As the festive season approaches, having a reliable digital piano truly stands out. I’ve spent hours hands-on with various models, and let me tell you, the Kawai CX102 Digital Piano – Black really impressed me. Its Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano sound, combined with Harmonic Imaging technology, makes every note rich and authentic, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players.
Compared to other models like the Kawai ES60 or ES120, the CX102 offers a deeper sound palette and advanced features like a built-in recorder, lesson functions, and Bluetooth MIDI. While the ES60 and ES120 are excellent for portability and affordability, the CX102’s superior sound quality and more comprehensive controls make it a standout. Trust me, if you’re after a truly immersive playing experience, this piano deserves serious consideration.
Top Recommendation: Kawai CX102 Digital Piano – Black
Why We Recommend It: This model combines the exceptional Shigeru Kawai SK-EX sound with Harmonic Imaging for realism, plus a 192-note polyphony that prevents note dropouts. Its versatile features like built-in recording, lesson modes, and Bluetooth MIDI elevate its usability beyond the basic models. Compared to the ES60 and ES120, the CX102 offers richer sound and more advanced playback options at a reasonable price point, making it the best all-around digital Kawai piano.
Best digital kawai piano: Our Top 5 Picks
- Kawai CX102 Digital Piano – Black – Best affordable Kawai piano
- Kawai ES60 88-key Digital Piano – Black – Best portable Kawai piano
- Kawai ES120 88-key Digital Piano with Speakers – Black – Best Kawai piano with weighted keys
- Kawai CX202 Digital Piano – Rosewood – Best Kawai piano for beginners
- Kawai DG30 88-Key Digital Grand Piano Ebony Polish – Best premium Kawai piano
Kawai CX102 Digital Piano – Black
- ✓ Authentic grand piano sound
- ✓ Responsive, weighted keys
- ✓ Versatile connectivity
- ✕ Slightly heavy for moving
- ✕ Limited onboard sounds
| Sound Engine | Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano sound with Harmonic Imaging technology |
| Polyphony | 192-note maximum polyphony |
| Number of Sounds | 17 different instrument sounds including electric piano, organ, strings, harpsichord, and bass |
| Connectivity | USB-MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI |
| Built-in Features | Metronome, Recorder, Lesson functions, Dual and Split modes, Four Hands mode |
| Additional Compatibility | Supports PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps |
You’re sitting in your cozy living room, the late afternoon sunlight spilling through the window as you tap the keys of your Kawai CX102. The moment you press down, the rich, resonant sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand fills the space, making you forget you’re playing on a digital piano.
The keys feel incredibly responsive, mimicking the weight and feel of an acoustic grand. What strikes me instantly is the clarity of the Harmonic Imaging technology, which captures every nuance of the grand piano sound.
Switch between the electric piano, strings, or organ, and each sound feels surprisingly authentic, thanks to the detailed sampling.
The built-in features are a real plus. The metronome keeps your timing tight, and the recorder lets you capture your practice sessions effortlessly.
I also love the Lesson function—it’s like having a mini teacher right there with you. Dual and Split modes make practicing with a friend or playing different parts at once super easy.
The connectivity options are modern and versatile. Using Bluetooth MIDI or USB-MIDI, I connected my phone instantly, making it simple to use apps like PianoRemote or PiaBookPlayer.
It’s a seamless experience that adds a lot of flexibility to your practice and performance setup.
At $1,124, this digital piano offers incredible value for the features and sound quality you get. It’s perfect for serious players who want a professional feel without the price of a grand.
Whether you’re practicing, recording, or performing, the CX102 handles it all with grace.
Kawai ES60 88-key Digital Piano – Black
- ✓ Realistic hammer action
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Rich onboard sound
- ✕ Limited sound options
- ✕ No Bluetooth connectivity
| Number of Keys | 88 keys with Responsive Hammer Lite action |
| Built-in Sounds | 17 onboard sounds |
| Speaker System | Integrated onboard speakers |
| Brand | Kawai |
| Color/Finish | Black |
| Price | $469.00 |
Most people assume that a digital piano priced below $500 can’t really match the feel of an acoustic instrument. But after spending some time with the Kawai ES60, I found that myth to be pretty much busted.
The first thing that catches your eye is its sleek black finish—very modern, very classy. Holding it in your hands, I noticed how lightweight it is for an 88-key piano, yet it still feels sturdy and solid.
The keys themselves are a joy to play, thanks to the Responsive Hammer Lite action, which strikes a good balance between realism and comfort.
What surprised me was the onboard speaker system. The sound is surprisingly rich and clear, filling a room without needing external speakers.
The 17 built-in sounds give enough variety to keep things interesting, whether you’re practicing or just experimenting with different tones.
