Casio PX-870
Pros
- Great sound and speaker system
- WAV recording
- Fine tuning of piano sounds
- Triple sensor key action
- 256 Polyphony
- USB to device port
Cons
- Volume knob
- No Bluetooth
Flagship models are usually the best that a manufacture can offer in a product line. They are usual premium and expensive. If you want to get the best value of your dollars, flagship models are not the usual recommendations I would give. But the PX-870 is an exception. In this Casio PX-870 review, I want to show you the amazing value you get with this flagship model.
Casio is one of the leading brands that manufacture digital pianos in the world. They offer you their best key action and sound engine across their product line. You always get the best Casio can offer.
I get asked a lot for digital pianos under $1,000. It seems that’s the magic number for many and there are some good models on the market at that price range. These are usually considered entry level models. For most manufacturers, you don’t get their best technology on their entry level models. But it’s not the case when it comes to the Casio PX-870.
DESIGN
The Look
Casio PX-870 has got an outstanding design, which makes it match perfectly well with your home furnishings. It adopts the modern minimalism design and look much slimmer and stylish compare to its predecessor the PX-860.
The color choices are simple, black and white. They both look elegant and they both have the wooden texture finish, which gives the Casio PX-870 also a premium look.
The sliding key cover has matching color and texture. So the piano looks great even when the keys are covered.
Overall, I’m impressed with the look of PX-870. Especially comparing to the PX-860, you can clearly see the upgrade.
Music rest
The music rest on the PX-870 follows the style of the instrument and looks slim and modern.
It is pretty wide and can hold about three pages simultaneously.
But like many of its competitors, the music rest is not tall enough to hold printed sheet music. More often than not, the A4 paper would just fold its upper half over the music rest. It’s detachable but you can not fold it or adjust the angle.
Control
The control panel of the PX-870 is on the left side. The layout is pretty clean and easy to use.
Volume is controlled by a knob. Would be nice if there are markings around the knob for more precise control. And I always prefer a slider than a knob.
More detailed controls can be done through a combination of buttons and keys. They are well labeled above the keys.
It’s nice to have indicators for some functions, like recording and playback.
But some indicators are unnecessary and all they do is provide distractions while playing the instrument. For example, I don’t need a light to tell me that I’m in grand piano mode. I can certainly hear it.
Overall the control panel does its job and it’s kind of clean. Although, I’d like to see a more minimalism design of it.
Keys
The PX-870 comes with a full 88 keyboard. The keys are plastic with synthetic ivory/ebony surface, like many of its competitors at this price range. Overall, they do still look and feel plastic.
What’s different about the keys of PX-870 is that these synthetic textures are a lot more prominent. Making them significantly better for grip and moisture absorption comparing to similar keyboards at the same price range.
There is a line of red velvet at the end of the keys that simulates a classical look of the instrument and gives it a premium feel.
There are some noticeable uneven space between the keys. It’s not a major issue and it does not affect playing experience at all.
Size & Weight
The Casio PX-870 is compact in size. It weighs around 34.5 kg (76 lbs).
After assemble, it has the dimensions of 139 x 30 x 80 cm (54.8″ x 11.7″ x 31.5″)
KEY ACTION
The Casio PX-870 use the famous Tri-Sensor II Scaled Hammer Action that is identical to the one equipped on the PX-860. This key action has been praised by many and it’s well-received by the consumers. It is one of the best key actions you can find under $1,000.
Actual hammers are being used in the mechanism to simulate the feeling of an acoustic piano. Each hammer has been individually weighted for the entire keyboard.
The triple sensor setup ensures fast and responsive playing experience. It also makes it easier to repeat notes quickly.
SOUND
This is another area where we see a big upgrade from the previous PX-860. The PX-870 uses Casio’s AiR Sound Source, which provides realistic sound sample from concert grand acoustic piano.
Most importantly, the PX-870 has a four-layer grand piano tone that separate itself apart from it’s predecessor as well as its competitors.
