🎹 Casiotone CTS200 vs CTS300 | 61-Note Beginner Keyboards | Casio Keyboard Comparison 🎹

[@JoeLinux2000]

I've owned several small Casios and enjoyed them all. They are very good for Bach as the keyboards of his day were smaller.

[@MerriamPianos]

Casio makes some very excellent and unique digital pianos! There are no doubts about that. :)

[@calote]

I bought the CTS300 last Christmas because it has the minimum to learn, for me: the sensitivity, the sustain pedal option, and the price. I didn't even exactly knew what a chord was when i bought this. Since then i have registered in an online school with real teachers, not just learning videos. For a first keyboard is very nice; of course i am looking to upgrade to a far more expensive one's like the P-515 or the RD-2000, but for now i want to learn a bit more with this one.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! The CTS300 presents excellent value and it is certainly a solid starting point for one's piano journey. :)

[@Zoco101]

Well done Jorge! Supongo que usted es español o habla español de todas formas. Los dos pianos que usted menciona son muy buenos, y de alta gama por su variedad. En mi opinión, hay un montón de pianos digitales interesantes por el medio camino, tras el CT-S300. ¡Que lo pase bien con su instrumento y cualquier instrumento que usted compre por el futuro!

[@calote]

@@Zoco101 Olá, obrigado. Portugal, simmmm, hehe

[@angeledube]

I already practice on a beautiful piano at home but I bought the CTS300 last year and I like it very much for travel. Very easy to bring anywhere (only 3,4 kg). Possibility to play anywhere, no need for an electric connection. You may bring it at the park, at the beach…. Sure, it is not a great sound but it is very correct if I compare to others at equivalent price that I have tried. For me, the CTS300 mean that I have no reason not to practice when I am not at home. And it is a « fun piano » when you try the multiples functions.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! The portability factor and ability to stay playing no matter where you may find yourself are quite appealing! :)

[@VisorZman]

Internally the Casio CT-S300 has 127 values of sensitivity. Soft or hard response curve decide how fast your finger movement will produce softer or louder tones. The piano action hardware (the keys) always has the same resistance for your fingers. An important shortcoming is, that S300 will always (!) output only one constant key velocity over MIDI to your DAW (PC, iPhone , iPad). You can set that single velocity value in the keyboard setup menu. That means you can not play a piano in Garage Band or any other DAW as all keys will have same velocity and therefore same loudness. You can only use the MIDI output for keyboard like virtual instruments, e.g. old synthesisers. That is the biggest bummer for me and forces me to buy another keyboard. I own the S300 for a year. EDIT: user Instrumental Covers pointed me to the solution for my problem: I just need to go into setup > MIDI velocity and set it to “off”. Then each pressed key will transfer the played sensitivity value over MIDI to the DAW. Now I can play in Pianoteq or in GarageBand with all software instruments and my input loudness.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to share your insights on the CTS300! We appreciate it. :) While the CTS200 and CTS300 are quite impressive offerings given their respective price points, there are of course going to be some limitations when it comes to entry-level keyboards, particularly in comparison to higher-end portable digital pianos for instance. I suppose the workaround with using the CTS300 for MIDI controlling is that you could manually make velocity adjustments to each MIDI note within your DAW. It would be tedious, but, depending on the results you are hoping for, it could be a helpful solution. Thanks again and happy playing!

[@pianoryx]

I know I always ask for this, but please, please, please a review of the Casiotone CT-S1! It doesn't have auto accompaniment, but it's such a great device for people who want to learn piano. And it would also be important to get the differences between the S200/300 and the CT-S1 professionally worked out for once. The CT-S1 is a really special keyboard. At the moment, I don't think there's anything comparable.

[@MerriamPianos]

We try to tackle as many models in our reviews and comparisons as possible, but, as you can imagine, with so many models, it is difficult to get to every single one. We will do our best with the CT-S1 though!

