Founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Casio have become a leading brand within the piano and keys industry. With keyboards to suit players of all abilities, Casio’s wide variety of product ranges brings some of the most advanced keyboard technology.
In this article, we discover 13 of the best Casio keyboards for every budget and skill level.
In a hurry?
Want the best of the best? Here are our three favourite Casio keyboards:
| Casio SA-51 Mini Portable Keyboard | Small and compact | Check the current price |
| Casio CT S200 Portable Keyboard | Built-in handle offers easy portability | Check the current price |
| Casio CT X700 Portable Keyboard | AIX sound source offers quality sounds | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these keyboards
The keyboards that made the cut were picked for their sound quality, playability, and how well they appeal to the level of player they’re aimed at. These 13 keyboards offer an excellent playing experience, balancing affordability, compactness, and sound quality. We’ve also made sure to feature the most up-to-date models.
Additionally, we wanted to make sure we show you a good range of key actions. Some models are ideal for beginners who need a keyboard to get their playing off the ground, while others are more suited to advanced players who want something to use on stage.
The best Casio keyboards
1. Casio SA-51 Mini Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for small players
Key features
- 32-note polyphony
- 100 tones of different genres
- 50 rhythms for practising and jamming
Pros
- Great for on the move with its highly portable design
- Has an expansive variety of sounds and tones
- In-built songs for learning making it ideal for beginners
Cons
- Limited amount of keys for advanced players
The Casio SA-51 Mini Portable Keyboard is geared towards young people, beginners, and players wanting an affordable portable keyboard. Its sleek and compact size, coupled with a 32-note polyphony and 32 small keys, allows you to craft chords and melodies on the road or in your practice space. It’s ideal for easy transport and storage, and its portability is further enhanced by the choice of power supply or batteries.
Despite its compact size, the keyboard features 100 tones packed with sounds, from classical to contemporary. With 50 built-in rhythms, the SA-51 presents a vast variety of genres for you to explore. Reverb effects are then there to enrich your sound, adding depth to your musical expressions. The Casio SA-51 is a great choice for beginners or players wanting a small compact keyboard. It also comes in a white finish.
2. Casio SA-81 Mini 44 Key Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for young intermediate players
Key features
- Weighs less than 2kg
- 44 mini keys with 32-note polyphony
- Over 100 built-in tones
Pros
- Suited perfectly to younger players
- Lightweight – perfect for transportation and storage
- Wide range of rhythms is great for players wanting to learn different genres
Cons
- May be limited for advanced players
The Casio SA 81 Mini 44 Key Portable Keyboard is designed for young beginners. Its compact and lightweight build, weighing less than 2kg, ensures that carrying it around is easier than most keyboards. As is expected with a keyboard of this size and level, it features a 32-note polyphony.
With 44 mini keys, this keyboard is tailored to small hands, making it less daunting for children and more accessible for them to master the basics.
This keyboard boasts over 100 sounds, from pianos and organs to strings and brass. There are also 10 built-in songs that are great for playing along with, aiding in the development of musical ear and timing, enhanced by a useful metronome function and 50 rhythm patterns. Like the SA51, the SA-81 is also available in white.
While its size and range might not cater to the needs of more advanced players, for children or beginners taking their first steps into music, the Casio SA 81 is an excellent choice.
3. Casio CT-S100 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for beginner players
Key features
- Integrated handle
- 61 full-size keys
- Weighs 3.3kg
Pros
- Extremely portable design
- Full-size keys with 32-note polyphony offer an authentic playing experience
- Wide variety of sounds, with 122 tones at your disposal
Cons
- Limited advanced features
Perfect for beginners, the Casio CT-S100 Portable Keyboard makes music accessible and enjoyable. One of its most useful features is its integrated handle, letting you effortlessly take your music on the go. Weighing just 3.3kg, it makes transportation easy and efficient.
Casio have tailored the CT-S100 to beginners, offering 61 full-size keys that provide a genuine touch and feel, essential for developing proper technique. With a 32-note polyphony and 122 tones at your fingertips, you can experiment across genres and styles, keeping your practice sessions fresh and engaging.
The CT-S100’s simplicity and broad sound palette make it a compelling choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a lightweight, versatile keyboard.
