Casio
CT-S1
$200
Casio's minimalist lifestyle keyboard
5.7 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 2.3 Touch Reality 7.5 Value
61 4.5kg
View Details Yamaha
PSR-E373
Yamaha's best-selling arranger keyboard
MSRP
$250
Source: Manufacturer (2025-04-06)
61 Keys 4.6 kg non weighted
Scores
Our Verdict
If you're not sure piano is for you yet and want to explore all kinds of music first, the PSR-E373 gives you 622 sounds, built-in lessons, and battery power for under $250.
Pros
- ● 622 voices including Super Articulation Lite — massive sound variety
- ● 205 accompaniment styles with auto-accompaniment
- ● Touch-sensitive keys with 3 sensitivity levels
- ● Lesson function with Keys to Success learning system
- ● Battery powered (6×AA) — play anywhere
- ● USB Audio Interface built in — record directly to computer
- ● 4.6 kg — ultra-lightweight and portable
Cons
- ● Non-weighted keys — no piano-like feel at all
- ● Only 61 keys — missing bottom and top octaves
- ● 48-note polyphony — can run out with complex arrangements
- ● Single headphone jack (6.3mm only)
- ● No Bluetooth
- ● 5W speakers — very quiet
Let's be clear: the PSR-E373 is a keyboard, not a piano. The keys are light, there are only 61 of them, and it won't teach your fingers what a real piano feels like. But as a way to discover music, it's wonderful. The 622 built-in sounds let you explore everything from grand piano to saxophone to strings. The auto-accompaniment plays along with you, making even simple melodies sound full. And at under 5 kg with battery power, you can play it anywhere. Think of it as a low-risk way to find out if music is your thing — and if it turns out to be piano you love, you can always upgrade later.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
These are light, springy keys — similar to what you'd find on an organ or a toy keyboard, but better quality. They respond to how hard you press (play softly and you'll hear a softer sound), but they don't have the weight or resistance of a real piano. Great for getting started and learning melodies, but if you fall in love with piano specifically, you'll eventually want something with heavier keys.
Who Is This Piano For?
You've always been curious about music but never made the leap. Maybe you want to play some old favorites, try out organ or guitar sounds, or just have something fun in the den. You're not ready to commit to a large piano — you want something lightweight that you can put on the kitchen table and play with headphones after dinner.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non Weighted |
| Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Sounds | 622 |
| Weight | 4.6 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | AWM Stereo Sampling |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| 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 | 154 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 945×369×118 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.