The sound engine also includes damper resonance, string resonance, key off simulation, adjustable hammer response, and a lid simulator with four positions. You really don’t get much than that at this price range.
The speaker system has also been upgraded from the PX-860.
It uses Casio’s new Sound Projection system, which consists of two 20W amplifier firing 4 speakers in two different directions. It is the most sophisticated sound system I’ve ever seen under $1,000.
The PX-870 is loud enough to fill a really large room and it produces an amazing and dynamic piano sound, both to the listeners around the room and to the player.
One thing I’ve noticed is the boomed base notes through the speakers. It’s a quite common issue for digital pianos at this price range but the PX-870 seems to have it the worst. When I turn the volume to maximum, it’s almost impossible to play because the base is simply too powerful. It gets much better the further away you are from the piano.
FEATURES
Unlike many of its competitors at this price range, the Casio PX-870 focuses on the piano experience and allocate it’s resources on features that actually matters.
These include but not limited to the amazing 256 Polyphony and the adjustments on every aspect of the sound engine as well as the quite unique WAV recording capability.
Below you will find a list of its main features.
- Sound:
- Grand pianos x 5
- Concert
- Mellow
- Bright
- Modern
- Rock
- Jazz
- Electric pianos x 4
- Organs x 4
- Harpsichords
- Strings x 2
- Vibraphone
- Bass
- Grand pianos x 5
- Polyphony: 256
- Key sensitivity: 3 levels + off
- Reverb settings:
- Dutch Church
- Standard Hall
- Berlin Hall
- French Cathedral
- Damper resonance: 4 levels
- Brilliance: -3~+3
- String Resonance: 4 levels
- Lid Simulator: 4 levels
- Hammer Response: 4 levels
- Key Action Noise: ON / OFF
- Damper Noise: ON / OFF
- Modes:
- Dual mode: two instrument sound simultaneously
- Split mode: split the keyboard to two different instruments
- Duet mode: divide the keyboard to identical halfs
- Recording MIDI: 1 song, 2 tracks
- Recording WAV: 99 songs
- Connectivity:
- 2 Headphone jacks (also work as Line Out): on the front side
- USB to host
- USB to device (memory stick for recordings and phone/tablet for APP)
ACCESSORIES
The Casio PX-870 has three pedals: damper, soft, sostenuto.
The damper pedal supports half pedaling, which gives the ability to control the sound in many subtle ways.
You will find some other accessories provided along with Casio PX-870. They include AC adapter, a score book, user manual and the music rest.
Furthermore, depends on your local dealer, you might find bundles that include a bench and possibly a headphone.
There isn’t much you need to pair with the Casio PX-870.
Its amazing sound system means you don’t need external speaker/monitor.
The only extra purchase you would probably need to make is a good pair of headphones.
WHO IT’S FOR
Just like its predecessor, the Casio PX-870 is a perfect fit for both beginners and intermediate piano players at the price range.
When it comes to piano play experience, the PX-870 offers many features that you normally only find in more expensive models.
The Casio PX-870 is highly focused on piano play. So if you are looking for features like tons of other instrument voices, drum rhythms or automatic chords, you need to look elsewhere.
CONCLUSION
The Casio PX-870 is one of the best digital piano you can buy under $1,000.
It has a slim and modern look, great key action, amazing sound engine and sophisticated speaker system.
If your main focus is piano play, and your budget is around $1,000, I would highly recommend the Casio PX-870.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on the Casio PX-870. If you have any experience with it, share in the comment below how it plays and sounds to you.
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later on. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice evening!
Hi Wei, thanks for the great reviews on your website, I enjoyed reading them.
I have a tough choice and I would really appreciate if you help. Where I live, I found a Casio PX-870 for about 820 dollars and a Kawai KDP110 for about 955 dollars. My absoulute max budget is about the kawai price but someone I trust adviced that I should go with the Casio one and invest the rest of my money for some piano education books/software. I’m a total beginner so I wouldn’t know any difference even if I had personally tried the pianos myself. For these prices which one would you recommend to buy? And what would you advice for the education side of the piano?