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I can offer you my impressions, since I have played all of those Casiotone keyboards, plus I am very familiar with arrangers... while you wait for Stu's opinions. The CT-S200/300 is an older generation of arranger keyboards featuring the old AiR engine that have pretty unrealistic tones, particularly pianos and instruments that require nuances, such as guitars. The new generation of Casiotones (CT-S1, CT-S410, CT-S500, CT-S1000V) have a new engine called AiX (Acoustic Intelligent Expression). Casio was lacking in the acoustic guitar department and Yamaha has had for years the "Super Articulation" technology. But the new Casio AiX engine is a significant improvement over the AiR engine for those voices. Still not as realistic as Yamaha guitars, but much better than what they offered in those CT-S200/300. The pianos in the CT-S200/300 are toy-like. However, in the new CT-S series they sound fairly good. The CT-S500 has all the sounds of the CT-S1, and much more. Is the piano tone in the CT-S1 very impressive? Not really. The Yamaha PSR-E373 still has better piano tone. Are the keys in the CT-S1 impressive? Not really. They do look like piano keys (square at the bottom instead of synth-like) but they are non-weighted, so you don't get much control over the piano sound. They feel kind of small (maybe they are smaller than regular keys? I haven't paid attention to that detail). A similar feeling instrument is the Yamaha Piaggero NP-12. Of course, the CT-S1 is the new keyboard, but I still think Yamaha nails the piano tones better than Casio. And the Piaggero NP-32 has even 76 keys instead of just 61 keys. Neither the CT-S1 nor the Piaggero line are that great, mainly because you don't have that much control over piano sounds with non-weighted keys... some keys might sound too loud...but if you practice with that type of keyboard, you can get pretty good at it. I say that because I had a Yamaha PSR-E373 and also a Yamaha Piaggero NP-32 and it was annoying to control the piano tones due to the type of keyboard action (non-weighted). The piano tone in the CT-S1 and the CT-S410 are similar... better in the CT-S1, but don't expect something extremely better. The arranger part of the CT-S200/300 is passable, as it is in the newer CT-S410/500/1000V. Casio has weak arrangers compared to Yamaha. Exactly how? Well, Casio has 2 variations in these models, and the first variation is very simple and lacks enough harmonic content, and the second one is incredibly busy. This is a problem, there is no middle term. Yamaha PSR-E series also has 2 variations, but they have smoother transitions as well as better programmed styles. Because the CT-S200/300 has such mediocre guitars, the backing tracks that are acoustic sound toy-like. The Yamaha PSR-E series nailed the acoustic guitars a long time ago, so they sound more professional. The only arrangers from Casio that are decent are the CT-X3000 and CT-X5000 because they have 4 variations, so you get smoother transitions between variations. They also have much better speakers. The biggest asset of the new CT-S line is how cute and portable they are. The Yamaha PSR-E series is still more functional and powerful, but they are bulkier. Still light, but who doesn't like something cute and modern like the Casio CT-S series? Personally, I want to buy the CT-S410 or CT-S500, even though I don't need them. I just like them. Donner has also a 61-piano like the CT-S1 but with a wooden stand, 500 tones and 300 rhythms... same price, more features. And for a bit more money, you can even get one of their pianos with 88 weighted keys, if your goal is to learn piano properly.

[@hienvu1714]

​@@MerriamPianos Hi. I'd like to put a CT-S200 on top of my Kawai MP11se digital piano and control it from the Kawai. Is this possible? I've read a lot about the MIDI out function but nothing about MIDI in. Also, are the pad sounds decent enough to layer on top of the Kawai piano sounds? Thanks.

[@cor3944]

Thank so much for this video, just what I needed! Maybe this is the solution for exercising on holidays. Interesting!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Absolutely! These make for excellent travel companions. :)

[@hyperseah]

1st video I watch that has Stu smiling when playing! Normally he looks so serious.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Casio CTS series brings out his happy side! :)

[@ciarel]

08:16 this is gold! 😄🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

:)

[@stellarhoney]

Can that happen in ct s300 as well?

[@winterheat]

While looking at the CT-S300 specs, it is one thing that wasn't always clear to me: it has 2 levels of key sensitivity... so it doesn't mean it has only 2 loudness for a note, right? It means if we set it to soft, then it takes less force / velocity to produce a loudness from 1 to 100 (or 1 to 20), but if it is hard, then it takes more force / velocity to produce a loudness from 1 to 100 (or 1 to 20)... so the ultimate loudness is more than just 2 levels... it is 20 or 100 levels but the specs do not say how many... the "2" means overall, is it more force or less force to produce those 100 levels of loudness

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I believe that the two levels of key sensitivity on the spec sheet refers to two different settings that simulate a harder or lighter action. I have not had any personal experience with the CTS300, but I believe that is what it is referring to. There is also the option of turning it off completely, which creates a situation where no dynamics will be present.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

Brent is correct. In fact, if you listen to Stu demonstrating the CT-S300, you will notice he triggered many more than just 2 velocity levels on the same patch.

