The Casio vs Yamaha keyboard debate is often the source of heated arguments. Casio pianos are cheaper, lighter, and have fewer features, but are still highly popular among aspiring musicians for their sound quality. Meanwhile, the Yamaha pianos are very expensive and heavier, but their features and sound quality make them a great option for professionals.
In this post, Dream Cheeky will compare all of the characteristics of two famous brands.
Yamaha Vs Casio Comparison
The economy is tough and people don’t want to spend money on anything that doesn’t give them value, even a portable digital piano. What brand will give you the best value for your dollar?
Despite being very popular, Yamaha can’t match the low prices of Casio. The Casio digital pianos will have many of the same features as Yamaha models but they are likely to be much cheaper than Yamaha models.
A Yamaha digital piano will cost you more, simply because it bears the Yamaha brand. Keep in mind, however, that a more expensive product does not necessarily mean a better product.
What Group of People Does Yamaha & Casio Serve?
Yamaha
Yamaha keyboards and digital pianists are more piano-oriented. They always place the highest priority on piano essentials such as sound quality and weighted feel. Yamaha keyboards and digital pianists are perfect for people who only want to focus on the piano.
Yamaha keyboards are easy to use. It’s not difficult to use with so many buttons. For beginners, keyboards can be used to teach you. These features can be very motivating and will help you to stay motivated while learning.
Casio
Casio is a better choice than Yamaha in terms of offering different features. Casio may be ahead of Yamaha in sound quality and key actions (for digital pianos over $1000), but Casio surpasses Yamaha in fun and useful features.
A Casio is a better choice than a Yamaha because it offers more features for less money. Too many features can distract you from practicing.
Both Casio and Yamaha offer many different keyboard models. How you choose your keyboard or digital piano depends on what you need and what your budget is.
Comparison Casio Vs Yamaha Keyboard: The Main Factors
When comparing Yamaha and Casio, there are many factors to consider. We have selected some important factors, and we will be discussing them in the next content.
These factors can be used to gain a better understanding of the brands and their offerings.
Sound Quality
Sound quality, and key action, are the most important aspects of choosing a keyboard or digital piano. This refers to whether the sound sounds like an acoustic piano sound. Key action refers to how you feel when pressing and touching the keys.
Let’s talk about sound quality.
An 88 key weighted digital piano is a digital piano that mimics an acoustic piano. The sound quality that you get can be very satisfying and real.
As with all products, you get what you pay. You’ll likely end up with poor sound quality if you go for a cheap keyboard. There are many keyboards with great sound quality that weigh 88 keys, like the Casio PX160 and Yamaha P125.
In general Yamaha’s sound quality is slightly better than Casio’s. Yamaha is more piano-oriented than Casio. Yamaha’s priority was always piano quality, which is why Yamaha has always been a top-tier manufacturer.
Yamaha has the advantage of also producing a number of excellent concert grand acoustic pianos from which they record off, and some of the company’s more expensive models simply sound and feel better than the more affordable Casio models.
Yamaha’s piano sound offers tones with more depth. The tonality has a higher bass. It all depends on the various factors that affect the sound quality, including speaker systems, polyphony, and other features.
You can play your pieces without losing any notes by increasing the polyphony number. The better the piano’s speaker system, the better sound quality.
Casio does have its benefits, however. Casio offers a variety of instruments voices, whether Casio has high-end digital pianos or entry-level keyboards. However, Casio keyboards have so many voices you might need to compromise on the quality of your tones.
Design And Aesthetics
You want your upright digital piano to look good in your home. It is also a good idea to have a nice-looking keyboard, rather than a cheap plastic toy.
The beauty of a brand is subjective, so it’s difficult to compare its aesthetics with the others. Both Yamaha and Casio produce beautiful furniture-style pianos, as well as catchy keyboards. Casio might have a slight edge if there is any separation.
Their Privia furniture-style pianos are stunning and available in three color options. Casio pianos often have synthetic ivory or ebony keys, which add a touch of authenticity to their appearance.
Both Yamaha and Casio companies make beautiful digital instruments. However, if it is Yamaha vs Casio on the aesthetics front, then Casio must have a slight edge because of their Privia Casio range.
Quality Of Key Action
You may not be able to purchase a keyboard with weighted keys for keyboards below $300. Some keyboards have touch-sensitive keys that allow you to feel the dynamics and play of your piano.
Let’s then get into the details about weighted keys. Both Yamaha, as well as Casio, have different levels of weighted actions. It all depends on your budget.
Weighted Keys/Weighted Action
Graded hammer standard (GHS) is a technology for weighted actions that can be found on nearly all Yamaha digital pianos below $1000. It is probably the most well-known weighted action from Yamaha.
GHS is a hammer-action Weighted Action. This means you can have a lighter touch at the high end and a heavier touch at the lower end. Some piano players have found that GHS weighted actions are a little lighter than standard-weighted actions. This could make it difficult for advanced players to get a good feel.
