Kawai
KDP-170
$1,200
Kawai's quiet achiever — everything a beginner needs in a clean console package
9.9 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 7.6 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 42 kg
View Details Casio
Casio AP-470 Review
Casio's Celviano line — real furniture, real piano sound
88 Keys 43 kg tri sensor scaled hammer action ii Intermediate
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
8.6| 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 | 22 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.0| 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 | tri sensor scaled hammer action ii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 43 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1393 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 AP-470 is the kind of digital piano that earns a permanent spot in your living room. A full furniture cabinet with integrated stand and three pedals, a 40-watt four-speaker system, and Casio's Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with ivory-feel keys that respond to every nuance of your playing.
Pros
- • Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with ivory-feel key surfaces — smooth, natural touch
- • 256-note polyphony handles sustain-heavy classical and jazz without note dropout
- • 40W four-speaker system fills a room with rich, well-balanced sound
- • Two headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with headphone optimization — ideal for couples or parent-child practice
- • Integrated furniture-style cabinet with sliding key cover — elegant living room presence
- • Built-in lesson function with 60 preset songs for guided practice
- • USB MIDI connectivity for DAW and music software integration
Cons
- • No Bluetooth — neither audio nor MIDI wireless connectivity
- • No app connectivity — can't use Casio's Chordana Play app
- • 43 kg weight — once placed, it stays put
- • Only 22 sounds — limited beyond piano and electric piano tones
- • Superseded by AP-550 which adds Bluetooth and improved key action
The AP-470 is Casio's sweet spot in the Celviano line — serious enough for intermediate players, welcoming enough for beginners, and handsome enough for any living room. The 40W four-speaker system and 256-note polyphony deliver a full, immersive sound. The key action is genuinely expressive. The main limitation is the lack of Bluetooth — if wireless connectivity matters to you, the newer AP-550 addresses that gap. But if you simply want a well-built, great-sounding furniture piano at a fair price, the AP-470 delivers exactly that.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II uses three sensors per key to capture the speed and depth of your keystrokes with precision. The keys are graded — heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble — just like an acoustic piano. The ivory-feel surface on the white keys gives a natural, slightly textured grip that prevents slipping during fast passages. It's a meaningful step up from Casio's Smart Scaled Hammer Action found in portables, offering more control and expressiveness for players with developing technique.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a digital piano that looks and feels like a proper instrument, not a keyboard on a stand. You're an intermediate player — or a returning player who once studied seriously — and you want something that rewards your touch and technique. You have a dedicated spot in your living room or music room, and you want an instrument your family can enjoy for years. The sliding key cover and elegant cabinet mean it blends into your home like a piece of furniture.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Ii |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 22 |
| Weight | 43 kg |
| Speakers | 40W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| 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) | 1393×427×821 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
AP-470 vs KDP-170
The KDP-170 edges ahead in Beginner. The AP-470 costs $100 less. Choose the KDP-170 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Kawai KDP-170 →AP-470 vs AP-550
The AP-550 edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice. The AP-470 costs $200 less. Choose the AP-550 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio AP-550 →AP-470 vs Overture III
The AP-470 scores higher in Night Practice and Touch Reality. The Overture III costs $300 less. Choose the AP-470 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Williams Overture III →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio AP-470 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio AP-470 scores 8.6/10 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 AP-470 have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio AP-470 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio AP-470?
The Casio AP-470 weighs 43 kg (95 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Casio AP-470?
Yes. The Casio AP-470 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Casio AP-470 have?
The Casio AP-470 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
Casio
AP-550
$1,300
The modern Celviano — Bluetooth, better keys, and timeless style
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 7.6 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 44 kg
View Details Williams
Overture III
$800
Guitar Center's furniture piano — 256 polyphony and 50W at $800
8.4 Beginner 7.0 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 6.5 Touch Reality 6.8 Value
88 42 kg
View Details