Casio
CT-X700
$200
Not a piano — a $200 sound playground with 600 voices
8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 9.5 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 7.5 Value
61 4.7 kg
View Details Casio
Casio CT-S300 Review
400 sounds, 3.3 kg — the budget keyboard that does everything
61 Keys 3.3 kg non weighted Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 60 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 400 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| 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 | 3.3 kg | +3 |
| Width | 930 mm | +1 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
0.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | non weighted (grade 1) | +0.6 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 48 notes | +0 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
At under $170 and barely heavier than a laptop bag, the CT-S300 packs 400 sounds, a dance music mode, battery power, and Chordana Play app connectivity into a body small enough to slide under a bed. It's not a piano — it's a musical playground.
Pros
- • 400 built-in sounds — pianos, organs, strings, synths, drums, and more
- • Only 3.3 kg with battery power (6×AA) — take it literally anywhere
- • Chordana Play app connectivity for interactive learning
- • Dance Music Mode — create electronic beats and loops with one touch
- • Built-in lesson function with step-up learning system
- • USB MIDI for connecting to computers and music software
- • Under $170 — one of the most affordable feature-packed keyboards
Cons
- • Non-weighted keys — no piano feel whatsoever
- • Only 61 keys — not enough for advanced piano repertoire
- • 48-note polyphony — can clip during complex layered sounds
- • Single 3.5mm headphone jack — no standard 6.3mm
- • No Bluetooth — wired connections only
- • 5W speakers — quiet, not suitable for performing
- • Sound quality is basic — quantity over quality in the 400 tones
The CT-S300 is the Swiss Army knife of budget keyboards. Four hundred sounds, dance music mode, app connectivity, lesson functions, battery power, and 3.3 kg of portability — all for under $170. It does a remarkable number of things for the price. What it doesn't do is feel like a piano. The keys are light and plasticky, the speakers are small, and the 48-note polyphony shows its limits with layered sounds. But that's not what this keyboard is for. It's for exploration, fun, and figuring out if music is something you want to pursue seriously. If the answer is yes, you'll outgrow it — and that's perfectly fine.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys are completely unweighted — they feel like buttons on a remote control. There's no resistance, no grading from heavy to light, and no texture on the key surfaces. Your fingers move very quickly and easily, which makes it comfortable for casual playing and exploring different sounds. But it feels nothing like a real piano, and skills developed on these keys won't transfer well to an acoustic instrument. If learning piano technique matters to you, look for something with weighted keys.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're curious about music and want to explore without a big investment. Maybe you're a parent testing whether your child will stick with an instrument before buying something expensive. Maybe you're an adult who wants to noodle around on a keyboard after work without any pressure to 'practice properly.' Or maybe you just want a fun, portable instrument for parties, travel, or the kids' room. The CT-S300 is an entry ticket to music, not a serious piano.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non Weighted |
| Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Sounds | 400 |
| Weight | 3.3 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 60 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 930×256×73 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
CT-S300 vs CT-X700
The CT-S300 scores higher in Beginner and Portability and Value, while the CT-X700 edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the CT-S300 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio CT-X700 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio CT-S300 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio CT-S300 scores 10/10 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 CT-S300 have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio CT-S300 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio CT-S300?
The Casio CT-S300 weighs 3.3 kg (7 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 Casio CT-S300?
Yes. The Casio CT-S300 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio CT-S300 have?
The Casio CT-S300 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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