Kawai
ES120
$700
Kawai's feature-packed contender with 100 rhythms
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 6.8 Touch Reality 7.8 Value
88 12kg
View Details Casio
PX-S3100
700 sounds in Casio's slimmest body
MSRP
$800
Source: Sweetwater product page (manufacturer site unavailable) (2025-04-06)
88 Keys 11.4 kg smart scaled hammer action
Scores
Our Verdict
If you want a piano that's also a one-person band — with 700 sounds, 200 backing rhythms, and battery power in a body you can carry under one arm — the PX-S3100 is unlike anything else.
Pros
- ● 700 tones — far more variety than any competitor at this price
- ● 200 built-in rhythms with auto-accompaniment
- ● Ultra-slim 102mm depth with battery power
- ● Bluetooth Audio streaming
- ● Dual headphone jacks (3.5mm + 6.3mm)
- ● 3-track MIDI + WAV audio recorder
- ● Line out for performance use
Cons
- ● Smart Scaled Hammer Action — lighter touch than competitors at this price
- ● Bluetooth Audio only — no Bluetooth MIDI
- ● No headphone spatial optimization
- ● 16W speakers — less powerful than heavier competitors
The PX-S3100 is the fun piano. With 700 sounds and 200 auto-accompaniment rhythms, you can play jazz, pop, classical, or church music and always have a backing band. It runs on batteries, weighs just 11.4 kg, and is slim enough to lean against a wall. The trade-off is the key feel — it's lighter and less piano-like than competitors at this price. If you want the most realistic touch, look elsewhere. But if you want the most enjoyment from day one, the PX-S3100 delivers smiles per dollar like nothing else.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys feel lighter than a traditional piano — more like pressing weighted buttons than striking real hammers. Low notes are slightly heavier than high notes, which helps you learn proper hand positioning. This is perfectly fine for beginners and casual playing, but experienced pianists may find the touch too light and springy compared to what they're used to.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're not just interested in playing Beethoven — you want to explore jazz organ, strings, guitar sounds, and play along with built-in backing tracks that make you sound like a whole band. Maybe you bring your piano to community events, church, or a friend's house. You value fun and variety over the most realistic piano touch.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Smart Scaled Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 700 |
| Weight | 11.4 kg |
| Speakers | 16W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio |
| Key Surface | Simulated Ebony Ivory |
| Sound Modeling | Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm, 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| 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) | 1322×232×102 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.
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