4. Casio CT-S200 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for lightweight transportation
Key features
- Compatible with Casio Music Space
- LCD screen and easy-to-use jog wheel
- Dance Music Mode for DJ tracks
Pros
- Perfect for on-the-go musicians thanks to its ultra-portable design
- The included 400 tones offer creative exploration
- Complete with learning tools, making it great for beginner players
Cons
- May not satisfy advanced players
The Casio CT-S200 Portable Keyboard is a great tool if you want to get creative with your music. This keyboard is perfect for beginners thanks to its range of helpful learning features, including free online lessons and access to the Casio Music Space app, making it feel like you’ve got a personal music teacher.
What sets the CT-S200 apart is its unique blend of convenience and functionality. The integrated handle and weight of only 3.3kg ensure easy transportation. An intuitive LCD screen and jog wheel then facilitate effortless navigation through the keyboard’s extensive features.
With 61 full-size keys, you have access to a broad spectrum of octaves, perfect for diving into any musical genre. The CT-S200 features 400 exciting tones and 77 automatic accompaniment rhythms, allowing for a rich and varied playing experience. Plus, the Dance Music Mode enables you to produce great DJ tracks on the fly.
5. Casio CT-S300 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for players on the move
Key features
- Expressive control pitch bend wheel
- Chordana Play app integration
- Intuitive LCD and jog wheel navigation
Pros
- Portable design with integrated handle
- Touch-sensitive keys offer dynamic playing
- Extensive battery life makes this perfect for busking or beginners
Cons
- Might be basic for advanced musicians
The Casio CT-S300 Portable Keyboard caters to both beginners and those looking to enjoy music on the move. Like the CT-S200, this keyboard weighs 3.3kg and features an integrated handle for easy transportation. There’s also 19 hours of battery life for even more portability.
Integration with the Chordana Play app transforms your practice sessions into a fun, engaging experience, enabling you to learn and play along with your favourite songs. This is ideal for young children who may get bored easily!
With an intuitive LCD screen and jog wheel, navigating the keyboard’s features, including 400 tones and 60 built-in songs, is a breeze. The pitch bend wheel then lets you add nuance and expressiveness to your performances that mimic professional musicians’ techniques.
Moreover, the Dance Music Mode allows you to dive into dance music production, offering 50 styles to experiment with and the ability to layer tracks and introduce effects, including vocal samples for that polished finish.
6. Casio CT S400 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for intermediate players
Key features
- 600 AiX tones
- Powerful Bass Reflex speakers
- Backlit LCD and jog wheel
Pros
- Option for Bluetooth MIDI connectivity (with dongle)
- Includes high clarity and expressive sounds for a good depth of sound
- Touch-sensitive keys provide dynamic playing and realistic playability making it great for advanced players
Cons
- Bluetooth dongle sold separately
The Casio CT S400 Portable Keyboard is a great choice for beginner or intermediate players looking for something portable with a few professional features. Weighing just 4.5 kg, it’s great for musicians on the move. The backlit LCD and jog wheel ensure you’re always in control, even in low-light conditions, making it simpler to switch between the 600 AiX tones.
As well as great versatility, the CT-S400 also offers great sound quality. The introduction of Casio’s new Bass Reflex speaker system ensures that your bass notes are not just heard, but felt, projecting clear, powerful sounds that can elevate any performance.
Additionally, the optional Bluetooth dongle (sold separately) expands your keyboard into a Bluetooth MIDI device, offering a seamless and wireless way to play music through the keyboard’s speakers or integrate with music apps for an enhanced learning and playing experience.
Casio’s AiX sound source has been meticulously redesigned to deliver sounds with unprecedented clarity and expression. Together with high-performance DSP effects and master EQ, it provides a great-quality sound. The rich, surrounding sound is further enhanced by 48-note polyphony, ensuring your music flows uninterrupted and with full expression.
7. Casio CT-S500 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for a variety of tones
Key features
- Studio-quality AiX sound generation
- 800 tones and powerful live controls
- Built-in sampler and Bluetooth dongle
Pros
- Impressively high fidelity and tone quality
- The built-in sampler allows you to sample via audio input or USB
- Compatibility with the app offers in-depth keyboard settings making it great for advanced and pro players
Cons
- Complexity may overwhelm beginners
The Casio CT-S500 Portable Keyboard is ideal for advanced pianists who want portability without sacrificing sound quality. With its AiX Sound Source, this keyboard delivers studio-quality sound that adeptly captures the nuances of acoustic instruments.
The level of clarity and expression available through its DSP effects and high-performance EQ, driven by a robust new processor, ensures that your music will resonate with unprecedented depth and realism. Beyond its sound capabilities, the CT-S500 stands as a beacon of creativity.
Its built-in sampler allows for an unlimited exploration of sound, enabling you to sample anything via audio input or USB connection. Whether you’re crafting unique percussion rhythms or playing tunes pitched from your samples, your imagination is the only limit.