Casio has a slightly better-weighted action if you’re looking for a digital piano below $1000. Casio developed Tri sensor Scaled Hammer Action II. This weighted action is also available on some Casio digital keyboards below $500. Instead of the two sensors that Yamaha GHS weighted actions use, it has three sensors underneath each key. You can also get an authentic piano feel with the ivory or ebony key surface.
Casio’s Tri sensor Scaled Hammer Action II is valued at the price and guarantees the quality of your playing experience. However, this doesn’t mean that the GHS-weighted Yamaha action is bad. This action is a hammer-action-weighted action and has been reliable as an entry-level action. It may not be the best choice for advanced players.
GHS is an excellent option for beginners to learn finger techniques and get started on playing a real piano.
If you go up to the most advanced digital pianos, Yamaha has two high-end weighted options for digital pianos. The GHE is a mid-range action that responds to your figures. The GH3 premium weighted option (Graded Hammer 3), which provides the best-weighted action on Yamaha keyboards. Casio digital pianos are very rare to sell for more than $1000. A Yamaha piano with a more powerful, weighted action is the best choice if you want a high-end digital piano.
Read more about the differences between scaled hammer actions and graded hammer action: https://decibelpeak.com/scaled-hammer-actions-and-graded-hammer-action/
Price
There are many digital pianos and keyboards available at different prices. It gives you many options. Both Yamaha and Casio produce entry-level keyboards as well as high-end digital pianists. You don’t have to be concerned about getting a low-quality keyboard because these brands are reliable and top-rated.
Casio wins this category. Casio is the brand that dominates entry-level digital pianos and keyboards. This brand offers great value for a very affordable price. Casio offers digital pianos below $1000 at a lower price than its competitors. Casio produces a variety of digital pianos and keyboards that are affordable and have many useful functions. Casio will give you far more useful sounds than a similarly priced Yamaha.
Yamaha also sells many keyboards and digital pianos at a very affordable price. They are slightly more expensive than Casio keyboards. Your budget will determine your purchase. If your budget is approximately $1000, you can opt to buy a high-end Yamaha electronic piano.
Portability
For gigging musicians and travelers, portability is a key factor. It is very difficult to transport a heavy piano or large furniture.
There isn’t much else in this category. Casio and Yamaha offer portable keyboards or digital pianos that you can take with you from gig to gig.
The two main factors that affect the keyboard’s weight are its weight and how many keys they have.
You don’t need to worry about portability if you are a beginner looking for a non-weighted keyboard with 61 keys. A 61-key keyboard weighs between 7 and 15 pounds.
A variety of digital stage pianos and portable digital pianos are also available from Yamaha and Casio, weighing in at around 25 lbs.
Yamaha has created a series of digital pianos that stand out because of their portable design. It is the Yamaha P’ series. They all offer portability and guarantee high-quality digital piano performances.
Casio also offers a variety of digital pianos that can be used as portable instruments, including the Casio PX-160 and Casio CDP-240.
Quality Of The Construction
When shopping for a digital piano, sound, key action, and other tech features aren’t the most important. A digital piano that is too loaded with features, but of very poor quality, will not be a good investment.
Casio and Yamaha are two trusted instrument brands. Without them, they won’t be what they are today.
They are made from good quality materials which ensure long-term durability. They are durable and well-constructed which is very important for touring musicians as well as those who are constantly on the road.
Tech & Digital Features
Digital pianos have many advantages. These digital features can assist you in learning, composition, music editing, etc.
Casio is the clear winner in this category. Yamaha is far behind Casio in terms of features and functions.
Let’s start with the number of rhythms and voices. These are great for creating music and can be used in a variety of combinations. Casio offers more rhythms and musical instrument voices. Casio’s quality isn’t as good as the voices on Yamaha keyboards.
Casio’s tech features are fun and easy to use. Casio’s Dance Music Mode, for example, allows you to create dance music in a simple and fun way. For beginners, the lighting-up key feature is a great way to learn how to play your favorite tunes. Follow the lights to see the keys light up.
Home or Stage/Studio Use?
Do you intend to use your digital piano at home or in a recording studio? This is an important question you should ask when selecting a digital piano from Yamaha range, Casio, or another manufacturer. A console digital piano is a good choice if it will be used only for home. Both Casio and Yamaha offer this option. You don’t have to use an amplifier with this digital piano.
A console piano comes with a cabinet that blends in with your decor and furnishings. There are many styles and prices available. The Privia is a Casio product that you might be interested in. It uses the CasioAiR sound engine (Acoustic & intelligent Resonator), which creates the sound of an acoustic grand piano. The digital piano has 88 full-size keys, which are weighted and hammer-action. It feels like playing a regular piano.
The YPG-535 is a similar Yamaha model. The digital piano has 88 keys and a soft-touch graded action. This is often a better option for younger players or beginners. This technology basically means that different pressure levels will cause the keys to respond differently. If you hit the keys hard they will play louder and vice versa.
