🎹Kawai KDP110 vs Yamaha Arius YDP-144 Digital Piano Comparison & Demo🎹

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#KDP110 #YDP144 #DigitalPiano
Hi everybody, and welcome to another piano comparison video here at the Merriam Pianos KZbin channel. Today we’ve got quite the shoot-out for you, as we’ll be comparing the Yamaha YDP144 and Kawai KDP110. These are two of the most popular home digital pianos in the entire world.
This is the first time we’ve had them side-by-side, so we’ll be covering the differences in playing experience, action, compatible software and more. These pianos are so similar in so many respects, most obviously price point, which is why they so often come up when folks are looking for a mid-range home digital piano.
If this is the first time to the Merriam Pianos channel, please subscribe, we’d really appreciate the support!
Piano Sound:
Right off the bat, there’s a pretty noticeable difference when looking at the specs sheets for these two instruments when it comes to the speakers; the YDP144 has two 8 watt speakers for 16 watts of total power, where as the KDP110 has two 20 watt speakers for 40 total watts of power. Now this doesn’t mean the KDP110 is twice as loud as the YDP144, however there’s no doubt that the sound is fuller and more powerful on the KDP110 due to the extra wattage.
In terms of polyphony, both instruments are dead even at 192 notes, which is more than enough for most solo piano playing. Where they diverge has to do with the sampling; the KDP110 uses 88-note individual key sampling, whereas the YDP144 uses stretch tuning, meaning the same sample might be stretched across 4 or 5 notes rather than 88 note individual note sampling. The CFX sample used in the YDP144 still sounds very good, but some of the complexity and nuance is lost by the stretch tuning.
Both instruments have sound editing software accessible via mobile devices, which gives the user quite a bit of control over the acoustic piano tones. The Kawai app is called Virtual Technician (only available on iPad’s), and offers up a large list of editable parameters. The Yamaha app is laid out better and offers a more intuitive user experience, however it features less editable parameters.
In terms of additional tones, the KDP110 has 15 total sound patches, whereas the YDP144 has 10. In general, the patches are generally all pretty satisfying on both instruments, and which set the end user likes better will come down to personal preference.
Piano Action:
The KDP110 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHCII) which is a second generation action featuring a triple sensor. The previous version RHCI had a double sensor, so the triple sensor is definitely a nice upgrade as it will produce more accurate MIDI output. This action does not feature escapement, but it’s very solid with minimal side-to-side key movement when you get playing. There’s a micro texture on both the white keys and black keys, which is a nice added touch.
The YDP144 uses Yamaha’s GHS action, which is an action that’s been on the market for a while now. If there’s one specific area where the KDP110 has an obvious, objective advantage, it would be here as the GHS action uses a double sensor, and lacks any type of texture on the white key. For folks used to playing on a digital piano this probably won’t matter, but for anyone who's used to playing on an acoustic piano, the extra sensor and texture will be a noticeable upgrade.
Features:
Since both of these instruments fall into the home digital category, they both come with a cabinet, integrated stand, triple pedal units and sliding built in dust cover.
Both instruments have USB connectors, and dual headphone inputs. Neither instrument has a dedicated line out.
The KDP110 has Bluetooth MIDI, whereas the YDP144 does not, but it has a built in USB audio interface feature, which the KDP110 does not.
Conclusions:
Thanks so much for joining us here, we hope you found this video helpful. As always, if you’re looking in this part of the market, try to get out there and give each one a play.
Thanks for watching, long live the piano!
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[@grahamrankin5557]

Hi Stu, I really like the way you make comparisons between 2 brands pointing out the pros and cons of each, without any obvious bias, just honest opinion. I'm particularly interested in the KDP110 having put a deposit on one and waiting for delivery, here in Geelong, Victoria Australia. The Covid pandemic has slowed things down so I'm browsing these videos to learn something about what to expect and to make my experience, when it arrives, that much more enjoyable. I decided straight away to go for the KDP110 as providing just what I want as a piano substitute at a reasonable price. I actually had an upright piano, Ronisch, as a hand me down which I passed on to my niece, (I'm 75 and thought I'd had enough playing) but I've been yearning to have a piano ever since. I must say in conclusion, your playing competence is something to be envied and really enhances the reviews. Thanks, from Down Under.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hey Graham, great to hear from you and your piano journey! Ronisch made a great piano, that's quite the hand-me-down to get, and great to be able to keep it going into the next generation. I think you'll be thrilled when it arrives, I know our customers have loved it. Thank YOU, from the Great White North.

