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-S400 Review
Casio CT-S400: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
61 Keys 4 kg Non-weighted
Bluetooth
Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$269
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 | 600 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 | 4 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-S400 review verdict
This Casio CT-S400 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Casio CT-S400 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, Bluetooth 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-S400 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 4 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-S400 evaluation points
Casio CT-S400 key action and touch
Casio CT-S400 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-S400 is for
Casio CT-S400 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-S400 sound and speakers
Casio CT-S400 offers 600 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, Bluetooth and app support.
What to know before buying the Casio CT-S400
Before buying Casio CT-S400, 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-S400 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 | 600 |
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | MIDI |
| 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) | 930×258×82 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
$269
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-S400 vs CT-S300
the CT-S300 is stronger in value for money. The CT-S300 costs $70 less. Choose the CT-S300 if value for money matters most.
Casio CT-S300 →CT-S400 vs PSR-E373
The CT-S400 scores higher in beginner support, while the PSR-E373 is stronger in quiet practice, piano-like touch and value for money. Choose the CT-S400 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →CT-S400 vs GO:PIANO 61
The CT-S400 scores higher in beginner support and value for money, while the GO:PIANO 61 is stronger in piano-like touch. Choose the CT-S400 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Roland GO:PIANO 61 →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-S400 is a 61-key portable keyboard in the Casiotone series, sitting above the CT-S300. The keys support touch response but are unweighted. Across specialist reviews and owner feedback, the main view praises the improved key feel within the series, the 600 tones of the AiX sound source and the Bluetooth MIDI with app integration, while others point out that it has lost its carry handle and become heavier, as well as the limits of the keys as a piano.
Praised most often
-
Improved key feel within the Casiotone line
Comments stand out such as "the key quality is clearly better than the CT-S100/200/300" and "the keystroke noise is quieter and the feel has moved closer to an acoustic piano." Within the series, the feel is rated as a step up.
-
Rich expression with 600 tones from the AiX sound source
Thanks to the AiX sound source, the sound is "clearer and more defined," and the content has grown to 600 tones, 200 rhythms and 160 songs. The majority say the tones are richer than on the CT-S300.
-
Wireless use via Bluetooth MIDI and app integration
Support for Bluetooth MIDI, which lets you connect wirelessly to music apps on a phone or tablet, is welcomed as "a different level of convenience from wired-only models." It also supports the Chordana Play app.
-
A bright display, customizable buttons and strap support
Some say the easy-to-read backlit display and the buttons you can assign to frequently used functions "save time." It also has strap pins that let you sling it from the shoulder like a guitar, and the thought given to portability is appreciated.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
It has lost its carry handle and is heavier than the older model
Some say "the carry handle has been dropped, and it no longer feels as nimble as earlier Casiotones." The Dance Music Mode has also been removed, and some regret that point.
-
Comments touch on the key resistance and the build
There are comments that "the key resistance feels a touch on the firm side," along with a point that the build of the body is worth considering if a child is to use it. The usual framing is that models with weighted keys become candidates if you want to learn piano fundamentals seriously.
-
Bluetooth is MIDI only, with 48-note polyphony
Bluetooth is MIDI only and does not support Bluetooth audio for playing music through the speakers. Polyphony is 48 notes, so notes may cut out when many overlap. The headphone jack is a single 3.5 mm only.
By source
-
Specialist review sites & reviewers
Reviewers and guide articles covering the Casiotone tend to credit the improvements to the keys and the sound source within the series while calmly framing the omission of the carry handle and the removal of the Dance Music Mode.
-
Retailer reviews & videos
Retailer reviews such as those from Sweetwater and Gear4Music emphasize practical points — that it is "one of the more polished in the Casiotone line" and "usable wirelessly via apps and MIDI."
Net take
On balance, the CT-S400 is a model that adds features to the popular CT-S300, and international reviews mainly credit the improvements to the keys and sound source and the wireless support. Bluetooth MIDI is the biggest point, and the convenience of connecting wirelessly to apps and music software sets it apart from wired-only models. At the same time, the light keys and the 48-note polyphony limit are shared with the CT-S300. If you value wireless connection and a wealth of tones, it is a model with a balanced mix of price and features among Casio's mini keyboards.
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-S400