If you are on the hunt for a good digital piano, then there is a good chance that you have narrowed your scope by now.
In particular, you may be wondering who will come out on top with Casio PX-160 vs. Yamaha P-115. Well, the following review works to answer all the questions that you may have about this topic.
Thus, if you would like to figure out which one of these pianos is right for you, you should keep reading.
Casio PX-160 vs. Yamaha P-115 Features
Before moving onto the more in-depth comparisons, let’s take a quick look at the features that each digital piano has:
| Casio PX-160 | Yamaha P-115 |
|---|---|
| 88 Key Digital Piano | 88 key digital piano |
| Scaled Hammer Action | Graded Hammered Standard |
| Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source | Pure CF Sound Engine |
| 128 Polyphony | 192 Polyphony |
| 18 Built-in Tones | 14 Voices |
| 90KB per song | 100KB per song |
| 5lbs | 26lbs |
Comparison of Keyboard Response
One of the hallmarks of a good digital piano is how well a particular model is able to replicate the feel and playability of an acoustic piano. Well, in this instance, both the PX-160 and the P-115 measure up well. In fact, they seem to be on even footing here.
Both the models have graded hammer action. That is to say that that they boast a heavier touch in the lower end and a lighter touch in the higher end. This is the same effect created by hammers in acoustic pianos. At the same time, each keyboard offers up some rigidity but doesn’t hinder your playing in any way.
The Yamaha has a matte finish on its keys. This reduces the risk of your fingers slipping while you are playing. The Casio keyboard goes one step with this. The ivory and ebony keys have textures that are nearly identical to the ones that you would find on an acoustic piano. As such, beginners are allowed to experience what this would feel like.
Alternatively you could take a look at the Casio PX-360.
Comparison of the Sound System
Naturally, the quality of the sound system should be taken into consideration when selecting a digital piano. So, how do these two models match up in this category? Well, in this case, the win would have to go to the P-115.
With the Yamaha model, the sound source is the refined Pure CF Sound Engine. What makes this setup so phenomenal is that it reproduces a near-perfect sound of the famed Yamaha’s CFIIIS concert grand piano. That means that, at this price point, it is the closest that you are going to get to an acoustic piano.
Of course, the PX-160 can’t be completely counted out of the race here.
Casio’s proprietary sound source, AiR (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) produces a rather impressive mimicry of a grand piano. The original sound was recorded at 4 dynamic levels. So, when you use the damper pedal, the Damper Resonance is able to recreate the effect of piano strings vibrating alongside one another.
The polyphony number should also be noted in this section. The P-115 offers up an impressive 192, while the PX-160 has a more traditional 128. In short, this means that the Yamaha is able to produce a much more authentic sound than the Casio.
A more discerning pianist will be able to appreciate the richness and authenticity that the Yamaha P-115 has to offer. On the other hand, novices can greatly benefit from the Casio PX-160 reproduction. It is good enough to help them improve their skills.
Comparison of the Tones
As you are well aware, digital pianos don’t just recreate the sound of a grand piano. No, these devices often offer up a number of different tones and sounds. This is what allows pianists to create an entire sound with virtually no help from other instruments. So, how do these two models compare in this instance?
When it comes to the actual number of tones, the PX-160 trumps the P-115. The former model offers up 18 built-in preset effects, while the latter has 14. However, when it comes to the actual quality of the sounds, both models are pretty even.
If you are a beginner to intermediate pianist who has a sharp ear but isn’t looking for perfection, then either one of these models would fit the bill.
As for the digital effects, the PX-160 has a bit more to offer here as well. For instance, it allows you to choose from concert hall reverb, chorus effect, and a brilliant adjuster. The P-115, on the other hand, has just reverb effects. You can select from recital hall, concert hall, salon, and club to enhance the overall richness of the tones.
Comparison of the Recording Features
Any budding pianist is going to want to record their work. This is a useful feature regardless of you are looking to compose your own songs or if you simply want to determine how well you are doing. Well, either the PX-160 or the P-115 will serve you well in such a situation.
Both of the pianos have a 2-track MIDI recorder. This means that you can record up to 2 tracks for the same song. Then, you can choose to play both tracks together or simply mute one portion and work on the other.
Now, the P-115 does slightly edge out the competition in one aspect. This is the MIDI data capacity. With this model, you get to store around 100KB per song. With the Casio, however, this drops to around 90KB per song. So, overall, the P-115 allows you to store roughly twice the amount of data that the Casio does.
This is only a make or break feature if it is truly important to you. Otherwise, either of these recording features will do in a pinch. This is especially true if your main focus is practice.
Comparison of the Performing Elements
At some point or another – when you have built up your skills – you are going to want to begin performing. Due to this, let’s take a look at which digital piano would really bring your performance to life.
If you are a busker or simply need to head from one gig to another, you will be pleased to learn that both these models are pretty lightweight. The Casio is lighter only by half a pound. As such, it will be fairly easy for you to transport the pianos from one place to another without too much hassle.
Both of these pianos have been built for performance purposes. Let’s begin with the PX-160, which boasts ¼” left and right line outputs on the rear panel. Then, there is the P-115 that has ¼” AUX OUT jacks.
In short, you will have no trouble connecting these pianos to an amplifier. Furthermore, you will have no problem playing these digital pianos in any type of room, whether it is in a smaller practice space or a crowded performance hall.
Comparison of Connectivity
In this day and age, you would have to imagine that you will have to use a computer or a tablet when creating or playing music. Thus, proper connectivity is more important than ever before. The good news is that the Yamaha and Casio models have you covered on this front.
The USB to Host features on both these models means that the pianos can be directly connected to a wide variety of digital interfaces. What’s even more impressive, though, is that you don’t need to download any kind of software or drivers. Instead, the connection is up and running without any issue at all.
In the case of the PX-160, the digital piano can actually be used as a controller with an Apple iPad. This can be done through the Apple Camera Connection Kit.
Final Thoughts
So, with all of these details laid out, it is time to come to a conclusion about these pianos. The most important question, of course, is whether or not there is a winner between these two choices. Well, the answer isn’t as clear-cut as you would imagine.
On the surface, the Yamaha P-115 would appear to win the title. This is because it offers a superior sound quality. To top it off, it comes incredibly close to mimicking the sound of an acoustic piano. The feel of the instrument is on point as well. To add to that, the recording capabilities of the device are rather impressive as well.
In this sense, the Casio PX-160 is good, but not great. Nevertheless, if you consider the fact that it is meant for a different audience, then the PX-160 certainly enjoys a much higher rating. At the end of the day, the Yamaha is much better suited to an intermediate pianist while the Casio is a high-end option for beginners.
The PX-160 offers a superior feel, ensuring that any beginner will be able to take to an acoustic piano without any issue at all. Furthermore, the piano is designed to be practiced on. The Duet Mode, for instance, allows you to split the keyboard so that a student and a teacher can play at once.
Nonetheless, if you were to only consider things from the price point, then the Yamaha might once again take the lead. While this model is more expensive than the Casio, the gap isn’t too large. When you consider that the P-115 has a much more professional sound, it is quality that is worth paying for.
This concludes the comparison between Casio PX-160 and the Yamaha p-115. Based on the information here, you will able to make an informed decision about which model is right for you. In turn, you are much more likely to be happy with your selection.