Casio
CT-S1
$219
Casio CT-S1: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
5.7 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 2.3 Touch Reality 6.8 Value
61 4.5 kg
Casio CT-S300 Review
Casio CT-S300: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
61 Keys 3.3 kg Non-weighted Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$199
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
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 60 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 400 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 | Non-weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 3.3 kg | +3 |
| Width | 930 mm | +1 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
0.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | Non-weighted (grade 1) | +0.6 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 48 notes | +0 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Casio CT-S300 review verdict
This Casio CT-S300 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Casio CT-S300 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: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI and app support.
- • 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-S300 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, weighted hammer action, 48-note polyphony, 5W speakers, and a weight of 3.3 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-S300 evaluation points
Casio CT-S300 key action and touch
Casio CT-S300 uses a weighted hammer 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 48-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-S300 is for
Casio CT-S300 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-S300 sound and speakers
Casio CT-S300 offers 400 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 and app support.
What to know before buying the Casio CT-S300
Before buying Casio CT-S300, 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-S300 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
Video coming soon for this model
We embed videos from manufacturer official channels and trusted reviewers. As soon as a suitable demo or review is available, it will appear here.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non-weighted |
| Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Sounds | 400 |
| Weight | 3.3 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 60 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 930×256×73 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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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
$199
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-S300 vs CT-X700
The CT-S300 scores higher in beginner support, portability and value for money, while the CT-X700 is stronger in piano-like touch. Choose the CT-S300 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Casio CT-X700 →CT-S300 vs PSR-E373
The CT-S300 scores higher in beginner support and value for money, while the PSR-E373 is stronger in quiet practice and piano-like touch. The CT-S300 costs $51 less. Choose the CT-S300 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →CT-S300 vs NP-15
The CT-S300 scores higher in beginner support and value for money, while the NP-15 is stronger in quiet practice and piano-like touch. Choose the CT-S300 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Yamaha NP-15 →Related Guides
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Read more →What reviewers say online
A synthesis of recurring points from price-comparison sites, Amazon reviews, music-store staff videos and forum threads. Not a star-rating average — we read across multiple reviews and pulled out the points that came up repeatedly.
The Casio CT-S300 is a 61-key portable keyboard in the Casiotone series. The keys support touch response but are unweighted, making it less a piano than an instrument for "casually enjoying music." Across specialist reviews and owner feedback, the main view praises the light weight and the ease of battery power, the touch that responds to dynamics and the value, while others point out the modest volume and the effort the controls take.
Praised most often
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Very light, and usable anywhere on battery power
At 3.3 kg it is light, and with a carry handle and battery operation, comments stand out such as "you can take it anywhere." The compactness that lets it be stored under a bed is also seen as dependable for those who want to start casually.
-
Touch response lets you shape dynamics
It supports touch response, where the volume changes with how hard you play the keys, and the sensitivity can be switched. For an entry-level instrument it has a degree of expressive range and is seen to hold up well.
-
Fun to play with 400 tones and a Dance Music Mode
On top of 400 tones, the Dance Music Mode, which lets you build beats and loops with one finger, draws comments that it is "fun." The newly designed speakers are also rated as giving a wider spread of sound than the size suggests.
-
App integration and USB MIDI support, with strong value
Support for the Chordana Play app and USB MIDI, which lets you practice while having fun, is welcomed. Many say "the range of features at this price is strong," and it is rated as offering good value as a first instrument.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
The speakers are small, and the sound is modest and thin
With 5 W speakers, there is a point that "there is little bass and, depending on the settings, the sound can feel thin." Some say a keyboard amp is the realistic choice if you want it to project properly.
-
Selecting tones and rhythms takes effort
There is no quick way to recall the tone or rhythm you want, and a point raised is that "you have to step through with the +/- buttons or the dial." Some say they wish there were quick access.
-
The keys are unweighted, and you outgrow it as you improve
Because the unweighted keys are a different thing from a piano's feel, some say "once you get past the beginner stage you outgrow it fairly soon." If you want to acquire piano fundamentals, models with weighted keys become candidates.
By source
-
Specialist review sites
Specialist sites such as MusicRadar and Performer Mag tend to credit the light weight, the wealth of features and the price while calmly framing the speaker volume and the lightness of the touch.
-
Retailer reviews & videos
Retailer reviews such as those from Sweetwater and Best Buy emphasize practical points — that it is "easy as a first instrument for a beginner" and "portable on batteries."
Net take
On balance, the CT-S300 is well-featured for an entry-level keyboard, and international reviews mainly credit its ease of use and value. The light weight, battery power, touch response and app integration are the plus points. At the same time, there is no piano-like quality, the keys are light, the speakers are modest, and polyphony too is limited to 48 notes. That is something you can accept as a trade-off. As a first step for someone who wants to "try music casually," it is a good-value option. If you play it and find you want to get serious, you can move to weighted keys at that point.
We do not compute a numeric star average. The points below are recurring themes we identified by reading across multiple reviews.
Sources & transparency
This page is written by the operator, who has run the piano-learning site Piano Juku since 2017, based on published manufacturer specifications. We are not a retailer or tied to any maker — every model is compared by the same criteria. About the operator
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Manufacturer official
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
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Casio CT-S300