Casio
CT-X700
$219
Casio CT-X700: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 9.5 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
61 4.7 kg
Casio
Casio CT-S1 Review
Casio CT-S1: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
61 Keys 4.5 kg synth action Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$219
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.7| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 11 | +0.4 |
| Sound Variety | 61 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | synth action | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | +3 |
| Width | 930 mm | +1 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
2.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | synth action (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 64 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | AiX Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Casio CT-S1 review verdict
This Casio CT-S1 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Casio CT-S1 is best read as a compact keyboard-style piano for beginners and returning players. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.
Pros
- • Key count: 61 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
- • Touch: lighter keyboard action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work.
- • Stand cost and compatibility are separate checks.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Casio CT-S1 is a compact keyboard-style piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 61 keys, lighter keyboard action, 64-note polyphony, 5W speakers, and a weight of 4.5 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.
Casio CT-S1 evaluation points
Casio CT-S1 key action and touch
Casio CT-S1 uses a lighter keyboard action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The matte key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 64-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.
Who the Casio CT-S1 is for
Casio CT-S1 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: portability and easy placement. Limits: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Casio CT-S1 sound and speakers
Casio CT-S1 offers 61 sounds and 5W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.
What to know before buying the Casio CT-S1
Before buying Casio CT-S1, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. A stand may need to be budgeted separately. Pedal needs should be checked before purchase. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. For searchers looking for a Casio CT-S1 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.
Demo Video
Source:
Bonners Music Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Synth Action |
| Polyphony | 64 notes |
| Sounds | 61 |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | AiX Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 11 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 930×258×83 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$219
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
CT-S1 vs NP-15
The CT-S1 scores higher in piano-like touch, while the NP-15 is stronger in quiet practice and value for money. Choose the CT-S1 if piano-like touch matters most.
Yamaha NP-15 →CT-S1 vs PSR-E373
The CT-S1 scores higher in piano-like touch, while the PSR-E373 is stronger in beginner support and quiet practice. Choose the CT-S1 if piano-like touch matters most.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →CT-S1 vs NP-35
The CT-S1 scores higher in portability, while the NP-35 is stronger in beginner support and piano-like touch. Choose the CT-S1 if portability matters most.
Yamaha NP-35 →Related Guides
88 Keys vs 61 Keys: Which Digital Piano Size Is Right?
The number of keys on a digital piano seems like a simple spec, but the decision affects how you learn, what you can play, and how much you spend. The honest answer isn't "always get 88" — it depends on your goals. This guide walks through who genuinely needs a full keyboard, who is better served by fewer keys, and what the practical differences look like in daily practice.
Read more →Best Console Digital Pianos for the Home (2026)
A console digital piano is the closest thing to an acoustic upright you'll find without tuning and hammers. With a fixed cabinet, built-in three-pedal unit, and speakers voiced for the room, it behaves like a piece of furniture first and an instrument second. This guide explains what separates a great console from a middling one, which features actually matter at home, and which models deliver the best balance of touch, tone, and craftsmanship.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos for Church and Worship Use (2026)
A church piano has a harder job than a home piano. It needs to cover hymn accompaniment on Sunday morning, lead a praise set on Saturday night, back a choir rehearsal midweek, and survive the move between sanctuary and youth room. This guide explains what matters most in a worship context — reliable sounds, simple controls under stage lighting, clean connection to the sound desk — and which models serve that role without overspending. It also addresses when a stage piano or an arranger keyboard is a better fit than a standard digital piano.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos for Classical Music (2026)
Classical piano demands more from an instrument than almost any other style. The keybed has to respond to the lightest whisper and the heaviest chord. The pedals have to behave like those on an acoustic grand. The sound engine has to hold up under close listening. This guide focuses on digital pianos that can genuinely support serious classical study, from late beginners through to conservatory-bound players, and explains what really matters when you compare them.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos for Intermediate Players (2026)
