Alesis
Recital Grand
$400
Alesis finally adds real hammer action — and 256-note polyphony
8.4 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 5.0 Portability 6.0 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 14 kg
Casio
Casio PX-160 Review
A proven portable piano with tri-sensor keys and a no-nonsense approach
Discontinued 88 Keys 11.1 kg tri sensor scaled hammer action ii Beginner
Where to Buy
MSRP
$500
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.
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
8.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 60 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 18 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
6.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| 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 | 11.1 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1322 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | tri sensor scaled hammer action ii (grade 6) | +3.6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The Casio PX-160 was a long-running favorite in Casio's portable lineup, offering tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keys with ivory-feel surfaces and a focused selection of 18 high-quality sounds in a straightforward, reliable package.
Pros
- • Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II provides three sensors per key for faster repeated notes and more expressive dynamic control than standard two-sensor actions
- • Ivory-feel key surface on a budget-friendly portable — a premium touch that was rare at this price point when released
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) allow two players to practice silently at the same time
- • Line output for connecting to external speakers or recording equipment — a practical feature for gigging or home recording
- • 18 carefully selected sounds keep the interface simple and focused on quality over quantity
Cons
- • No Bluetooth connectivity of any kind — wired USB MIDI is the only digital connection
- • No app connectivity means you miss out on modern interactive learning features
- • Now significantly outdated (2015 release) — the successor PX-S1100 is superior in nearly every regard
The Casio PX-160 earned its reputation as one of the best budget portable pianos of its generation. The tri-sensor action with ivory-feel keys was the defining feature — it provided a level of touch quality that was genuinely difficult to find at the $500 price point in 2015. The focused selection of 18 sounds kept the interface clean and the playing experience distraction-free. Now over a decade old and long discontinued, the PX-160 lives on in the used market where it can be found at very attractive prices. As a used purchase for a beginner who primarily needs a quality keyboard action for practice, it still delivers. Just do not expect modern conveniences like Bluetooth or app integration.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II was Casio's mid-tier action and a genuine standout at its price point. The three-sensor design detects key position at three points during each keystroke, enabling faster repeated notes and more accurate dynamic detection than two-sensor systems. The graded hammer weight transitions smoothly from heavy bass to light treble. The ivory-feel surface on the white keys provides a textured grip that prevents slipping. By today's standards, the action feels slightly lighter and less complex than Casio's current Smart Scaled Hammer Action, but it remains perfectly capable for beginner and intermediate repertoire.
Who Is This Piano For?
The PX-160 was the go-to recommendation for budget-conscious beginners throughout the late 2010s, and for good reason. The tri-sensor key action with ivory-feel surface punched well above its weight class, providing a playing experience that helped many students develop proper technique. If you are considering a used PX-160, it remains a solid practice instrument — the keys are still the star of the show. However, for anyone buying new, the PX-S1100 and similar current models offer Bluetooth, better sound engines, and slimmer profiles at comparable prices. The PX-160 is best viewed as a reliable used-market option.
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 | 88 |
| Key Action | Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Ii |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 18 |
| Weight | 11.1 kg |
| Speakers | 16W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 60 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1322×293×141 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
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
$500
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
PX-160 vs Recital Grand
The PX-160 scores higher in Portability and Touch Reality. The Recital Grand costs $100 less. Choose the PX-160 if you prioritize portability.
Alesis Recital Grand →PX-160 vs DEP-20
The PX-160 scores higher in Night Practice and Touch Reality. The DEP-20 costs $131 less. Choose the PX-160 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-20 →PX-160 vs Prestige
The PX-160 scores higher in Night Practice and Portability and Value. Choose the PX-160 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Alesis Prestige →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio PX-160 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio PX-160 scores 8.4/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Casio PX-160 have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio PX-160 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio PX-160?
The Casio PX-160 weighs 11.1 kg (24 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 PX-160?
Yes. The Casio PX-160 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 6.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio PX-160 have?
The Casio PX-160 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Who is the Casio PX-160 best for?
The PX-160 was the go-to recommendation for budget-conscious beginners throughout the late 2010s, and for good reason. The tri-sensor key action with ivory-feel surface punched well above its weight class, providing a playing experience that helped many students develop proper technique. If you are considering a used PX-160, it remains a solid practice instrument — the keys are still the star of the show. However, for anyone buying new, the PX-S1100 and similar current models offer Bluetooth, better sound engines, and slimmer profiles at comparable prices. The PX-160 is best viewed as a reliable used-market option.
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Donner
DEP-20
$369
Amazon's budget weighted piano with 50W speakers
8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.8 Touch Reality 7.3 Value
88 11.6 kg
Alesis
Prestige
$500
256-note polyphony and ivory-feel keys for $500 — the spec sheet champion
8.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 6.5 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
88 13.6 kg