Kurzweil
KA90
$400
Kurzweil sound quality in a beginner-friendly portable
8.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 6.7 Value
88 13.5 kg
View Details Kurzweil
Kurzweil KA-120 Review
A pro brand's budget piano — Kurzweil quality at $500
88 Keys 12 kg graded hammer action 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 | 50 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 88 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | graded hammer action | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 12 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1327 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
5.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer action (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
Our Verdict
Kurzweil built its reputation on professional stage keyboards used by Stevie Wonder and Keith Emerson. The KA-120 brings that legacy to beginners — graded hammer action, 88 sounds, and Kurzweil's signature piano tone for just $500.
Pros
- • Kurzweil's piano sound engine — developed from decades of pro keyboard expertise
- • Graded Hammer Action with proper weight graduation from bass to treble
- • 88 sounds — a generous selection including quality pianos, electric pianos, organs, and strings
- • 30W speakers — powerful output that fills a room, matching pianos costing more
- • Built-in lesson function with 50 preset songs for self-study
- • Line out jacks for connecting to external speakers or PA systems
Cons
- • No Bluetooth at all — no wireless app connectivity or audio streaming
- • No app connectivity — everything is controlled from the panel
- • Brand recognition is low — most beginners haven't heard of Kurzweil
- • Single 6.3mm headphone jack with no headphone optimization
The KA-120 is the sleeper pick in the budget portable category. Kurzweil doesn't have the brand recognition of Yamaha or Roland, but their piano sounds carry a pedigree that budget competitors can't match. At $500, you get 88 sounds, a proper weighted keyboard, 30W speakers, and a lesson function — a complete package. The missing Bluetooth is a real inconvenience in 2024, but if sound quality matters more than wireless features, the KA-120 punches above its weight.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Graded Hammer Action is a competent entry-level weighted keyboard. The bass keys have noticeable resistance while the treble keys are lighter, giving a natural feel that helps beginners develop proper finger strength. It's not as refined as Yamaha's GHS or Kawai's RHC, but it's honest and consistent — a solid foundation for learning.
Who Is This Piano For?
You've done your research and you know that brand name isn't everything. Maybe a pianist friend mentioned Kurzweil, or you read that professionals swear by their sound engine. You want a solid, no-nonsense piano at $500 and you'd rather have quality sound than flashy features. The KA-120 rewards people who look past the marketing.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 88 |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Speakers | 30W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 50 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1327×310×135 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
KA-120 vs KA90
The KA-120 scores higher in Portability. The KA90 costs $100 less. Choose the KA-120 if you prioritize portability.
Kurzweil KA90 →KA-120 vs DEP-20
The DEP-20 edges ahead in Night Practice and Touch Reality and Value. The DEP-20 costs $120 less. Choose the DEP-20 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-20 →KA-120 vs Allegro IV
The KA-120 scores higher in Portability. The Allegro IV costs $100 less. Choose the KA-120 if you prioritize portability.
Williams Allegro IV →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kurzweil KA-120 good for beginners?
Yes. The Kurzweil KA-120 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 Kurzweil KA-120 have Bluetooth?
No, the Kurzweil KA-120 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Kurzweil KA-120?
The Kurzweil KA-120 weighs 12 kg (26 lbs). It scores 5.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Kurzweil KA-120?
Yes. The Kurzweil KA-120 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Kurzweil KA-120 have?
The Kurzweil KA-120 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.8 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
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