[@winterheat]

@@Instrumental-Covers I think that is what I originally said... for example, if a piano's spec is 5 level of sensitivity, it doesn't mean 5 levels of loudness... it can be 20 or 100

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@winterheat Yes, you were right. One way to see it is to connect it to a DAW MIDI meter, so you can see the touch response.

[@jamfera2]

Muito bem observado, eu tava achando que a sensibilidade da linha CTX era superior por ter 3 níveis de sensibilidade, mas na verdade são 3 modos

[@gyatoch.7225]

As an intermediate, I quite regretted that i bought the 200 instead of the 300. My reasons to buy the 200: 1. Cheaper (MYR849 vs MYR1000+ on the 300) 2. Red colour option (only on the 200) is eye catching, conversation starter. 3. Sustain pedal & Midi (which I used less than I thought I planned) capable (with why i flat out rejected the CT100) However, as an intermediate (i do have a CDP-120 digital piano at home, i play keyboard on sunday service (Yamaha PSR-433)), I quickly realized how much i needed the touch sensitivity feature when playing the CT200. Also my aged CDP-120 is breaking down (hammer rubbers broken down), I'm really gonna miss playing touch sensitive pianos. But overall I really have much fun playing with the Rhythm, EDM feature on the 200! I just thought the 300 would much better and a bit professional (for piano) for gigging with a budget band.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your feedback on these models! I am sorry to hear that your CDP120 is starting to experience some issues. I hope you're able to find a suitable replacement that satisfies all of your playing needs. :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

You can damage your tendons if you play often on a non touch sensitive board. You are always trying to get something out of it that isn't there, and stress your ligaments.

[@Zoco101]

Gyato, I don't know what your real level of playing is or what your disposable income is, but these keyboards are mainly for fun. If you want to study piano (even on your own) you will need a replacement for your CDP-120 at the earliest opportunity. There are many inexpensive digital pianos with weighted actions, and the prices start at about 350 US dollars, with pianos like the Donner DEP-20. 1200 dollars buys a very nice digital piano, but you might not need to spend that much. So don't lament your purchase if it brings you joy. Even the 300 model is far short from being a digital piano. Use the money you saved towards buying a digital piano on which your playing will improve beyond your wildest dreams.

[@gyatoch.7225]

@@Zoco101 I'm a early intermediate at best. My past (5 inconsistent, realistically maybe 3) years of playing, experience have always been using other people's instrument, like my church's keyboard, even my CDP-120 was passed down by my aunt. I didn't really much have experience on buying an instrument of my own. The thought of buying a new keyboard/piano was born when i started living in dormitory in college. The CT200 is literally the first instrument i bought by myself last year, heck I didn't even get to see it and try it first hand, lack of watching reviews, I just bought it online after watching 2-3 videos (obviously a mistake). On the bright side I'm now super careful when buying an instrument next time. I'm planning to buy a PXS3100 to replace my CDP120 and to learn getting used with an arranger functions. But not ordering one until i got to try it first hand.😁

[@gyatoch.7225]

@@Zoco101 Also, I bought the CT200 before my CDP-120 breakdown, so it's never meant to replace it. I just thought it'll be a fun, portable toy and a MIDI controller (which i used the feature once, and never did again). It's just coincidence that after that, the CDP broke down, and i just became a full time keyboard/piano player in my church band, I wished I bought something a little more appropriate for my level and needs.

[@adamyohan]

Please a video about the CT-S1 and the PSR E373 next!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for the suggestion! We will add it to the list of potential video topics for the future. :)

[@jacobneal5388]

I would love to see some reviews of the ED Seiler Upright line. Especially the ED126. I am seriously considering it over the Yamaha U1 or Kawai K500. I went to a piano store and they have a polished ebony ED126 for $5,600 USD. They've had it for 3 years but it's a brand new piano. They also have a Rosewood ED132 for 7,800. I was impressed with the quality of the materials and sound.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am personally a massive fan of the Eduard Seiler ED line. We carry the Seiler line at our showrooms and the ED126 and ED132 are amazing instruments with very impressive musical potential. They are definitely on the list of pianos to cover in upcoming reviews/comparisons. Hopefully, we can get around to tackling those soon. :)

[@Zoco101]

I don't know what the models are called, but I respect Seiler. The price sounds modest, so maybe this is an entry-level model.