[@grahamrankin5557]

@@MerriamPianos Hi Stu, it's 7 months almost to the day when I placed my order for the KDP110, it arrived two days ago! I unboxed and assembled it myself, easy job, and now getting to play some Bach two part inventions to limber up my ageing fingers. What do I think? Fantastic and well worth the wait (Covid19 caused the delay). Your review was spot on and this piano is exactly what i imagined it to be and I'll be forever grateful for your review. Thanks again, and cheers from Down Under.

[@charlesloving4820]

12:26 turns off touch sensitivity, hits key several times, turns to camera: "It's very weird." That was pure gold; I laughed out loud. Such a great review.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Stu, I don't hear NY Steinway for the CFX grand. I've listened a lot to Bosendorfer's 280VC and have come to the conclusion that Yamaha has blended some of the Vienna piano's sound characteristics into their line of pianos that have gone from the CFX down to the CX. My guess it is in the strings and hammer felts but maybe some other aspects as well, like wood material sourcing. The NY and really Hamburg Steinways have a very strong, full-bodied approach with lots of overtones vs. the purer sound of the Bosendorfer and the Yamaha is even cleaner but with some overtones and a mild "wash." But they both possess a particular middle-range to medium/lower-upper treble tone that if you play them or listen to them back to back, is very present in both of them (not the Imperial, the 280 or 280VC). The Shigeru maybe reminds me somewhat of a Grotrian Steinweg. But only somewhat. It's very much the ultimate Kawai, the tone and feel refined to the nth degree. I liked your second improv on the YDP144 and I much prefer this CFX sample to the older CFIIIS sample. I spent a lot of time a Sam Ash (pre-pandemic) just playing the predecessors, the KDP90 and YDP143 and I couldn't really figure out which one I liked more. I enjoyed the KDP90s action more, however I don't know how long it was sitting on the floor, the keybed had uneven heights. That didn't effect the playing and probably just needed a minor adjustment. The YDP144 action feels entry-level. Useable and probably durable, but not as responsive as better digital actions. Wattage makes a big difference in terms of fullness of sound. That said, in the headphones it doesn't matter. I primarily use headphones but the times when speakers are used, more watts produce a fuller tone. I wouldn't recommend the YDP144, however. I would say spend another $400 and get a YDP164 for better action and key feel as well as more speaker wattage. The KDP110, I'm not sure because I only played the KDP90. I think it's a good buy as is due to the higher wattage and nice action. It's a compelling digital to play at a very good price. I don't spend much time on electric pianos or other sounds. The piano sounds are my primary interest.

[@johnnyrook]

Kawai KDP110 vs Yamaha Arius YDP-164 might be more meaningful because of speakers, GH3 and the texture of the keys

[@johnnyrook]

​@Neo Sannyasin I am not an expert but KDP110 has better technical specs. Please take a look at www.pianodreamers.com/kawai-kdp110-review/

[@buries_r]

Ydp 164 is more expensive

[@gingtwig]

These reviews are just amazing and as a bonus to watch you get lost in riffing is biggest inspiration to get playing again. Great stuff man thanks for the advice

[@Alex-yi3yw]

In my country the price of Kawai KDP110 is equals to the price of Yamaha Arius YDP-164 (not 144). So the question is what should I choose between these two pianos? Thank you!

[@argi0774]

Same here. And the answer is: KDP 120

[@arvindiyer1649]

@@argi0774 but kawai no have escapement

[@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل]

@@argi0774 Kdp 120 no outline outputs shameful . Key action GHS 3 better on 164 by far compar to kdp120

[@argi0774]

@@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل Bullshit.

[@zlippery1]

that hair though. world class.

[@calebmeyer8098]

Stu pulls off the messy bun effortlessly without even using a bun! I wish my hair looked that nice when it gets a little long.

[@jamesdrake1534]

Hi Stu, I'd like to start with a huge thank you for all your reviews. I found them super informative and extremely useful. I noticed that among all the instruments you're reviewing you also have a huge experience with Roland digital pianos. I'm wondering how do you find Roland RP102 comparing with these two - YDP-144 and KDP110. Is the action any good on this Roland piano? I'm looking for an inexpensive digital piano to come back to playing piano after a few years break. I'm not a professional musician but in the past I always found myself feeling disappointed with actions in Roland HP2/HP102 pianos, Korg's SP-200 which I own or Yamaha stage piano's range at that time including P-120 and P-200. I did like actions on Yamaha CP-300 and Clavia Nord Stage though. Taking all of that into account do you think that in my case buying a budget instrument is a good idea or shall I rather focus on a mid range instruments like Kawai's CA48/CA59 to have more fun out of it. I can easily tell the difference in sound between KDP and CA, even if I'm witnessing this only in videos on KZbin. I also want use the newly bought piano to attract my kids to play the piano. This does't work well using my Korg which lacks decent piano samples and even more important lacks built-in speakers. Forcing them to use the headphones with poor sampling offered by SP-200 significantly limits the piano experience for them. Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this. Once again, tremendous job with Merriam Music reviews. Kudos!

