Kawai NV-10S Review

A genuine grand action with an actual damper mechanism

On the Millennium III Hybrid action, reviews agree it is "one of the few digital keybeds that behaves like a real grand." Reviewers note that it even carries the same damper mechanism as the real instrument, with a pedal feel that comes close to the genuine article.

Powerful speakers co-developed with Onkyo

Carrying the most powerful speaker system among Kawai's hybrids, it draws the comment that "the sound projects forward even in a large room, with a hall-like spread." Reviewers also note that, paired with the SK-EX Rendering sound source, the response to dynamics feels lively.

A genuine feel you can play late at night with no tuning

The ability to bring the volume to zero while keeping a genuine grand action is welcomed by apartment dwellers and late-night players. A common takeaway is that it has Bluetooth audio and MIDI and also supports app integration.

A heavier installation burden than many uprights

A shared caveat is that the unit is heavier than an acoustic upright, that delivery assumes a specialist crew, and that the location should be planned carefully. Reviewers also note that it is deep and carries considerable presence.

A note about the feel at the bottom of the key

While the fidelity of the action is rated highly, a few reviews include the fine comment that "the sense of firmness at the bottom of the keystroke is slightly thin."

The trade-off of having no real strings

Because this price tier also competes with good-quality acoustic grands, a common framing asks whether it makes sense to choose digital convenience over the resonance of real strings. Reviewers also raise that, being mechanical, a faint key noise remains even when using headphones.