[@jacobneal5388]

@@Zoco101 they cut the price down because they have had them for a while. They were selling the ED126 for 9,100 USD and the ED132 for 11,999. They have good prices on their pianos. These are just even cheaper cause they've had them for 3 years.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I have played the CT-S200, CT-S300, CT-S1, CT-S410, CT-S500, CT-X3000, and CT-X5000. At least with the US prices, it would be a serious mistake to buy the first two. The CT-S200 and CT-S300 have the old AiR engine: the instruments lack expressiveness and nuances. Casio addressed that with the newer AiX engine (Acoustic Intelligent Expression) found in the CT-S410 and up, to be able to compete with Yamaha's "Super Articulation Lite" voices found in the PSR-E series. The CT-S200 does not have touch sensitivity at all... that is a big issue! There is a huge difference going from the CT-S300 to the CT-S410 due to the AiX engine. In addition, you get 400 tones/77 rhythms in the CT-S300 vs 600 tones/200 rhythms in the CT-S410. The best value is the CT-S500 because it has all the premium CT-S1 sounds in its 800 tones/243 rhythms, more solid feel, slightly better screen, etc. Right now, Guitar Center has the CT-S410 on sale for $200... I have been tempted to buy this keyboard so many times because how small and portable it is, plus it sounds great. However, the Yamaha PSR-E473 is generally considered a better deal in terms of its functionality, but it is kind of bulky by comparison... it is hard to make a decision. I like the wide selection of organ sounds the Casio has. However, the CT-S410/S500/S1000V have a serious shortcoming for people who want to use the arranger: it has only 2 variations per style. This is a big deal: the Casio CTX-3000/5000 have all 4 variations and provide smoother transitions. The CT-S range, however, has VERY abrupt changes between variations since it has the softest and quietest only. So, in terms of functionality, the CT-X5000 is probably the best (it also has surprisingly powerful speakers for their size). I think the best value in terms of a budget might be the CT-S410 (the CT-S500 is almost twice the price and the CT-S410 gets discounted often, at least in the US). The difference in piano sounds between the CT-S1 and CT-S410 is not that big anyway (in person).

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for tuning in and sharing your insights. It is awesome that companies like Casio are offering a variety of different options to different players at different price points.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge. Pianoteq 8 is out, and it has more ambience and a better top end to my ear.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@JoeLinux2000 Thank you, I appreciate it. I was watching some videos about it with positive reviews. Are you planning to upgrade?

[@diogoqueiroz4726]

O piano do cts1 é muito elogiado. Merecemos um review

[@MerriamPianos]

For sure! There are a number of very excellent Casio keyboards out there that offer great cost-to-value ratios. :)

[@Ajaykumarr89]

hey, do these keys have regular size as digital piano like Yamaha p125 or Roland fp30? I mean the length of the key. because i need a very portable keyboard with regular key size.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! The Casiotone CTS pianos (along with the vast majority of their other fully-weighted portable models like the PXS series) have reduced key/pivot lengths. Have you explored the Roland FP10? That model is quite portable and features the same PHA4 keyboard action that is on the Roland FP30X and FP60X. Thanks and hope this helps! :)

[@MedicinaIntegralDraVillabona]

If you wanted to give a piano to your husband who is a beginner, which one would you give the Ct-s200 or Ct-s300? Could you please advise me... thank you

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While either of these pianos would serve as a good introduction, it may be worth considering a full 88 note piano for your husband to learn on. If budget permits, something like the Casio CDPS350 or CDPS360 would be a fantastic option with more permanence given its action and sound. :)

[@MrJavierluis]

I have a CT-S200 and a CT-S300. The 300 is heard with a noticeably lower volume than the 200. Have you noticed the same thing?

