Casio's Casiotone seriesCasio first released its Casiotone keyboards way back in the eighties. Building on its promise to supply consumers with electronic pianos that anyone could afford, they recently revived this line with more modern features and updated models. I have received the CT-S100, 200, and 300 and spent quite some time exploring the various modes and options. Keep reading to find out if these digital keyboards with attractive price tags are right for you.

Here is a short video explaining the main differences between models and sound examples from the CT-S300.

Casiotone common features

Casiotone's revivalWhichever model you pick from the Casiotone keyboards, you will get a 61 note keyboard. Although this is not the full range of a regular piano, it is a pretty good compromise between range and portability. You will be able to play most of the world’s repertoire. The keys are also full sized, unlike some highly transportable options that exist. There is a minimum amount of weight on these keys, unlike an acoustic piano. Although this is great for playing synths, organs, and many other instruments, it’s not ideal to develop proper technique that will transpose easily to the conventional piano. In fact, many teachers insist on the weighted key feature. Make sure you consider this before purchasing your first instrument!

All three keyboards have the same plastic shell that sports a very useful handle. These keyboards are so light, you might find yourself carrying it around by the handle most of the time. I still recommend a case though, and Casio has the SC-50B, which can be carried around as a backpack: perfect! This handle also accommodates the music rest that comes with all three digital pianos.

Casiotone featuresAn adapter is included, but you can also power the keyboard using 6 AA batteries. This is really smart from Casio, because these models lend themselves really well for playing on the move. On the back, you’ll find an output for headphones and a USB plug. Unfortunately, the CT-S100 is the only model that’s incompatible with Casio’s learning app: Chordana. This is a shame, because the app is well built and helps you learn songs in an efficient manner.

Sounds and features

CT-S100, CT-S200 and CT-S300 features
From top to bottom: CT-S100, CT-S200 & CT-S300

The entry model, in comparison to its siblings, is quite limited on the number of sounds. There are 122 different ones to play with, which is still a respectable amount of variety. But when you compare to the 400 available on the 200 and 300, it feels, irrationally, very small. The absence of an LCD screen on the base model makes switching sounds slightly different than most keyboards, so that might take some adjustment.

All three models have rhythms that you can use to accompany your playing. The 100 has 61 different rhythms, while the 200 and 300 have 77 of them. This feature is a lot of fun and will enhance your practice experience by making you feel like you are actually making music.

One of the big differences between the 100 and the 200/300 is the Dance Music Mode. This is actually a lot of fun and will develop your arranging and composing skills. It enables you to take a variety of instrument loops (drums, bass, and two synths), as well as a few different effects, and activate them at the press of a key. This is quite similar to what producers do with some digital audio workstations and sequencers.

I’ve had a very pleasant time trying out various combinations of instruments and parts to create my own jams. I think this feature will be a hit with younger users. If you are curious, there are two examples of me playing around in this mode in the video, so make sure to give it a listen.

The CT-S200 and 300 models

The LCD screen on the 200 and 300 models makes navigating easier, but it’s still a chore because of the amount of sounds to cycle through. There’s really a limited amount of buttons to help you navigate. Apart from the presence of a mod wheel, the huge difference between these two is the presence of touch sensitivity on the CT-S300. Depending on the amount of force you use to press on the keys, the sample that will be triggered will reflect your pressure. This means things will get louder the harder you play and vice versa.

Impressions

If you ever felt any sort of jealousy towards guitarists who carry their guitars along to the party and become the center of attention, now’s your chance to either compete or join forces. All three models are very easy to carry, and the built in speaker/battery powered combo really enables you to bring music to everyone, no matter the location.

The price of the Casiotone keyboards is very attractive and could incite a lot of beginning pianists to consider these models. If you do decide to go this route, I highly recommend the CT-S300 over the other two. In this day and age, I have yet to understand why companies make keyboards that aren’t touch sensitive. If you don’t have this feature, you are essentially cutting out dynamism in music. This really is a shame as it is part of the building blocks of music.

Three keyboards from the Casiotone Series

That being said, Casio conceived these models very well. You could definitely use them as a backup keyboard too. The variety of sounds and rhythms will serve you well and will cover you in most situations. The features are generous, and the Dance Music Mode is a fun activity to get your creative juices flowing. Also, if you have access to the Chordana App, you’ll be able to quickly learn the 50 built-in songs or import your own. A cool point system gamifies the whole experience, making it quite motivating to keep getting better and better. This is a great way of learning to play on your own or to supplement your lessons.