[@soytravieso]

Hi there, just wanted to thank you for all the time you have put into your videos. After watching multiple reviews and comparisons I was able to make an informed choice in buying a digital piano for my kid as a present. Your care and extensive info helped me tremendously! thanks again!

[@AndrejkaHam]

Hi Stu! If the choice is between Kawai KDP-110 and Yamaha YDP-164, which is better / which do you like more? What interest me most is the sound and action. Thanks a lot!

[@phantomlord5707]

same

[@alikhalid5693]

The Yamaha pianos are the best for jazz but Kawai is for classical songs so the best one is Kawai

[@buries_r]

Incorrect selection. Ydp-164 is more expensive

[@gosselka]

Could we possibly see some more upright piano videos? Love these videos and am considering an upright. Even a generalized comparison video would be great

[@dominirican7403]

Love the new hairstyle Stu. Classic!

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Kawai KDP110...you almost had me sold ( great Hammond organ and Kawai perfected Strings 40 years ago), but APPLE TABLET ONLY to edit?! AHHH!!! So looks like I'm going to get a ROLAND RP701. Then again the new ROLAND FP30X sounds incredible, is new tech... Emphasis on the *X* , if you aren't aware it's a whole new engine over the FP30'noX predecessor, and a great keyboard. And I was going to get the sweet sounding/playing tried and true Kawai ES110.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Super bad news about the iPad only. Thanks for pointing that out. The adjustments sound very good. Is the Yamaha compatible with an Android device? All my digital sheet music is on a Samsung tablet. I like the strings on the Kawai better than what you played on the Yamaha.

[@cyberphonic]

I don't understand the answer to how long the action lasts? 1500? Days, months? Cheers J

[@HiHello-rs1ey]

Years I think

[@suchengsullivan9425]

Hi, this is great video, can you tell which one is better to buy kawai kdp 110 or Yamaha ydp 164? Thanks

[@argi0774]

KDP 120

[@buries_r]

@@argi0774 Keyboard - yamaha Sound - kawai

[@LNatureblush]

Wow, what a great video comparison with so much detail!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@DustyCowdog]

I’m kind of leaning towards the Kawai...

[@MridulDhirajKhanna]

Which one is better between KDP 110 and ydp 164?

[@Grundoko]

Would love to see a comparison like this with the Roland RP102 added in. Or just the RP102 vs the ES110, since it looks like you no longer carry Yamahas (or at least, there are none on your website and the link in the description to the YDP-144 is dead)

[@catharinedavid9208]

Wonderful, thorough review! Thank you! We're trying to decide between the KDP-110 and the Yamaha YDP-164 for our 6-year-old whose doing very well at piano (and desperately needs an upgrade from his $100 keyboard). Any feedback on which might serve a musical kiddo better/longer? Many thanks!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

They'll both last. The 164 cost more and maybe has nicer feeling keys but a considerably heavier action. It really doesn't matter unless the 6-year old strongly prefers one enough to continue piano on one and not the other.

[@catharinedavid9208]

@@benjaminsmith2287 Thank you!

[@Ankah]

Any info on YDP164 vs KDP110 ?? Many ppl asking for that, me aswell, but couldnt find good informations on the net, if anyone could help ? Stu ? Thanks !

[@semihkurne]

I got the same question

[@alaoyable]

I myself went to a piano store and tried both kdp110 and ydp164 and I ended up more confused because kdp110 has MUCH NICER SOUND than ydp164 BUT the ydp has a key action that is soo good when you play, you can make very expressive playing with its key action technology, although kdp110 also has very good key action but ydp is better especially the ivory texture of the keys that prevent slippage, kawai has bluetooth and you can fully control the sound on small details, ydp requires many wires and you can’t control the sound extensively, only to a limited options which is not that important IMO I was disappointed because of this, even with smart pianist app most of the options are not available on ydp164 which is really weird, you can give up the kawai app and control the sound manually if you don’t have an ipad, mostly I will sacrifice the nice feeling of GH3 ivory texture of ydp164 to get the rest of the features on kdp110

[@buries_r]

@@alaoyable I think same. But if you want to combine everything in one digital piano - buy kawai CA series. So, it is another price).