Connectivity is another area where the CT-S500 shines. The included Bluetooth dongle facilitates wireless audio and MIDI streaming, seamlessly integrating with the Casio Music Space app. This app not only serves as a learning tool with its vast library of songs but also offers features like a live concert simulator and an intuitive interface for managing your keyboard’s settings.
8. Casio CT-S1 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for speaker quality
Key features
- AiX sound technology for quality audio
- Bass Reflex speakers for powerful bass
- 61 voices, including vintage instrument samples
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design for efficient transportation and storage
- High-quality sound projection through bass reflex speakers offers depth to your playing
- Has the option to connect via Bluetooth dongle or USB for a greater breadth of sounds
Cons
- Limited voices compared to other models
The Casio CT-S1 Portable Keyboard is a stylish and modern instrument that balances portability with sound quality exceptionally well. Weighing just 4.5kg, it’s an ideal travel companion for musicians on the go who refuse to compromise on sound. Its Bass Reflex speakers ensure your bass has a rich, resonant depth – something which many keyboards lack.
With Casio’s renowned AiX sound technology, the CT-S1 offers sound quality that belies its compact size, projecting audio with clarity and richness. This keyboard doesn’t just sound good; it looks good too. The thoughtful design, highlighted by speaker cloth and felted keys, adds a touch of class rarely seen at this price point.
The 61 voices let you experiment with sound, from modern synths to rare vintage instrument samples. Additionally, USB connectivity and the option to add a Bluetooth dongle let you connect to your smart device.
9. Casio CT X700 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for both beginner and intermediate players
Key features
- Acoustic Intelligence Xpression technology
- Beginner-friendly functions
- Step-Up Lesson system for learning
Pros
- Over 600 tones allow you to play diverse music styles
- Adjustable touch sensitivity and effects for realistic use
- MIDI and USB connectivity allows for expansion
Cons
- May require external speakers for louder output
The Casio CT X700 Portable Keyboard is a versatile instrument designed to cater to both beginners and advancing players. With an AiX sound source, it delivers an array of over 600 tones that can transform your music from a simple melody to a full-blown orchestral performance.
Its compact design makes it an ideal companion for musicians on the move and ensures it fits comfortably in any space, be it a bedroom studio or classroom. You can also learn songs with the innovative Step-Up Lesson system, featuring a song bank of over 150 tunes, which lets you gradually build your skills and confidence at your own pace.
Thanks to MIDI and USB connectivity options, the CT X700 is compatible with computers or other devices – great for recording your compositions or integrating with music software. And for small-scale performances, the built-in speakers deliver clear sound. If you’re looking to fill larger spaces, consider connecting external speakers to achieve a more powerful output.
10. Casio CT X3000 Keyboard – the best keyboard for both intermediate and professional players
Key features
- Pedal assignments
- Plays digital audio WAV files
- Bass reflex speaker technology
Pros
- Full-size, touch-sensitive keys are great for players wanting a realistic playing experience
- Revolutionary AiX sound technology replicates behaviours of acoustic instruments
- High-quality speakers make this great for players wanting a decent-sounding keyboard
Cons
- May be complex for absolute beginners
If you’re a more advanced player, the Casio CT X3000 Portable Keyboard might be for you. With 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys, it offers a responsive playing experience that emulates the feel of an acoustic piano, making it suitable for learning, performing, and enjoying music across various settings.
At its core, the CT X3000 boasts Acoustic Intelligent Expression (AiX) technology, a sound engine that couples perfectly with the responsive keys by delivering a sound that’s strikingly similar to an acoustic piano. This technology ensures that every nuance of your playing is captured, from the softest pianissimo to the most robust fortissimo, allowing for a truly dynamic and expressive musical experience.
Adding to its versatility, the keyboard lets you assign various functions to the pedals, enhancing your control over performances, with options for registration changes and expression. For performers looking to play along with backing tracks or their own compositions, the ability to play industry-standard digital audio WAV files directly from a USB memory stick is a game-changer.
Bass Reflex speaker technology further enhances the CT X3000’s appeal by delivering an incredible dynamic range with excellent bass.
