Korg
G1B Air
$1,500
Only 5 sounds — and that's the point
5.4 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 6.6 Touch Reality 5.6 Value
88 43 kg
View Details Korg
Korg C1 Air Review
Bluetooth, Korg's best action, and 30 sounds for under $1,200
88 Keys 35 kg real weighted hammer action 3
Bluetooth
Intermediate
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 40 | +1.3 |
| Sound Variety | 30 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | real weighted hammer action 3 | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 35 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1346 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | real weighted hammer action 3 (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 120 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The C1 Air sits between Korg's budget B2 and the piano-purist G1B Air, offering the same premium RH3 keybed and Bluetooth connectivity with a broader selection of 30 sounds — all in an elegant console cabinet.
Pros
- • RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) with ivory-feel keys — Korg's flagship action
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI — stream music through the piano's speakers or connect to apps wirelessly
- • 50W speaker system — powerful room-filling sound
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with headphone optimization
- • 30 sounds including grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, and strings
- • Elegant slim-profile cabinet in multiple finishes
Cons
- • No lesson function, no recording, no app — limited learning features
- • 120-note polyphony is modest for a $1,200 console
- • No line output — cannot connect to external speakers or PA
- • 35kg — once placed, it stays put
- • No USB audio interface — only MIDI over USB
The C1 Air hits a sweet spot in Korg's lineup. It shares the G1B Air's premium RH3 keybed and Bluetooth connectivity, but adds 25 more sounds — electric pianos, organs, strings — for those who want variety beyond pure piano. At $1,200, it undercuts the G1B Air while delivering a very similar playing experience. The missing features are mostly things intermediate players won't miss: no lesson mode, no recording. If you want a beautiful console piano with Korg's best action and wireless connectivity, the C1 Air delivers outstanding value.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The RH3 action with ivory-feel keys is the same premium keybed found in Korg's flagship G1B Air. The keys have a satisfying weight and natural gradation from bass to treble. The ivory-textured surface absorbs moisture and provides grip, making it comfortable even during long practice sessions. This is a responsive, expressive action that rewards dynamic playing — it's a meaningful upgrade from the B2's Natural Weighted Hammer Action.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a home piano that looks like furniture, sounds great through its own speakers, and has Bluetooth so you can stream music or connect to a piano learning app. You've moved beyond the beginner stage and want a keybed that responds to your improving technique. The C1 Air is a step up from the B2 in every way — better action, more sounds, better speakers — without reaching the premium price of the G1B Air.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 |
| Polyphony | 120 notes |
| Sounds | 30 |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Speakers | 50W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 40 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1346×347×770 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
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
C1 Air vs G1B Air
The C1 Air scores higher in Beginner and Portability and Value. The C1 Air costs $300 less. Choose the C1 Air if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Korg G1B Air →C1 Air vs DP 300G
The C1 Air scores higher in Night Practice and Portability and Value, while the DP 300G edges ahead in Beginner. The C1 Air costs $300 less. Choose the C1 Air if you prioritize quiet practice.
Gewa DP 300G →C1 Air vs PX-870
The C1 Air scores higher in Night Practice, while the PX-870 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality and Value. The PX-870 costs $200 less. Choose the C1 Air if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio PX-870 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Korg C1 Air good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Korg C1 Air scores 5.9/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Korg C1 Air have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Korg C1 Air supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Korg C1 Air?
The Korg C1 Air weighs 35 kg (77 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Korg C1 Air?
Yes. The Korg C1 Air has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Korg C1 Air have?
The Korg C1 Air 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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