[@kawwabonga]

Hey Stu, thanks a lot for you very detailed, unbiased and thorough reviews! I'm a total rooky and currently looking for my first piano. At one hand I do not want to spend too much, but on the other hand I do not want to go cheap and regret making that decision in a few years. So far Kawai KDP110 seems to be #1 on my list, but I'm a bit hesitant whether I should stretch my budget a little bit and get Kawai CN29. What would you recommend, is it worth it to make that one step up? Thanks!

[@turgutkaankurban5216]

Same what did you buy

[@imsk6729]

I played them both...the kawai was best for me... just a much richer sound and better feel on keys....

[@alikhalid5693]

Yamaha is for JaZz but kawai is for classical songs

[@imsk6729]

@@alikhalid5693 not necessarily...my sister has yamaha....does not play jazz....mostly classical...baroque or contemp.... i play the same on my kawai....also have an acoustic upright that none of them can beat!!!!

[@buries_r]

Kdp 110/120 sound is great. But keyboard leaves much to be desired

[@ian757]

Thanks so much for a really good demo of the range and colour you can get out of this keyboard. I bought one for my daughter and she loves it! The Kawai Sound Museum makes splitting and layering so easy as well. 👍

[@АлександрСуворов-б2п]

so what did you take Yamaha or Kawaii?

[@ykai6487]

@@АлександрСуворов-б2п He made it so clear in the comment that he bought a Kawai Sound Museum App.

[@luckystew1313]

Hey tanks fow your video , i need your help ... i will buy new piano this week and im not sure what i choose between Roland F140r or Yamaha ydp144 ... what i you recommand you !! ??

[@ruslanarafalska8313]

omg, thank you! Exactly what I needed!

[@Korenski23VO]

What do you think about the ONE piano? Their upright digital piano is around $1,200 , is their app worth the extra Cost? Is the piano itself good quality compared to a Yamaha or kawai?

[@MegaCorbon]

What did you played at 8:25 ? Or was it an improvisation? You plays awesome!

[@cassiopires4513]

Hi. The Eletric piano of Yamaha dont sounds like a Rhodes. Am I right?

[@ijohnny.]

I just came from a review, by this excellent reviewer (and player) of the Roland 501, and the Yamaha sounds more natural.

[@argi0774]

What you can not hear in this Video is how they real sound in your room because it is recorded through line out. And in reality, the sound of the Kawai is so much bigger and fuller than the weak Yamaha, it's an absolute no-brainer for the Kawai here.

[@gosselka]

What did you mean by 1500 to wear out a key? Do you mean 1500 clicks because one Chopin piece and my keys will be done

[@HiHello-rs1ey]

I think he means that it will last 1500 yrs

[@matiaserp]

1500 hours

[@nicolahames8600]

brilliant review. thank you.

[@marlajackson1905]

What does 1500 range mean? re: action?

[@LCOF]

1500 presses doesn't sound like much at all. Surely that can't be right...

[@אודרובין]

I am about to buy either of these next week and this comparison suddenly shows up - what a timing! Such a great, detailed video, way more detailed than other videos out there. As for the comparison itself, what did you mean by "1500" lifespan? Is it 1500 key presses? If so, it sounds quite a little, as everyday practice might get you to that number pretty quickly - people expect their digital instruments to last at least a couple of years. Other than that, currently it seems like the KDP110 is superior - especially when it comes to sound projection and action, but I guess I won't know for sure until I give a visit to the music store next week and check it out myself.

[@stevengold]

I assume he meant 1500 hours, although I'm just assuming

[@אודרובין]

@@stevengold 1500 hours playing lifespan is quite impressive. Assuming you play the piano for 1 hour every single day - it will take you about 4~4.5 years to "ruin" it, and even then everything is repairable. Although it depends on various factors, especially maintenance.

[@HiHello-rs1ey]

Maybe years

[@turgutkaankurban5216]

Same what did you buy please answer

[@אודרובין]

@@turgutkaankurban5216 I ended up purchasing the KDP 110 and I don't regret it even for a second. The sound is quite soft and mellow, the key action is very responsive and feels great every time I play and overall I'm very satisfied with this product. Totally worth the price IMO

[@hummertim1]

The yamaha ydp144 usb cable uses printer usb cable so you have to get the apple iso camera adapter to use yamaha smart piano app. Or order cable online for it what a pain it was finding it locally.yamaha should have gave us one ore made standard usb connectors on both ends

[@margotmargot4426]

also the kaway volume is lower than the Yamaha .. on purpose?

