Casio
CT-X700
$219
Casio CT-X700: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
6.4 Beginner 4.8 Night Practice 9.5 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 6.4 Value
61 4.7 kg
Casio CT-S1 Review
Casio CT-S1: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
61 Keys 4.5 kg Synth Action Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$219
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
2.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 0.5 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Bluetooth MIDI | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +0.8 |
| Practice Basics (Metronome / Transpose / Layer-Split) | No | +0 |
| Stand Included | No | +0 |
| Damper Pedal Included | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 11 | +0.7 |
| Sound Variety | 61 sounds | +0.4 |
Night Practice
4.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 1.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1.3 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
| Line Out | No | +0 |
| Speaker Mute with Headphones | Yes | +0.7 |
| Key Action Quietness | Synth Action | +1.3 |
Portability
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | +3 |
| Width | 930 mm | +1 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
2.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | Synth Action (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 64 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | AiX Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Casio CT-S1 review verdict
This Casio CT-S1 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Casio CT-S1 is best read as a compact keyboard-style piano for beginners and returning players. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.
Pros
- • Key count: 61 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
- • Touch: lighter keyboard action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work.
- • Stand cost and compatibility are separate checks.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Casio CT-S1 is a compact keyboard-style piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 61 keys, lighter keyboard action, 64-note polyphony, 5W speakers, and a weight of 4.5 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.
Casio CT-S1 evaluation points
Casio CT-S1 key action and touch
Casio CT-S1 uses a lighter keyboard action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The matte key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 64-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.
Who the Casio CT-S1 is for
Casio CT-S1 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: portability and easy placement. Limits: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Casio CT-S1 sound and speakers
Casio CT-S1 offers 61 sounds and 5W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.
What to know before buying the Casio CT-S1
Before buying Casio CT-S1, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. A stand may need to be budgeted separately. Pedal needs should be checked before purchase. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. For searchers looking for a Casio CT-S1 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.
Demo Video
Source:
Bonners Music Watch on YouTube ↗
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 |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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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.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$219
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
CT-S1 vs NP-15
The CT-S1 scores higher in piano-like touch. Choose the CT-S1 if piano-like touch matters most.
Yamaha NP-15 →CT-S1 vs GO:PIANO 61
the GO:PIANO 61 is stronger in beginner support and value for money. The CT-S1 costs $81 less. Choose the GO:PIANO 61 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Roland GO:PIANO 61 →CT-S1 vs CT-X700
The CT-S1 scores higher in portability and piano-like touch, while the CT-X700 is stronger in beginner support and value for money. Choose the CT-S1 if portability matters most.
Casio CT-X700 →Related Guides
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The number of keys on a digital piano seems like a simple spec, but the decision affects how you learn, what you can play, and how much you spend. The honest answer isn't "always get 88" — it depends on your goals. This guide walks through who genuinely needs a full keyboard, who is better served by fewer keys, and what the practical differences look like in daily practice.
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Read more →What reviewers say online
A synthesis of recurring points from price-comparison sites, Amazon reviews, music-store staff videos and forum threads. Not a star-rating average — we read across multiple reviews and pulled out the points that came up repeatedly.
The Casio CT-S1 is a 61-key portable from the Casiotone series, distinguished by a slim, lightweight and stylish body. Across specialist review sites and retailer reviews, many reviewers praise the surprisingly good AiX sound source tones for the price as well as the fabric-covered speaker and understated design, while others repeatedly note that the non-weighted keybed and the pared-down feature set leave something to be desired.
Praised most often
-
AiX sound source tones that punch above the price
On the new-generation AiX sound source, the majority say it is "a step up from the previous model" and that "the piano and electric piano have density for this class." Some also note that the Surround function, which pans the sound left and right according to where you play on the keyboard, adds a sense of width.
-
Light and easy to carry
At around 4.5 kg it is light, and reviewers highlight the practical side — that "you can carry it in one hand" and "it's easy to take out." The fact that it also runs on AA batteries, so it is not tied to one spot, is welcomed.
-
A matte feel and a refined build
Several reviews praise the matte finish on the body and keys and the fabric-covered speaker area as "tasteful, with no cheap feel" and "pleasant to the touch."
-
Built-in USB audio / MIDI interface
The ability to exchange audio and MIDI with a computer over the USB port is cited by home-recording and production users as a dependable piece of equipment.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
A light, non-weighted keybed
The keys use a light synth-style action, and because there is no hammer mechanism the common observation is that "it is hard to dig in the way you would on an acoustic." A standard takeaway is that it is not suited to anyone who wants to build piano technique from scratch.
-
The damper pedal is sold separately
Because no pedal is included, some say "it should have come in the box from the start." The point is that you will need to source one separately if you want to play in earnest.
-
Performance controls and recording are minimal
With no pitch-bend or modulation wheel, and an internal recorder that does not support overdubbing, reviewers regard the controls and recording side as a deliberately pared-back spec. Some also note that battery drain is quick, and recommend using rechargeable batteries.
-
No built-in Bluetooth
The CT-S1 itself has no Bluetooth, and the takeaway is that you need an optional adapter if you want to use it wirelessly.
By source
-
Specialist review sites
Specialist sites such as MusicRadar and PianoDreamers tend to credit the design and the quality of the tones while calmly positioning it as a non-weighted portable rather than a main instrument for piano practice.
-
Retailer reviews & videos
Retailer reviews such as those from Sweetwater emphasize practical points — that it is "a solid first instrument" and "light and easy to handle."
Net take
On balance, the CT-S1 is a model that earns steady marks in international reviews as a "stylish 61-key portable with a well-rounded blend of sound and design." Its AiX sound source tones, light body and understated finish are the central plus points, making it well suited to anyone who wants to play casually as part of everyday life. Because the keybed is non-weighted and the pedal is sold separately, however, anyone wanting to learn piano fundamentals in earnest will find a console with a hammer keybed or an 88-key portable to be a realistic alternative to compare.
We do not compute a numeric star average. The points below are recurring themes we identified by reading across multiple reviews.
Sources & transparency
This page is written by the operator, who has run the piano-learning site Piano Juku since 2017, based on published manufacturer specifications. We are not a retailer or tied to any maker — every model is compared by the same criteria. About the operator
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Published spec sheet
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.
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