1st Note

Casio

Casio PX-870 Review

The PX-770, upgraded where it counts — better sound, better feel, better headphones

MSRP

$1,000

Source: Spec page (2026-04-07)

88 Keys 34.3 kg tri sensor scaled hammer action ii Intermediate

Scores

8.4 8.0 3.0 7.6 7.4 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

8.4

Night Practice

8.0

Portability

3.0

Touch Reality

7.6

Value

7.4
How These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

8.4
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 60 +1.5
Sound Variety 19 sounds +0.3

Night Practice

8.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 2.0
Headphone Jacks 2 +2
Headphone Type 6.3mm, 3.5mm +1.5
Headphone Optimization Yes +1.5
Key Action Quietness tri sensor scaled hammer action ii +0
Volume Control Yes +1
Bluetooth Audio No +0

Portability

3.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 5.0
Weight 34.3 kg -1.5
Width 1393 mm -0.5
Battery No +0
Foldable No +0
Key Count 88 keys +0

Touch Reality

7.6
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality tri sensor scaled hammer action ii (grade 6) +3.6
Key Count 88 keys +1.5
Polyphony 256 notes +1.5
Sound Modeling AiR Sound Source +0.5
Key Surface ivory-feel +0.5

Our Verdict

The PX-870 takes Casio's entry console formula and upgrades the parts that matter most: 256 polyphony, ivory-feel keys, a 40W four-speaker system, and headphone optimization — all for $300 more than the PX-770.

Pros

  • Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with ivory-feel surface — keys grip naturally and don't get slippery
  • 256-note polyphony — no dropped notes even in heavy-pedal Romantic repertoire
  • 40W four-speaker system (vs PX-770's 16W/2 speakers) — significantly richer, fuller room sound
  • Headphone optimization simulates spatial depth — practice at night without flat, lifeless sound
  • Two headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) — teacher and student or parent and child
  • Furniture stand with sliding key cover and three-pedal unit included

Cons

  • No Bluetooth at all — no wireless MIDI, no audio streaming, no app connectivity
  • Only 19 sounds — purely piano-focused, limited variety
  • 34.3 kg — heavy enough to need two people for setup
  • No app connectivity — can't use Chordana Play or learning apps
  • 2017 release — the design feels dated compared to newer Casio models

The PX-870 is the smarter buy if you can stretch your budget beyond the PX-770. The 40W four-speaker system sounds noticeably better in a room, the ivory-feel keys are more comfortable for extended practice, the 256 polyphony removes a real limitation, and the headphone optimization makes night practice genuinely enjoyable. The missing Bluetooth is the one frustration — in 2026, having no wireless connectivity feels behind the times. If Bluetooth matters, look at the Yamaha YDP-145 or Roland RP-107. But for pure piano quality per dollar in a console format, the PX-870 remains competitive.

Technical Deep Dive

About the Key Action

The key mechanism is the same Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II as the PX-770 — three sensors per key, weighted and graded. What's different is the surface: the white keys have a subtle ivory-like texture that gives your fingers something to grip, especially during fast passages or when your hands get warm. It's a small change that makes a surprisingly big difference in how confident you feel while playing. The action itself is honest and reliable — it won't fool an experienced pianist into thinking it's acoustic, but it develops proper technique and responds well to dynamics.

Who Is This Piano For?

You've decided the PX-770 is almost right, but you want better sound and a nicer touch. Maybe you practice at night and need headphones that don't sound flat and lifeless. Maybe you play pieces with lots of sustain pedal and worry about notes cutting out. Or maybe you've just tried an ivory-feel keyboard and can't go back to slippery plastic. The PX-870 is the PX-770 with its most important weaknesses addressed.

Specifications

Keys 88
Key Action Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Ii
Polyphony 256 notes
Sounds 19
Weight 34.3 kg
Speakers 40W (×4)
Bluetooth No

Recommended Accessories

🪑

Stand

Stand included

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

Casio PX-870 $1,000

How It Compares

PX-870 vs AP-470

The PX-870 scores higher in Portability. The PX-870 costs $100 less. Choose the PX-870 if you prioritize portability.

Casio AP-470 →

PX-870 vs YDP-S55

The YDP-S55 edges ahead in Beginner. The PX-870 costs $200 less. Choose the YDP-S55 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.

Yamaha YDP-S55 →

PX-870 vs KDP-120

The PX-870 scores higher in Night Practice and Touch Reality. The KDP-120 costs $100 less. Choose the PX-870 if you prioritize quiet practice.

Kawai KDP-120 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Casio PX-870 good for beginners?

Yes. The Casio PX-870 scores 8.4/10 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 PX-870 have Bluetooth?

No, the Casio PX-870 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.

How heavy is the Casio PX-870?

The Casio PX-870 weighs 34.3 kg (76 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.

Can I use headphones with the Casio PX-870?

Yes. The Casio PX-870 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.

How many keys does the Casio PX-870 have?

The Casio PX-870 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.

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 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

Casio

AP-470

$1,100

Casio's Celviano line — real furniture, real piano sound

8.6 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 7.6 Touch Reality 7.0 Value

Yamaha

YDP-S55

$1,200

The slimmest Arius — fits where other pianos cannot

9.9 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 7.9 Touch Reality 7.7 Value

Kawai

KDP-120

$900

Kawai quality in a budget console — stand, pedals, and everything you need out of the box

8.4 Beginner 7.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.2 Touch Reality 7.0 Value