[@Korenski23VO]

So neither of these have the chorus/choir voice that cam on the Yamaha arius 181? It was so cool, it sounded like people singing.

[@imsk6729]

Yes kdp110 does have choir voices

[@argi0774]

@@imsk6729 That's the least thing you would want in a piano. Honestly, it's crap

[@imsk6729]

@@argi0774 well it might be good for some people so u can't really say that... for instance my daughter plays piano (for 16years) and used to belong to a youth choir...sang lots of choral music... so that appeals to her... it is not every feature on a piano everyone one like... my piano has the vibrophone... i have no interest... but i do like the harpsichord as i play lots of Bach!

[@margotmargot4426]

i'm at minute 4 and I already heard the Yamaha twice and the kawai only a short 7 seconds .. really objective!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hey Margot, I obviously came across to you in a particular way here (i.e. favoring the Yamaha) - my general conclusions from the comparison was that the KDP110 ran circles around the YDP144, but i always do my best to present both instruments' strong points. To answer your other comment about volume, both volume levels were the same, but Yamaha's tone produces a sharper attack and can sound louder in certain settings. I appreciate your input and comments, and have a great weekend! -stu

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Stu tends to play Yamahas more in Yamaha to Kawai comparison but almost always prefers Kawais. btw, I don't necessarily agree with Stu that Kawais play "circles around" Yamahas because I'm big on articulation (a Yamaha quality) and I just think they both offer their own strong qualities. There are camps that people that prefer one of the other's qualities over the other while some, like me, appreciate the differences and enjoy both brands. I will say Kawai offers more bang for the buck in most of their products accept on the very high end and higher conservatory end. And I appreciate watching Stu's musical connection to especially Kawais and Bechsteins.

[@raeeskabir324]

who asked

[@calebmeyer8098]

Did not know that cheaper digital pianos only sample every 4 notes. Yikes. Thanks for the warning.

[@tamirorkoby]

Not the kawai.

[@reverse9303]

Please im french and i dont know what "sample" mean. Help me please ?

[@Kiaulen]

@@reverse9303 it means that they record a real piano and play back those recordings when you press a key. Those recordings are called samples

[@pianoman525]

thanks

[@roneyl9870]

Yamaha 1:14 Kawai 4:12 Yamaha 4:20

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly! :)

[@LisaRSArt]

Stu, why is it that hardly anyone ever reviews the Yamaha YDP-184?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hey Lisa, It falls into a very odd price range that has it competing against the lower level CLP yamaha's and the Kawai CN29, and for the money, it doesn't stack up quite as well as the other ones, so it's not as commonly seen in stores (or at least that's my impression).

[@LisaRSArt]

Merriam Music hi thanks. It’s the one I just bought 3 months ago and it sounds nice but for the price, I believe Yamaha should have put the Bösendorfer sound on it. Actually, had I been a bit wiser at the time, I would have bought a Kawai in the similar price range of this YDP-184. Just a week before I got the 184, I bought the 144, but the keys were too squishy for me. An action I did not care for at all. While the 184 seems more robust. Next time, I guess. Thank you.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I actually like the YDP184. I think of it as a decontented Yamaha CLP635. It doesn't have (very subtle) escapement in its action and a few voices and no, it doesn't have the Bosendorfer sound. But it has piano room and VRM and VRM is very important in shaping the sounds of the piano voices it does have. It uses pretty much the exact case that the CLP635 does and to me, it is a better piano than the CLP625 that lacks VRM. I also think the speaker wattage is the same as the CLP635. It's an interesting Arius that's more like a Clavinova than an Arius in many ways. I actually think it is a good buy at least compared to the CLP625.

[@LisaRSArt]

@@benjaminsmith2287 thank you, Benjamin, for stating this. I bought the YDP-184 in June. So far, I love it and it is true that it resembles the Clavinova 635, but without the Borsendorfer, which I hope to have with that price setting. Oh well. So far, a great piano, great action for me at this stage. Thanks.

[@rickandmorty777]

1:13 4:13 4:20

[@Joshua-dc1bs]

Kawai for me

[@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل]

Yamaha 164 for me

[@nickyromeo9576]

That Could be 10 min

[@mateiiancu3560]

You kinda look like Topher Grace

[@1dakikadabilgi502]

Kdp 120 Do not buy this product, the sound is too low, I regret it

[@brucekahn6083]

Nice but about 2 or 3 times as long as necessary, Fewer words needed! Who can spend more than 1/2 an hour ??

[@jimmy_neutron_2549]

First

[@reverse9303]

Shut