Casio
CT-S1
$200
Casio's minimalist lifestyle keyboard
5.7 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 2.3 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
61 4.5 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha NP-15 Review
Yamaha's lightest piano-style keyboard — Piaggero series
61 Keys 4.5 kg non weighted Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.7| 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 | 10 | +0.3 |
| Sound Variety | 15 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
6.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| 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 | 4.5 kg | +3 |
| Width | 1036 mm | +0 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
1.7| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | non weighted (grade 1) | +0.6 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 64 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | AWM Stereo Sampling | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | plastic | +0 |
Our Verdict
If you want a Yamaha piano sound in the smallest, lightest package possible and your budget is under $250, the NP-15 Piaggero is a featherweight 61-key keyboard that runs on batteries and fits on any table.
Pros
- • Only 4.5 kg — one of the lightest keyboards with piano-quality sound
- • Battery powered (6 x AA) — play anywhere without a power outlet
- • Clean, focused Yamaha grand piano sound from AWM Stereo Sampling
- • USB MIDI for connecting to a computer or tablet
- • Extremely affordable entry point at $230 / ¥25,300
Cons
- • Non-weighted keys — no piano-like resistance or graded feel
- • Only 61 keys — two full octaves shorter than a standard piano
- • No Bluetooth, no app connectivity, no lesson function
- • Single headphone jack only
The NP-15 Piaggero is not trying to be a piano — it's trying to be the easiest, most portable way to play piano sounds. And at that specific job, it excels. At 4.5 kg with battery power, you can genuinely take it anywhere. The 15 built-in sounds are curated rather than exhaustive, with the grand piano tone being notably clear and pleasant for this price range. The trade-offs are obvious: no weighted keys, no Bluetooth, no lesson features, and only 61 keys. But if your priority is low cost, portability, and Yamaha sound quality, the NP-15 delivers exactly what it promises. It's the perfect first keyboard before you know how serious you'll get about piano.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys on the NP-15 are light and plastic — there is no hammer mechanism or grading. They respond to touch velocity (press harder for louder sound), but the feel is closer to an organ than a piano. This keeps the instrument extremely light and affordable, but it means your fingers won't develop the strength or technique needed for a real piano. Think of it as a stepping stone: if you discover you love playing, you'll want to upgrade to a weighted-key instrument within a year or two.
Who Is This Piano For?
You are brand-new to music and not yet sure if piano is for you. You want to spend as little as possible to find out, but you still want a recognizable brand name and a sound that doesn't embarrass you. Perhaps you're a grandparent who wants something simple and light that you can carry to the living room, play a few songs after lunch, and put away before dinner. Or you're a student in a dorm room who needs a keyboard for music class that won't take up the whole desk. The NP-15 is Yamaha's answer to the question: what's the simplest, most portable way to play piano-like sounds without spending a lot of money?
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non Weighted |
| Polyphony | 64 notes |
| Sounds | 15 |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Speakers | 6W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Plastic |
| Sound Modeling | AWM Stereo Sampling |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 10 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1036×259×105 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
NP-15 vs CT-S1
The NP-15 scores higher in Night Practice, while the CT-S1 edges ahead in Touch Reality and Value. Choose the NP-15 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio CT-S1 →NP-15 vs PSR-E373
The PSR-E373 edges ahead in Beginner. Choose the PSR-E373 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →NP-15 vs CT-X700
The NP-15 scores higher in Night Practice and Portability, while the CT-X700 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. Choose the NP-15 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio CT-X700 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha NP-15 good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Yamaha NP-15 scores 5.7/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Yamaha NP-15 have Bluetooth?
No, the Yamaha NP-15 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Yamaha NP-15?
The Yamaha NP-15 weighs 4.5 kg (10 lbs). It scores 10/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha NP-15?
Yes. The Yamaha NP-15 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 6.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Yamaha NP-15 have?
The Yamaha NP-15 has 61 keys, which is smaller than a standard 88-key piano. This is fine for beginners and casual playing, but advanced pieces may require more range.
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8.6 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 6.4 Value
61 4.6 kg
View Details Casio
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Not a piano — a $200 sound playground with 600 voices
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