11. Casio CT X5000 Portable Keyboard – the keyboard with the best effects
Key features
- Professional AiX sound engine and DSP effects
- Compatible with USB and WAV files
- Bass reflex speaker technology
Pros
- High-resolution sampling offers realistic sounds
- Great if you want to incorporate effects into your playing through the Dynamic DSP effects expressiveness
- Powerful 15W speakers make this perfect for a player wanting powerful projection
Cons
- May require time to master all features
The Casio CT X5000 Portable Keyboard is great for professional-level performances. Again, we find the AiX sound engine in this keyboard, which employs high-resolution sampling and comprehensive DSP (Digital Signal Processor) effects across all tones, ensuring an unparalleled realistic sound quality that captures the essence of both acoustic and electronic instruments.
The CT X5000 keyboard can play digital audio WAV files directly from a USB memory stick so you can accompany your favourite tracks or compositions seamlessly. Moreover, the innovative phrase recording feature enables you to capture up to 100 different musical phrases, facilitating complex performances and compositions with ease.
Equipped with two powerful 15W bass reflex speakers, the CT X5000 delivers a sound that is not only rich and full but also has a dynamic range. The striking red and black design further enhances its stage presence, making it a keyboard that looks as good as it sounds.
12. Casio LK S450 Portable Keyboard – the best keyboard for easy learning
Key features
- Lighted Keys system for easy learning
- Features 200 learning rhythms
- Backlit LCD screen and jog wheel for navigation
Pros
- Clear sound projection from speakers makes it ideal for players wanting volume
- A simple, uncluttered control panel ensures easy use
- Versatile with 600 AiX tones is ideal for any player wanting a keyboard with plenty of sound options
Cons
- Not ideal for advanced players or professionals
The Casio LK S450 Portable Keyboard simplifies the learning process while providing a rich, immersive playing experience. Renowned for its Lighted Keys system, the LK S450 offers a unique method for beginners to master tunes by following along with illuminated keys, making the initial steps into music both engaging and effective.
Ease of use is at the forefront of the LK S450’s design. With a jog wheel and backlit LCD screen, the uncluttered control panel is quick to navigate, allowing you to focus on the most important thing – mastering the basics. And even though this is a beginner’s keyboard, it still boasts Casio’s Bass Reflex speaker system for a clear and powerful sound with rich bass.
There’s also the potential to expand the keyboard’s functionality to a Bluetooth MIDI device courtesy of an additional dongle (sold separately).
13. Casio LK S250 Portable Keyboard – one of the best keyboards for battery life
Key features
- Weighs 4.6kg
- Intuitive navigation with LCD screen and jog wheel
- Portable design with integrated handle
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight for easy transport
- Long battery life for extended practice
- Helps beginners learn thanks to the lighted keys
Cons
- May lack advanced features for professional players
The Casio LK S250 Portable Keyboard is an ideal companion for both aspiring musicians and those constantly on the move. With its lightweight design and integrated handle, carrying it around becomes effortless. The added benefit of up to 16 hours of battery life further enhances its portability, allowing you to practise extensively without the constraint of needing a power outlet.
Designed with learning in mind, the LK S250 features Casio’s renowned Lighted Keys system which aids you in learning songs by lighting up the correct keys.
Dance Music Mode is another standout feature, providing a fun and interactive way to explore music production. It allows you to experiment with layering beats and textures. With 400 different tones at your disposal, you have a vast palette of sounds to fuel your creativity.
Better still, the LCD screen and jog wheel are easy to use, meaning you can navigate through the keyboard’s features and fine-tune your sound effortlessly.
Why are Casio a renowned brand?
Casio are highly regarded in the music industry for their innovative electronic instruments, particularly their keyboards that cater to both beginners and professionals.
One standout feature of Casio pianos is their key action. Their digital piano keys mimic the feel of an acoustic piano remarkably well, which allows for a more authentic playing experience – crucial for skill development.
Casio keyboards, in particular, have always shown a dedication to sound samples and quality. They use high-quality recordings of acoustic pianos to ensure the sound produced is rich and true to life – something which sets Casio’s beginner keyboards apart from others out there.
One of the first keyboards Casio produced was the Casio Tone 201 which featured 29 sounds, including piano, organ, and string instruments – the kinds of sounds that previously were unheard on keyboards.
The benefits of choosing a keyboard
Choosing a keyboard offers several benefits, especially for players who value versatility and convenience. One of the major advantages of keyboards is their headphone output, which allows you to practise privately without disturbing others. It’s perfect for late-night sessions or when you’re in a shared space.
Keyboards also feature an impressive range of sounds and effects. From strings and brass to synthesised sounds and percussion, they allow you to explore a variety of musical styles. This versatility makes keyboards ideal for studio recordings and live performances alike.