The keyboard features built-in speakers and amps. It also has the Yamaha Education Suite, Performance Assistant Technology, and other useful techniques that can help students learn faster. You can also use the sequencer and recorder, which each have six tracks.
A console piano may not interest you if you intend to use it in the studio, or on stage. You will likely be searching for something more portable. Both two brands offer great digital pianos for the studio and stage. These have more effects than the home console models and are also available at a wider range of prices.
The Privia PX-5S PRO is a great little stage piano that can be used on stage or in studios. It is a mid-range model, weighing in at 25 pounds. This digital piano features a fully scaled hammer action keyboard as well as many instrument sounds (voices), such as grand pianos or retro electric pianos.
You can play complex and difficult arrangements with the 256-note polyphony. You can also control both internal and external MIDI gear simultaneously with the four-zone MIDI control.
The YPG235 is a comparable Yamaha model. It is a portable, 76-key digital grand piano that can also be used as a portable. You can record easily with the six-track sequencer and Graded Soft Touch (GST), action on the keys. The LCD panel has a backlit panel that makes it easy to read. There are also panel lights. To download music and other styles, you can use the USB or Flash ROM.
Recommended Yamaha vs Casio Keyboards & Digital Pianos
Yamaha Keyboards & Digital Pianos
1. Yamaha PSR E-263 61-key Portable Beginner Keyboard
Best Yamaha pianos
Yamaha PSR E-263 keyboard is an entry-level keyboard that has 61 keys. It could be the perfect keyboard for someone who is just starting out with typing.
Yamaha Education Suite and the onboard Lesson make learning how to play the piano easy and fun. You can play most songs casually with 61 keys.
Yamaha PSR E-263 is lightweight at just 11 pounds. You can take it anywhere you go, even on the roads.
2. Yamaha P-71 88-key Hammer-Action Digital Piano
Best digital pianos
Yamaha P-71 is a digital piano with 88-key weighting that offers world-class features at an affordable price.
The P-71 is simple to use and has a clean design. The P-71 is a digital piano that allows you to focus on practicing and playing without any distractions. You can also feel like you are playing an acoustic piano with 88 hammer action keys. This gives you a lighter feeling on the high end and a heavier feel on your bass.
3. Yamaha P-125 88-key Great-sounding Digital Piano
Why is Yamaha P-125 so popular with intermediate and entry-level players?
It is a unique combination of incredible resonance sound quality, hammer-action weighted keys and a compact design that makes it stand out in the market. Sound quality is the most important of all these features. Enjoy the best playing performance.
You will also find many useful features, such as a 2-track recorder and a free Smart Pianist app for learning.
Casio Keyboards & Digital Pianos
1. Casio CTK-2550 Affordable Beginner Keyboard
Casio CTK-2550 ( Full Review here) keyboard is a great keyboard that beginners can use as their first keyboard. The reliable Casio brand backs it up with powerful educational functions as well as fun features that will allow you to engage and improve your piano playing skills.
The Step-up Lesson System includes 60 pre-selected songs. This system can help you learn how to read notes, learn keys, and play songs. The LCD screen can show you the position of the figures and the notes on the staff, making your learning process more enjoyable and easier.
Casio CTK-2550 has 61 keys, making it one of the most versatile keyboards below $100.
2. Casio Privia PX-160 -Best 88-key weighted Digital Piano Under $500
Best digital pianos
Casio Privia PX-160 is a great deal. You will get a real feel with the textured keys and excellent key action.
Casio’s Privia PX160 digital piano is one of the top-rated Casio digital pianos for under $500. This price tag meets all expectations.
Dual Mode allows you to experiment with different combinations of instruments by layering two voices. The portable design makes it easy for gigging musicians and allows them to easily move about.
Casio vs Yamaha, Which is better?
Yamaha is the clear winner when it comes to popularity. Yamaha is a leading manufacturer of musical instruments. Casio produces a wide range of products, including calculators and watches. Your Yamaha digital piano keyboard might be more revered than your Casio keyboard.
There are some distinct advantages to buying products from either company. Casio keyboards are the best if you’re looking for a keyboard that is affordable and of high quality.
Yamaha, on the other hand, is a better choice if you don’t mind paying a lot and want a digital piano that has realistic sound and lots of features.
It is also important to consider the look of your keyboard. You’ll be carrying it everywhere. We have established that the Casio’s Privia line by Casio is quite diverse. Both two brands are able to compete with each other in this area.
It doesn’t matter how portable your piano may be, it can make a big difference. Yamaha makes portable pianos very popular.
It all depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. Keep in mind your experience with these devices. Yamaha’s Education Suite is a great resource for those who are new to digital technology.
Each brand is an expert at something different, so make sure to carefully consider the advantages of each company before you choose a piano that’s right for your needs.
