Yamaha
PSR-E373
$250
Yamaha's best-selling arranger keyboard
8.6 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 5.1 Value
61 4.6kg
View Details Casio
CT-S1
Casio's minimalist lifestyle keyboard
MSRP
$200
Source: Piano Dreamers review (manufacturer site unavailable) (2025-04-06)
61 Keys 4.5 kg synth action
Scores
Our Verdict
If you want a keyboard that looks as good as it sounds and fits anywhere in your home, the CT-S1 delivers surprisingly rich tones in a slim, stylish body you can carry with one hand.
Pros
- ● AiX Sound Source — surprisingly rich piano and electric piano tones for the price
- ● Ultra-slim 83mm body with built-in carry handle and strap pins
- ● Battery powered (6×AA) — truly go-anywhere
- ● 61 carefully curated tones (quality over quantity)
- ● USB Audio + MIDI interface built in
- ● Available in 3 stylish colors (Black, White, Red)
- ● 4.5 kg — one of the lightest keyboards available
Cons
- ● Non-weighted synth-action keys — no piano feel
- ● Only 61 keys
- ● No lesson function
- ● No split mode — layer only
- ● Single 3.5mm headphone jack — no standard 6.3mm
- ● No Bluetooth built in (optional adapter sold separately)
- ● 64-note polyphony
The CT-S1 is for people who want music in their life without the commitment of a full piano. It's genuinely beautiful — thin enough to slide onto a shelf, light enough to carry in one hand, and available in colors that match your decor. The sounds are remarkably good for the price, especially the piano and electric piano tones. But it's honestly not a learning instrument: no lesson features, no weighted keys, and only 61 keys. Think of it as a musical companion for relaxed evenings, not a practice tool. If you want to actually learn piano, look at something with weighted keys instead.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys are very light — like pressing buttons more than playing a piano. There's no weight or resistance, so your fingers move quickly and easily. This makes it comfortable for casual playing, but it won't feel anything like a real piano. If you're specifically trying to learn piano technique, this isn't the right instrument for that.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want to play music as a relaxing hobby, not a serious pursuit. Maybe you'd like something attractive on your bookshelf that you can pick up on a quiet evening to play a few tunes. Or you want a lightweight keyboard to bring to a vacation home or play on the patio. You care about how it looks and sounds, not about replicating a grand piano.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Synth Action |
| Polyphony | 64 notes |
| Sounds | 61 |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | AiX Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 11 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 930×258×83 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.