Casio
CT-S300
$170
400 sounds, 3.3 kg — the budget keyboard that does everything
10.0 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 0.8 Touch Reality 8.2 Value
61 3.3 kg
View Details Casio
Casio CT-S400 Review
600 sounds plus Bluetooth — the CT-S300's smarter sibling
61 Keys 4 kg non weighted
Bluetooth
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 | 600 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 | 4 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
The CT-S400 takes everything the CT-S300 does well — portability, fun, variety — and adds Bluetooth MIDI, 600 sounds, and a more capable AiX sound engine. If you want a versatile, connected mini keyboard without spending much, this is the one.
Pros
- • 600 built-in sounds with AiX Sound Source — richer, more detailed tones than the CT-S300
- • Bluetooth MIDI — connect wirelessly to apps and music software
- • Battery powered (6×AA) at only 4.0 kg — go-anywhere portability
- • Chordana Play app connectivity for guided learning
- • 200 built-in rhythms for accompaniment and practice
- • Dance Music Mode with expanded options
- • USB MIDI for wired computer connectivity
- • Built-in lesson function with step-up system
Cons
- • Non-weighted keys — no piano feel
- • Only 61 keys — insufficient for serious piano study
- • 48-note polyphony — can struggle with layered sounds
- • Single 3.5mm headphone jack
- • No Bluetooth audio — MIDI only, can't stream music to speakers
- • 5W speakers are quiet — fine for personal practice, not for performing
- • $60 more than the CT-S300 for similar core experience
The CT-S400 is the smarter version of Casio's popular CT-S300. The Bluetooth MIDI is the headline upgrade — connecting wirelessly to apps and music software opens up possibilities that wired-only keyboards can't match. The jump from 400 to 600 sounds and the improved AiX engine mean the tones are noticeably richer too. At $230, it's still firmly in budget territory. The same caveats apply: no weighted keys, no piano feel, 48-note polyphony. But if you want a fun, portable, connected keyboard for casual music-making and learning, the CT-S400 is the best value in Casio's mini lineup.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys are identical in feel to the CT-S300 — completely unweighted with no resistance or grading. They're light, fast, and easy on the fingers, which is comfortable for exploring the 600 sounds and playing casually. But they don't simulate a piano in any way. If you're trying to develop proper piano technique, you need weighted keys. This keyboard is designed for musical exploration, not piano practice.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a bit more than the CT-S300 — specifically wireless connectivity and a wider palette of sounds — but you're still firmly in the 'exploration and fun' category rather than serious piano study. Maybe you're an aspiring music producer who wants a lightweight MIDI controller that also works standalone. Maybe you want to connect to iPad apps wirelessly for interactive learning. The Bluetooth MIDI adds a layer of convenience that makes the CT-S400 genuinely more useful as a modern music tool.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non Weighted |
| Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Sounds | 600 |
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | MIDI |
| 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) | 930×258×82 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-S400 vs CT-S300
The CT-S300 edges ahead in Value. The CT-S300 costs $60 less. Choose the CT-S300 if you prioritize value for money.
Casio CT-S300 →CT-S400 vs PSR-E373
The CT-S400 scores higher in Beginner and Value, while the PSR-E373 edges ahead in Night Practice and Touch Reality. Choose the CT-S400 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →CT-S400 vs NP-35
The CT-S400 scores higher in Beginner and Portability and Value, while the NP-35 edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the CT-S400 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Yamaha NP-35 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio CT-S400 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio CT-S400 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-S400 have Bluetooth?
The Casio CT-S400 has Bluetooth MIDI for wireless app connectivity, but no Bluetooth Audio for streaming music.
How heavy is the Casio CT-S400?
The Casio CT-S400 weighs 4 kg (9 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-S400?
Yes. The Casio CT-S400 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio CT-S400 have?
The Casio CT-S400 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.
Related Guides
Best Digital Pianos for Seniors & Older Adults (2026)
Choosing a digital piano in your 50s, 60s, or 70s is different from buying one at 25. You may want a more comfortable key action that's easier on aging joints, a display you can read without squinting, and built-in lessons that let you learn at your own pace. This guide covers exactly that.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $1,000 (2026)
The $500–$1,000 range is where digital pianos get genuinely good. This is the sweet spot — where key actions start to feel convincing, speakers become room-filling, and you get features that actually matter for your progress. If you can stretch your budget to this range, you'll get an instrument that can carry you from your first lesson through years of playing.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $500 (2026)
You don't need to spend a fortune to start playing piano. Under $500, there are genuinely good instruments that will serve a beginner well for years. But at this price, trade-offs are real — and knowing what to prioritize makes all the difference. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect, what to look for, and which models deliver the most value.
Read more →Best Portable Digital Pianos for Travel & Small Spaces (2026)
Sometimes you need a piano that goes where you go. Whether you're gigging, traveling, teaching at multiple locations, or simply don't have room for a full console, portability matters. But lighter doesn't always mean better — the trade-offs between weight, key quality, and features are real. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in a portable digital piano.
Read more →Digital Piano Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand — in plain language — so you can make a confident decision.
Read more →Digital Piano vs Keyboard — What's the Difference? (2026)
"Should I buy a digital piano or a keyboard?" It's the most common question beginners ask — and the most confusing, because the terms get used interchangeably even by music stores. They're actually quite different instruments designed for different purposes. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and explains exactly what separates them, when each one makes sense, and which you should buy based on your actual goals.
Read more →Graded Hammer Action vs Weighted Keys: What's the Difference?
"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Best Quiet Digital Pianos for Apartments (2026)
Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up piano. Digital pianos were practically made for this situation — plug in headphones and the world disappears. But not all models are equally quiet. Key noise, headphone quality, and late-night optimization features vary widely. This guide helps you find the right piano for peaceful apartment practice.
Read more →Similar Pianos
Yamaha
PSR-E373
$250
Yamaha's best-selling arranger keyboard
8.6 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 6.4 Value
61 4.6 kg
View Details Yamaha
NP-35
$250
Piano-focused simplicity in an ultra-portable package
8.4 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 8.7 Portability 2.9 Touch Reality 6.3 Value
76 5.7 kg
View Details