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 Casio
Casio CT-X700 Review
Not a piano — a $200 sound playground with 600 voices
61 Keys 4.7 kg non weighted Beginner
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 | 160 | +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
9.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 4.7 kg | +3 |
| Width | 948 mm | +1 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
1.3| 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 | AiX Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
Our Verdict
Let's be clear: the CT-X700 is not a digital piano. It's a 61-key non-weighted keyboard with 600 sounds and Casio's AiX sound engine — and at $200, it's one of the best ways to explore music without any commitment.
Pros
- • AiX Sound Source — Casio's best sound engine in this price class, noticeably richer than older models
- • 600 built-in sounds covering every genre: piano, organ, guitar, drums, synth, world instruments
- • 160 preset songs with built-in lesson function (slow down, repeat sections)
- • Only 4.7 kg — lighter than a small suitcase, easy for a child to carry
- • USB-MIDI output for connecting to a computer or tablet as a controller
- • Layer and split modes for combining sounds creatively
Cons
- • Non-weighted keys — no hammer feel at all, unsuitable for developing proper piano technique
- • 61 keys — missing the bottom and top octaves that real piano music requires
- • 48-note polyphony — will cut out notes in complex passages
- • No Bluetooth — wired connections only
- • 3.5mm headphone jack — need an adapter for standard studio headphones
The CT-X700 is the honest answer to 'I want to try music but I'm not ready to invest.' The AiX sound engine punches well above its price — the pianos sound decent, the organs sound great, and the variety is enormous. But this is fundamentally a keyboard, not a piano. If there's any chance you'll want to play real piano repertoire, save up for an 88-key weighted instrument like the CDP-S110 or Yamaha P-145. If you just want to have fun making music and don't care about authentic piano feel, the CT-X700 is a bargain.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
These are non-weighted, spring-action keys — the same type you'd find on a toy keyboard, though with better build quality. There's no hammer mechanism, no grading from heavy bass to light treble, and no resistance that simulates a real piano. They feel light and bouncy. This is fine for playing organ, synth, and pop styles, but if your goal is classical piano or building finger technique, you need a weighted-key instrument instead.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're not sure if you (or your kid) will stick with music, and you don't want to spend serious money finding out. Or you already play piano elsewhere but want a cheap, light keyboard at home for messing around with organ sounds, layering strings, or using as a MIDI controller. This is not the instrument to learn classical piano on — the non-weighted keys won't build proper finger strength. But for exploring music, songwriting, or casual playing, it's hard to beat at $200.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non Weighted |
| Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Sounds | 600 |
| Weight | 4.7 kg |
| Speakers | 6W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | AiX Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 160 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 948×350×109 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
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-X700 vs PSR-E373
The CT-X700 scores higher in Value, while the PSR-E373 edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability. Choose the CT-X700 if you prioritize value for money.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →CT-X700 vs CT-S400
The CT-X700 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the CT-S400 edges ahead in Beginner and Portability. Choose the CT-X700 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Casio CT-S400 →CT-X700 vs NP-35
The CT-X700 scores higher in Portability and Value, while the NP-35 edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the CT-X700 if you prioritize portability.
Yamaha NP-35 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio CT-X700 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio CT-X700 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 CT-X700 have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio CT-X700 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio CT-X700?
The Casio CT-X700 weighs 4.7 kg (10 lbs). It scores 9.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Casio CT-X700?
Yes. The Casio CT-X700 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio CT-X700 have?
The Casio CT-X700 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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600 sounds plus Bluetooth — the CT-S300's smarter sibling
10.0 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 0.8 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
61 4 kg
View Details Yamaha
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View Details