Perhaps one of the big benefits of keyboards is their incredible portability. Their lightweight and compact design makes them easy to transport to gigs or even store when not in use.
Additionally, keyboards are usually more affordable than digital pianos. This makes them a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget, meaning can enjoy a wide array of features without breaking the bank.
The difference between a keyboard and a digital piano
Understanding the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano is crucial for choosing the right instrument for you. Keyboards are known for their built-in rhythms and auto-accompaniment features. These tools are fantastic for learners, providing textures and a backing band to work with. This makes practice more engaging and helps develop a good sense of rhythm and timing.
On the other hand, digital pianos are designed to replicate the feel of a traditional acoustic piano. They focus on emulating the touch and sound of a real piano, often featuring weighted keys that mimic the resistance of acoustic piano keys. This makes them ideal for classical pianists and those focusing on improving their technique.
While digital pianos aim to offer a pure and authentic piano experience, they typically come with fewer instrument voices than keyboards. Keyboards, with their variety of sounds and features, encourage experimentation and can be more versatile across different musical genres.
If you are looking for a digital piano, a great model to check out is the Casio CDP S110. With authentic graded hammer action and the ability to run on battery power for up to 13 hours, this is a great digital piano for players who want the ability to play wherever they want but with the features of a digital piano.
What to consider when choosing a Casio keyboard
Ability and budget
Ability level and budget usually go hand-in-hand, as chances are, if you’re a beginner, you won’t want to be splashing out on a high-end instrument.
Some keyboards aid leaners in their first stages, for example, beginner keyboards may feature light-up keys, simple interfaces, and smaller keys. On the other hand, if you’re looking for intermediate and professional keyboards, you might opt for a keyboard with a vast array of effects and a more comprehensive interface.
Instrument voices
Instrument voices are another consideration. Do you want a huge selection of voices or are you more concerned with a high-quality piano sound? Casio keyboards often boast hundreds of presets, with a wide variety of sampled instruments.
The variation of musical voices that a keyboard offers will depend on the price and ability level of the keyboard. If you’re just starting out, sound and sample range will not be as essential as if you were a professional-level keyboard.
For beginners, a keyboard with up to 30 tones would be more than enough to get your playing off of the ground. If you’re a more advanced pianist, you could be looking at up to 800 tones!
Keys
The number of keys that a keyboard has can vary from 25 to 88. And it’s probably the thing you’ll notice first in a keyboard. It goes without saying that if you want to explore the full range of a piano, 88 keys are the way to go. If you’re a beginner, 26 to 61 keys will be enough to help you get to grips with the basics. These smaller keyboards are also great for on-stage use and travelling round from gig to gig.
Styles
Styles, or backing instruments, are categorised by genre and can significantly enhance your practice sessions and performances. They offer a fuller sound and can be great for developing your playing and getting used to playing with other instruments. Playing along with the built-in songs will naturally improve your timekeeping.
Features, functions, and modes
Things like Split mode, Dual mode, the metronome, and Casio’s Step-Up lessons can be game-changers, especially for learners. These functions make practice more efficient and enjoyable, for example, you may want to split the keyboard into two to allow both you and your teacher to play side-by-side.
Access to Chordana Play, Casio Music Space, and Casio Music Academy
Lastly, some Casio products allow access to apps such as Chordana Play, Casio Music Space, and Casio Music Academy. This can be a substantial advantage. These platforms are excellent for both beginners and advanced players, offering interactive lessons and tools to enhance your musical journey.
FAQs
Are Casio Keyboards good for beginners?
Casio keyboards are great for beginners; they feature simple and easy-to-use interfaces along with learning aids, such as light-up keys and built-in metronomes. Casio even have keyboards tailored to the beginner player, specifically younger players, with smaller keys for easy reach.
Does Casio make good keyboards?
Casio make high-quality keyboards with a focus on great samples and sound. Their keyboards are also sleek and lightweight and come with a range of features that appeal to players of all ability levels.
Can you learn piano on a Casio keyboard?
You can learn piano on a Casio keyboard, however, the extent of your learning will depend on the number of keys your instrument has. Many Casio keyboards come with features that aid beginners in their initial stages. These include light-up keys, compatibility with tutorial apps, and built-in songs to play along to.
Final thoughts
We hope we’ve shown you the breadth of Casio’s keyboard offerings!
The best Casio keyboards cater to a whole host of playing abilities and budgets, with even the lower-priced models having everything you could need for a comfortable playing experience. Whether you’re looking for a compact, portable keyboard or a professional-level instrument, Casio are a brand that you can stick with throughout your playing journey.
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