features such as transpose, layering function, and metronome. You can check our CDP 135 review for more details.

Compare Casio CDP 235 With CDP 230

In comparison with other pianos, the CDP 230 is similar to the CDP 235. It shares the same key action, sound engine, speakers, sounds, etc.

However, the display screen of the CDP 230 is a bit hard to see since it is in an orange/gold color. Besides, it only offers 48 notes of polyphony.

Overall, if you prefer the CDP line and have a budget under $500, this instrument is ideal as well.

Read more: Casio CDP 100 Review

FAQs About Casio CDP 235

How To Connect The CDP 235 To The Computer/Laptop?

With a USB port, you can transfer data back and forth from the instrument to the computer or laptop quickly and easily. It supports Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8.1, 10, macOS (OS X or Mac OS X) from 10.7 to 10.12.

Additionally, the general MIDI permits connection with a computer or another GM-compatible device.

How To Record My Performances On The Computer From The CDP 235?

To record MIDI performances on the computer, you need to utilize the general MIDI controllers and a USB MIDI converter. The multi-tracking software is also necessary to perform, record and edit the performance on your computer.

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Is Using The CDP 235 To Learn Piano A Good Way?

Yes, it is.

Thanks to the 88 weighted keys, it feels much more like the authentic piano keys. It also helps to set up right finger strength and technique. Importantly, it’s equipped with the sustain pedal.

As outlined above, the built-in learning system including the Chord Book and Step Up Lesson guide you how to learn to practice chord and master a song. And after playing or practicing, your lesson score appears on the screen.

Another interesting thing is that this instrument offers the voice fingering guide. When the keyboard senses you are making problems, it will warn in a simulated human voice.

How About The Casio CDP 235 Warranty?

Most of the Casio keyboards have a 5-year warranty; meanwhile, their accessories offer a 12-month warranty.

But, depending on different sellers, you MUST check it carefully.

Ready To Buy This Digital Piano?

All in all, the Casio CDP 235 review here is positive.

If you need a digital piano with arranging capabilities at an affordable price, this instrument is what you need.

First of all, the 88-key hammer action keyboard allows you to relish selecting instruments and rhythms easily.

Want a learning tool? This instrument introduces features like Step Up Lesson and Chord Book that encourage any player to enjoy the favorite built-in songs.

One more great feature is that you are able to load more songs from external sources to learn to play or listen. And this helps to improve your playing skills. Wonderfully, a handy feature of Audio in jack allows you to connect a digital audio player to play along with the music via the speakers.

With or without the user manual, using or setting up the system is simple to do. And we’re sure that you never feel bored with the CDP 235 no matter who you are, a kid, newbie or piano teacher.

It’s time to ORDER the Casio CDP 235 so that you can welcome a reliable way to learn the piano skills on the digital piano.

In case you still have any question or want to know any information, don’t mind asking us by leaving your comments below. And please SHARE this review if it is helpful not only for yourself but also the others.

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Once again, thanks for your reading!