Roland
RD-88
$1,300
3,000 sounds, 13.5 kg — the gigging pianist's workhorse
7.1 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 13.5 kg
View Details Casio
Casio Privia PX-5S Review
Casio's stage workhorse — 370 sounds, no speakers, all business
88 Keys 11.2 kg tri sensor scaled hammer action ii Advanced
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.6| 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 | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 370 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | tri sensor scaled hammer action ii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 11.2 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1322 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
7.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | tri sensor scaled hammer action ii (grade 6) | +3.6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The Privia PX-5S is Casio's answer for gigging musicians. No speakers, no furniture — just 88 weighted keys with ivory-feel surfaces, 370 sounds covering every genre, line outputs for PA systems, and an 11.2 kg body you can carry to the gig in one trip.
Pros
- • Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with ivory-feel keys — stage-grade touch quality
- • 370 built-in sounds covering acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, synths, and more
- • 256-note polyphony — no note dropout during complex layered performances
- • Line out (1/4" L/R) for direct PA connection
- • Only 11.2 kg — remarkably light for a full 88-key stage piano
- • Four assignable zones for complex layer and split setups
- • USB MIDI for studio integration with DAWs
- • Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR for expressive, dynamic piano tones
Cons
- • No built-in speakers — completely silent without headphones or external amplification
- • No Bluetooth — all connections are wired
- • No lesson function or preset songs — this is a performance instrument, not a learning tool
- • No app connectivity
- • Released in 2013 — aging design compared to newer competitors
- • 6.3mm headphone jack only — need an adapter for standard earbuds
- • No damper pedal included — must be purchased separately
The Privia PX-5S fills a specific niche: it's a full 88-key stage piano with professional-grade key action, a massive sound library, and giggable portability at 11.2 kg. The lack of speakers is a feature, not a limitation — it means lower weight and better line-out signal for PA systems. The 370 sounds cover virtually any genre or venue. The main concern is its age — released in 2013, it lacks Bluetooth and modern connectivity. But if you need a dependable, affordable stage piano that you can carry with one hand and plug into any PA system, the PX-5S still delivers. It's a tool for working musicians, and it does its job well.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II is Casio's professional-grade action with three sensors per key, capturing the full range of dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo with precision. The ivory-feel key surfaces provide grip during fast passages and sweaty performances. The graded weighting feels natural across the full 88-key range. For a stage piano at this weight, the action is impressively expressive — many competing models sacrifice key feel for portability, but the PX-5S manages to deliver both.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a performing musician who needs a reliable, lightweight 88-key stage piano. You play in a band, at church, at weddings, or in a studio, and you need an instrument that connects to a PA system and covers multiple sounds — from grand piano to organ to synth pads. You value portability because you load your own gear. You don't need speakers because you're always plugging into something. The PX-5S is a working musician's tool, not a home practice instrument.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Ii |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 370 |
| Weight | 11.2 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1322×232×128 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.
How It Compares
Privia PX-5S vs RD-88
The Privia PX-5S scores higher in Portability, while the RD-88 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality. The Privia PX-5S costs $300 less. Choose the Privia PX-5S if you prioritize portability.
Roland RD-88 →Privia PX-5S vs JUNO-DS88
The Privia PX-5S scores higher in Portability and Touch Reality and Value, while the JUNO-DS88 edges ahead in Night Practice. Choose the Privia PX-5S if you prioritize portability.
Roland JUNO-DS88 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio Privia PX-5S good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Casio Privia PX-5S scores 5.6/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Casio Privia PX-5S have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio Privia PX-5S does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio Privia PX-5S?
The Casio Privia PX-5S weighs 11.2 kg (25 lbs). It scores 5.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Casio Privia PX-5S?
Yes. The Casio Privia PX-5S has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio Privia PX-5S have?
The Casio Privia PX-5S has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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Read more →Similar Pianos
Roland
JUNO-DS88
$1,000
88-key synthesizer workstation with weighted ivory-touch keys
5.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
88 15.9 kg
View Details