Thanks again for the great articles, best regards.
Hi Murat,
I think your friend has given you some really sound advice. As a total beginner, don’t invest too much on the instrument because you don’t know if you would actually enjoy playing piano and have this as a hobby for years to come.
If I were you, I’d get the Casio PX-870 and start learning with free videos on YouTube. Here’s a good series. This guy filmed it in 2008 and it has been the most popular learning series on YouTube ever since.
Once you develop a passion for piano, then you can maybe purchase some online courses, App, or find a teacher locally.
Would you recommend it to someone who hasn’t touched the instrument in over 10 years but trying to get back at it?
Yes, absolutely.
I would recommend the Casio PX-870 to anyone. It’s a great piano suited for players of all levels.
The only exception would be if you have a larger budget. There are better pianos at a higher price point.
Which would you recommend, irregardless of price, is the better quality piano.
Kawai kdp 110
Casio px 870
Yamaha Arius YDP 184
Hi Maria,
Among the three, regardless of price, I would have to say the Yamaha YDP 184 has the win. It has a more advanced sound engine, more powerful speaker systems and quite a few extra features. The key action is much heavier than the other two. But it certainly feels authentic and expressive.
Hello
I really love your website and you explained everything in detail.
I have played an acoustic piano for nine years and it has been two years since I didn’t play it. I wanted to start again and because I have a limit on my budget (under CAD $1600). I wanted to know your recommendation. I am completely stuck between YDP144, KDP110, PX870. I did a lot of research and I think YDP144 is not as good as the other two (please correct me if I am wrong). So, I started to research on the other two, and I really don’t know which one to choose. The polyphony of Casio is 256, but it is not a really important factor for me because I know I am not going to need it anyways. I also don’t care about the digital features of the piano (like the songs). My most important focus is the feel and the sound of the piano. Which piano do you think is the best.
Thank you so much in advance
Hi Maneli,
Between the Kawai KDP110 and the Casio PX-870, I like the key action on the KDP110 a little bit better.
They both have pretty good sound as well as speakers. It really depends on your personal taste of Kawai’s more mellow tone. If that’s something you like, I’d recommend the KDP110.
You should probably check some YouTube videos and decide which you sounds better to you. Try to compare recordings from the same channel so as to minimize the impact of different recording methods, equipment etc.
Here’s one for the Kawai KDP110: https://youtu.be/ezaCWDtpVJs
And here’s the demo for the Casio PX870: https://youtu.be/dN8Z1m86Okc
Hope this helps and do come back and let us know which one you choose.
Hi Wei,
I have a choice between Casio PX-870 and Roland rp501r. Do you have any experience with this Roland model? And which would you recommend. There’s a few 100 euro difference.
Thanks for your reviews, they’ve been extremely helpful.
Hi Liam,
I don’t have any hand on experience with the Roland RP501r. But from the specs, it seems like a capable piano to me. In my region, it’s a bit more expensive than the Casio.
I still think the Casio offers better value.
Dear Wei,
I am an upper intermediate amateur who enjoys playing the piano for more than 35 years. I do have a hand-made, 90 year old acoustic which I adore. But living in an apartment with kids to tend, nowadays I am looking for a good value digital, mainly to practice late at night with headphones. Would you recommend PX-870 or would you have other recommendations at this price point?
Many thanks,
Ali.
Hey Ali,
With 35 years of experience, I would actually recommend you to ease your budget a little and go for some more advanced models. While the Casio PX-870 and others at this price range is pretty good for beginners and intermediates, you will definitely feel the difference in sound and especially in how the keys feel. Here are some of the best upright digital pianos on the market right now. In particular, the Kawai CA48 and the Yamaha YDP-184 are two excellent choices.