I’ve also recently reviewed the Casio CDP-S350, which might interest new players that are looking for the best bang for your buck with weighted keys and quality features.

Make sure you check out the Casio Casiotone keyboards (CT-S100, CT-S200 and CT-S300) on Best Buy’s website.

Nikolai Olekhnovitch
Nikolai Olekhnovitch is a professional guitarist from Montreal. The experience and musical versatility he acquired during his music studies and involvement with diverse musical acts come in quite handy when reviewing various instruments. When he is not on the road performing, he’s exploring martial arts and seeking out the perfect espresso.

225 COMMENTS

  1. We have a full size digital keyboard And with 4 kids, the volume & headphone function is amazing! I love hearing them play too, but sometimes we have other things going on in the house and just need to turn it down. Portability and compact size would great and I bet my one child would thrive having a smaller keyboard in her room.

  2. The handle/portability of it sounds awesome!

    It’d make it really easy to bring between jam sessions, and the built in speakers means I can leave an amp there, and just use those, or headphones to practice at home.

    • Love that it is portable, so in my home with 5 teenage boys I can take it and go anywhere. Also I can learn how to create beautiful music.

  3. I’ve always been an admirer of the keyboard but never had the guts to start and learn. This would be a great incentive.

  4. Wow, love how lightweight and portable these are! I always wanted one when I was younger and now I would love my children to learn to play. Doesn’t have to be professional quality just want them to have fun jamming on them.

  5. Thank you for the honest review. I’ve never owned a Casio keyboard but I’d like to have a small keyboard for my office. I like the idea of the less expensive Casio keyboards because it helps to introduce music to more people, especially young kids. I like the reviewed Casio keyboards because they are portable… because it’s not fair that only guitar players get to take their music on the road.

    I was actually considering the Casio Priva PX-160 but it has become nearly impossible to find now. 🙁

  6. The built-in speaker, dual power (battery or plug) and built-in carry handle make these keyboards the ultimate in portability.

  7. We had keyboards years ago, but I love the Casio keyboards as they have a my Setup button that allows you to register your favourite settings to easily recall particular tones and rhythms. This would be very timesaving for different children using it.

  8. I see a lot of features that sound good. I like the portability as well as the battery feature. Also like the idea of the chordana app and full size keys….and more!!

  9. I love the fact that the keys have a full size: another keyboard I had had keys so small, it was nearly impossible to play normally… This is awesome!

  10. The touch sensitivity on the CT-S300 sounds like its a great feature. I’d likely not use this myself but give it as a gift to the my sibling who has musical talent. 🙂

  11. I have a small Casio keyboard 25 years ago and still working! And I think price / quality are very competitive. Regarding these models, the full size keys and the Chordana app give a big value.

  12. So many great features on these keyboards. Battery powered speakers, backpack carrying case, amazing rhythm section back up and digital effects. Wow ! Love it

  13. What makes Casio keyboards appealing is that they offer the flexibility to play on the go (battery or adapter) and is portable, while still coming will full sized keys that have the full range of rhythm.

  14. Casio keyboards are fun and full of joy. Easy to learn and simple. The Casio Chordana is a very useful app. The sounds are there for every style of music! The loop system is awesome for creative music making. And if you’re interested in computer systems, these keyboards are reliable MIDI controllers too, so you can layer its tones with other instruments and software! Very nice keyboards indeed.

  15. The best thing I can say about Casio Keyboards is its unique sound regarding other keyboards. Clean and bright, with some warmess. But, if the option is provide, the sound can be modulated in different (and sometimes interesting distorted) effects. I own a Casio Cz-1000 and it still sounds quite charming, although his age…

  16. 61keys , the ability to run on batteries, plus built in rhythm makes me hope I win the ct-s200 Casio keyboard!

  17. Hey my name is Dheeraj from india and i m crazy about music, i love to play various instruments. Long ago i was thinking to buy an keyboard which is used as a learning music production and also looking for a keyboard which we can use as a live performance and casio have surprised me with new cts 200 and cts 300 i like the cst 200 because it is more simple and price effective. And most surprising is the colour, you get 3 different colour ranges. but due to this pandamic and some financial problems i have not able to buys this but in future if m capable of buying a new keyboard my first priority will be casio cts200.

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