You've played for a year or two. You can read music, hold a rhythm, and tackle pieces beyond the beginner books. You're also starting to notice where your current piano holds you back — usually the key action and the dynamic range. This guide is for players ready to leave the entry level. It explains what an intermediate-grade instrument actually changes, which specs matter now that you can hear the difference, and which models hit the sweet spot between price and real musical return.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos for Kids (2026 Parent's Guide)
Kids don't need the most expensive piano — they need the right one for where they are now. A piano that feels appropriate for small hands, fits in a child's room, and includes features that make practice feel like play will keep your child engaged far longer than an overbuilt flagship. This guide helps you match the instrument to your child's age, attention span, and level of commitment.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $1,000 (2026)
The $500–$1,000 range is where digital pianos get genuinely good. This is the sweet spot — where key actions start to feel convincing, speakers become room-filling, and you get features that actually matter for your progress. If you can stretch your budget to this range, you'll get an instrument that can carry you from your first lesson through years of playing.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $2,000 (2026)
Under $2,000 is where digital pianos start feeling genuinely serious. You move beyond entry-level plastic into refined key actions, nuanced sound engines, and builds that will satisfy intermediate players for years. This guide explains what changes at this price, what to prioritize when options open up, and the models that deliver real value in a crowded segment.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $300 (2026)
Under $300 is the entry point to the digital piano market, and expectations need to be calibrated carefully. You won't get a full-size hammer action at this price, but you can still find instruments that play in tune, last for years, and are genuinely usable for learning the basics. This guide covers what's realistic, what's a red flag, and which models make the most sense if $300 is your ceiling.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $500 (2026)
You don't need to spend a fortune to start playing piano. Under $500, there are genuinely good instruments that will serve a beginner well for years. But at this price, trade-offs are real — and knowing what to prioritize makes all the difference. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect, what to look for, and which models deliver the most value.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos with Bluetooth (2026)
Bluetooth has become a standard feature on digital pianos, but what it actually does varies more than most buyers realize. Some models support only wireless app connections. Some stream audio from your phone through the piano's speakers. Some do both, and a few handle neither well. This guide walks through exactly what Bluetooth gives you on a digital piano, where the catches are, and which models deliver a clean wireless experience.
Read more →Best Portable Digital Pianos for Travel & Small Spaces (2026)
Sometimes you need a piano that goes where you go. Whether you're gigging, traveling, teaching at multiple locations, or simply don't have room for a full console, portability matters. But lighter doesn't always mean better — the trade-offs between weight, key quality, and features are real. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in a portable digital piano.
Read more →Best Stage Pianos for Gigging Musicians (2026)
A stage piano is a different kind of instrument. It lives in a gig bag, loads into a venue, and has to sound professional the moment you plug in. Unlike a home digital piano, the priorities shift to portability, durability, and the controls you can reach mid-song. This guide walks you through what actually matters when you play out, and which models hold up night after night.
Read more →Digital Piano Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand, in plain language, so you can make a confident decision.
Read more →Digital Piano vs Acoustic Piano: Which Should You Buy?
The choice between a digital piano and an acoustic piano comes down to more than just preference — it's about your home, your budget, your practice habits, and your long-term goals. Both are legitimate instruments for serious piano study, and modern digital pianos have closed the gap dramatically. This guide lays out the real differences so you can decide which belongs in your home.
Read more →Graded Hammer Action vs Weighted Keys: What's the Difference?
"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Best Quiet Digital Pianos for Apartments (2026)
Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up piano. Digital pianos were practically made for this situation — plug in headphones and the world disappears. But not all models are equally quiet. Key noise, headphone quality, and late-night optimization features vary widely. This guide helps you find the right piano for peaceful apartment practice.
Read more →Sources & transparency
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Published spec sheet
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.
Suggest a correctionSimilar Pianos
Closest in the same lineup
Same brand and the same product category, sorted by smallest price gap.
Casio
CT-S300
$199
Casio CT-S300: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
10.0 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 0.8 Touch Reality 8.2 Value
61 3.3 kg
Casio
CT-S400
$269
Casio CT-S400: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
10.0 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 0.8 Touch Reality 6.2 Value
61 4 kg
Alternatives from other brands
Different makers in the same category and a similar price band, ranked by how closely the spec-based scores match this model.
Yamaha
NP-15
$199
Yamaha NP-15: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
5.7 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.7 Touch Reality 7.5 Value
61 4.5 kg
Search retailers
Casio CT-S1