That being said, other options at this price range would be the Kawai KDP-110 and the YDP-144 from Yamaha. You are most likely to find the key action on all of them to be on the light side compare to your old acoustic upright. But hopefully you will eventually get used to it and learn to enjoy playing on these digital pianos.
Hello, Wei,
I am looking for a piano for my 10-years old son, who is starting now. I am thorn between Casio PX-870 and Kawai KDP-110. I would prefer a white instrument, so Casio has an advantage here, but I’ve read your opinion that KDP-110 is better in terms of action and sound, and is a food for thought. The price locally is equal currently for both, as KDP-110 has some discount. I am trying to figure out some other differences in order to be able to decide:
– Does PX-870 have individual samples for each key, like the KDP-110, or is sampled in groups? I see in the article above there is mentioned that PX-870 is sampled with 4 velocity layers, but that still doesn’t explain whether those 4 velocity layers have individual samples for each key.
– How many velocity layers are there on KDP-110?
– Both pianos have USB to host. Could they be used as a MIDI-controller through USB for software instruments (or even hardware ones, with a USB host as an intermediate)?
Hi Kris,
I’m glad you noticed that the KDP-110 has individual sample for each note. At least to me, that makes a big difference. The PX-870 doesn’t have that. It take samples in a group.
I actually don’t know about how many velocity layers there are on the KDP-110. I’ll look it up and update you if I find out.
They can both use the USB to host for MIDI controller.
I am struggling between the Yamaha DGX660 and the Casio PX870. I like the speaker sound of the upgraded Casio but wonder if the quality of the Yamaha and versatility ate better.
These two are very different. It really depends on how you intend to use the instrument.
The Yamaha has tons of more sounds and features. It’s a great choice if you plan to experiment and have fun.
The Casio on the other hand, is more focused on the piano. I’d recommend this over the Yamaha if you’ll spend most of your time playing piano. The key action and sounds are better than the DGX 660.
Hi Wei,
Many a thanks for the hardwork that you are putting in for answering these queries.
Though you have answered it multiple times, I would still need some more clarity. Trying to select one piano for my 6 year old boy who is beginner. I also plan to learn along. I’m getting Casio PX870 for $200 cheaper than KDP110.
Which one, do you think, I should go for?
Hi there, the Casio PX870 and Kawai KDP110 are both incredible digital pianos for their price. I really love them both.
For a $200 price difference, I think it’s pretty clear that the Casio offers more value.
Quick question about the Casio PX-870. I want to buy it for my son who is in a dorm on the second floor, so we have to move it twice a year. Is it portable? Does the keyboard pop out of the furniture casing if you want to play a gig somewhere? Thanks in advance for your assistance
Hi John,
From what you describe, I don’t think the PX-870 would be a good idea. It is a console style digital piano, so not designed to be moved around often. It is possible to disassemble and reassemble twice a year but that’s definitely not ideal. The keyboard part is way too big and heavy for gigs.
In you situation, I’d recommend portable models. The 2019 model from Casio, PX-S1000 is an excellent choice. Roland has several models with different price point, from FP-10, FP-30 to FP-90.
You shouldn’t over look the Kawai ES8 and ES110.
Last but not least, if you are willing to pay a little premium for the brand, there are the P series from Yamaha.
Hi Wei,
I’m doubtful between these models:
Casio PX 870
Yamaha YDP-184
Can you give me an insight by comparing them?
Thank you
Hi Soheil,
The reason I haven’t put them side by side is because of the price. The YDP-184 from Yamaha is nearly twice as expensive as the PX-870. That being said, they are both excellent digital pianos. The Yamaha has a more classic look and the Casio looks modern and slimmer.
Given the price difference, you wouldn’t be surprised to know that the YDP-184 has quite a few advantages. The CFX sound engine produce a more detailed and authentic experience. The AiR engine on the PX-870 is certainly not bad but does lack some nuances in comparison. The weaker speakers on the PX-870 certainly does not help either.