[@MerriamPianos]

I haven't done a side-by-side comparison myself between the two keyboards, but I can certainly imagine there being some subtle differences like you've mentioned. :)

[@yuoiuy3639]

I have one quick question. I saw that you can play a VSL imperial samples in real time with something like a cheap Roland FP-10. And if you connect it to an external speakers setup then there is no need to buy some high end Clavinova or any other expensive pianos? Or am I being naive and don’t understand something crucial?

[@yuoiuy3639]

PS: I’ve already ordered CLP 735, but now I am not sure if I should’ve gone for something cheaper and just hook it up to a PC with a good VST and a speaker system Thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

Given the fact that FP10 has a wonderful action in the PHA4 that punches well above its price point, that is certainly one possible route you can take. If you have the means to output the VST signal to a good quality amplifier or external speaker system, that would do the job. With that said, while the PHA4 is an excellent action, there are a number of digital piano models with higher-end actions than the FP10. For instance, the FP90X uses the PHA50. Alternatively, the MP11SE and VPC1 from Kawai are two examples that have an all 88-note wooden key action. In the end, some of it comes down to personal preferences and budget. :)

[@MrSerbianOrthodox]

Can you play samples from the keyboards?

[@MerriamPianos]

The piano has its own built-in sounds of course, but it does not offer sampling capabilities like some other earlier Casio keyboards.

[@MrSerbianOrthodox]

@@MerriamPianos thank you!

[@DreuxDonelan]

Not USB powered?

[@MerriamPianos]

While the models do have USB connectivity, they are not USB powered.

[@aca2983]

I bought a used CTK-3500 which is basically a bulkier CTS-300. Still learning the machine. Takes a bit of time to learn the functions and set things up, dedicated presets would be nice. But its fun. The dance music feature is goofy, but a heck of a lot of fun to mess around with.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your CTK3500! Glad you're having fun with it! It does take a bit of time to learn a new instrument, but that is also part of the fun and excitement. :)

[@antoniovandoni5410]

El sonido de los pianos es espantoso. Pero usted es un gran tecladista

[@MerriamPianos]

I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu on your behalf! The CTS200 and CTS300 have an excellent sound for their price point, but, needless to say, more expensive and advanced instruments will yield a more pleasing sound.

[@35andsolid]

One thing I hate about the CTS-300 , NO light up screen.

[@MerriamPianos]

There are of course going to be some shortcomings when it comes to features at this price point. However, with that said, these pianos really do pack a big punch given their price category. :)

[@winterheat]

wow I thought the Roland Go 61 is about the lightest at 8.5 lbs... and Casio CT-S1 is about 10 lbs... but CTS-200 and CTS-300 are both 7 lbs and 4 oz!!!

[@MerriamPianos]

Casio is always doing some amazing things in terms of portability! :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

The Yamaha PSR-E273 is lighter than the Roland Go 61 and Casio CT-S1 at only 8 lbs. There is a keyboard called "The One" that is 7.7 Lbs.

[@winterheat]

@@Instrumental-Covers if PSR-E273 is like EZ300 which I have, I'd rather use the keyboard of LK-S450... the EZ300 is totally spring loaded... it just feels a spring is pulling something... the LK-S450 is at least like semi-weighted... not great but not like spring loaded...

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@winterheat I haven't played the EZ300 or the LKS-450, so I don't know how they compare in terms of touch feel. Jeremy See, who is a popular KZbinr that specializes in that type of keyboards, typically prefers the action of Yamaha PSR-E keyboards over Casio CT-S series. But this of course is a matter of personal preference. Between the Casio CT-S series and Yamaha PSR-E series I have played, I don't have much of a personal preference for either brand in terms of action. The Casio keys are shaped like piano keys, but they feel kind of flimsy to me... the Yamaha keys are synth style, but they feel more robust to me... just my impressions... In terms of arranger functionality, Yamaha is much better programmed. That is the biggest issue with Casio arrangers, the auto-accompaniment part.

[@TamirOrkobysPiano]

Cts500..

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle a review of that model. :)

[@EdPin_]

😃😁

[@MerriamPianos]

:)

[@ilyasofronov6411]

first

[@MerriamPianos]

:)

[@viralbuthow000]

Can you play the 300 in your lap in bed?

[@MerriamPianos]

Given its size and weight, I think that is certainly possible.