Another advantage you get on the YDP-184 is its recording capability. It’s possible to record 250 songs in MIDI each with up to 16 tracks. This is huge if you are into creating and composing your own music. The PX-870 on the other hand can only record one song with 2 tracks, although it does have the possibility to output 99 songs in WAV.
The key action on both are really good and it’s hard to tell which one is better. In my opinion, the YDP-184 is slightly on the heavy side. This could give more control and boost expressiveness. However, that could also come from the better sound engine and speaker system.
Overall, the YDP-184 is in many ways superior than the PX-870, if you can afford the extra $1,000.
Thank you Wei, I found my answer by your explanation now
I am along the same line as Simon above. Years ago, when I was just a teen, I acquired a music degree and played piano/organ/keyboards at every opportunity, then life happened… marriage, career, children, etc. But now I’m retired and the kids are out on their own, and I am ready to return to my music after a decades-long hiatus. I worry that I have likely forgotten 70% of what I had learned, but am looking forward to learning it all over again! I have done a TON of research on digital pianos in recent weeks, and the Casio Privia PX870 indeed appears to be the one to beat. I will be ordering mine online tomorrow… can hardly wait to get it delivered! Turns out that it’s going to cost a small fortune to ship it to our remote little island paradise off the north coast of Newfoundland, (Canada) but it’s the price we must pay to live in one of the world’s most scenic and remote locations!
Hi Glen,
Life has a way to change our priorities around.
Congratulations on your choice of the PX 870. I think you would really enjoy it.
Please do come back and share your thoughts on this digital piano.
Hi Wei,
I am looking for a digital piano for my 11 year old daughter who is now in her 8th year of piano. She has been doing group up to now and is starting private. She mostly likes modern music and while she will continue to pursue the Royal Conservatory of Music program, she wants to play songs from her favourite singers. Her lessons focus more now on tone, dynamics, emotion, etc. whereas up to a year or so ago they were more technical. She is a casual to enthusiastic player, so I would say beginner to intermediate.
Our options (narrowed down from your very helpful reviews) in Toronto Canada seem to be:
– KDP90 for $1000 (used)
– KPD110 for $1450 (new, Merriam)
– PX860 for $1300 (new, Costco)
– PX870 for $1400 (new, Amazon.ca)
I think the 3-sensor key action is important (which is why I have not jumped on the KDP90), but you may feel otherwise.
I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Tom
Casio px 870
Casio ap 470
Kawai kdp 110
Done some reading around these three keyboards and find it hard to choose one of them !
Can you help me ?
Price in my country – all under 1000$
Hei!
Kawai kdp 110
Casio px 870
Casio celviano ap 470
What to choose ?
In my country almost the same price!
I’ve found a Kawai KDP 110 for 1041 dollars including chair and headphones. This Casio model is about 1100 dollars for an equivalent package in my country. Which one would you recommend?
Hi Johan,
For the price you found, I’d recommend the Kawai. Both the key action and sound are slightly better than the Casio. These two aspects combined contributes to a superior piano experience.
This one looks nice.
Hi Fei,
It is indeed very nice. One of the best you can buy under $1,000. If you ask me, the PX-870 is much better than your Roland F-140R. 🙂
I’m currently searching for a keyboard, I think your review has answered all my concerns. The way this Casio PX-870 uses the AiR Sound Source to produce the grand acoustic piano sound has captivated my interest.
I like both the black & white wooden effect finishes whilst their lightweight design compared to a piano makes them so convenient.
I still class my self as a beginner, to be honest. I passed a few piano exams when I was a teenager but that is so long ago, I have probably forgotten what I learnt. It’s time to play again.
Thanks again for your review,
Simon.
Hi Simon,
Thanks for dropping by. Congrats on your decision to play again. Playing piano is not just fun, it has many benefits as well.
I think the PX-870 would be an amazing digital piano for someone that has some experience like you. If $1,000 is your budget and you don’t need portability, the PX-870 might just be the best one you can get.
Thank you again for the comment and come back for more digital piano reviews.