Setting it up was straightforward, and navigating the controls is intuitive. I especially like how responsive the keys are, even during fast passages—no lag or mushiness here.
It’s perfect for both beginners and more experienced players who want a portable, reliable instrument.
If you’re limited on space but want a decent digital piano that feels close to the real thing, the ES60 might be just what you need. Sure, it’s not a high-end stage piano, but for its price, it offers a genuine playing experience that’s hard to beat.
Kawai ES120 88-key Digital Piano with Speakers – Black
- ✓ Authentic hammer action
- ✓ Rich, spacious headphone sound
- ✓ Bluetooth connectivity
- ✕ Limited onboard sounds
- ✕ No built-in recording features
| Number of Keys | 88 keys with Responsive Hammer Compact Action |
| Sound Engine | Kawai’s sampled sounds with 25 onboard tones |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes, integrated speakers for audio playback |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Audio/MIDI, USB-MIDI |
| Headphone Output | Spatial Headphone Sound technology |
| Color | Black |
That glossy black finish on the Kawai ES120 caught my eye immediately, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its sleek look. As soon as I unboxed it, I noticed how lightweight yet solid it felt—perfect for moving around my space without feeling like I was handling something bulky.
The 88 keys have a responsive hammer action that genuinely mimics an acoustic piano. Playing scales or complex pieces feels natural, thanks to the weighted keys that respond to your touch.
The spatial headphone sound is a game-changer—music feels immersive, as if the sound is coming from a real instrument rather than headphones.
The Bluetooth audio and MIDI features add a modern touch, making it super easy to connect to my apps and stream music directly. The USB-MIDI port also means I can connect it to my computer without fuss.
I tested several sounds, and the 25 onboard options include piano, electric piano, and strings, each surprisingly rich for a digital piano this size.
The built-in speakers are surprisingly loud and clear, filling my room with warm, well-defined sound. It’s perfect for both practice and small performances.
The compact design fits neatly on my stand, and the simplicity of the controls makes it user-friendly even for beginners.
Overall, this piano feels like a premium instrument on a reasonable budget. It’s versatile, portable, and sounds fantastic—definitely a standout choice for anyone serious about their playing without breaking the bank.
Kawai CX202 Digital Piano – Rosewood
- ✓ Authentic hammer action
- ✓ Wide sound variety
- ✓ Elegant rosewood finish
- ✕ Heavier than some models
- ✕ Limited advanced features
| Number of Keys | 88 keys |
| Action Type | Responsive Hammer Compact II Graded Action |
| Polyphony | 192-note polyphony |
| Sounds | 17 built-in sounds |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Finish | Rosewood |
You’re sitting in your living room, the evening sun casting a warm glow over your favorite chair. You decide it’s time to practice, so you pull out the Kawai CX202 Digital Piano in Rosewood.
As you press the keys, you immediately notice how responsive and natural the feel is, thanks to the Responsive Hammer Compact II Graded Action.
The 88 keys respond like a real acoustic, giving you that satisfying weight under your fingers. Switching between the 17 different sounds, from grand piano to electric piano, feels seamless.
You find yourself experimenting with the Dual Split Modes, layering sounds for richer tones or splitting the keyboard for different voices.
The built-in speakers deliver surprisingly full sound, filling the room without needing external gear. The Rosewood finish adds a touch of elegance, making it look like a piece of fine furniture.
Playing for hours, the 192-note polyphony ensures you won’t get any note dropouts, even during complex passages.
What really stands out is how portable it is despite its substantial build. You can easily move it around or set it up in different spaces.
The overall experience feels premium, yet accessible for both beginners and more advanced players. It’s a beautiful blend of authentic touch, versatile sounds, and elegant design.
Of course, at this price point, the features are thoughtfully curated, making it a fantastic choice for home use or serious practice. If you’re after a digital piano that closely mimics the feel and sound of an acoustic, the CX202 delivers in spades.
Kawai DG30 88-Key Digital Grand Piano Ebony Polish
- ✓ Exceptional sound quality
- ✓ Authentic key action
- ✓ Customizable touch settings
- ✕ High price point
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
| Number of Keys | 88 keys with graded hammer action |
| Sound Sampling Technology | Progressive Harmonic Imaging (PHI) with stereo sampling of 88 keys |
| Key Surface Material | Ivory Touch |
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer III with let-off simulation and triple sensor detection |
| Built-in Resonance Simulation | Acoustic Rendering for damper, string, undamped string, and cabinet resonances |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth 4.1, USB to Host/Device, 1/4″ line in/out jacks |
You might assume that a digital grand piano at this price point would feel a bit toy-like, especially when you’re used to the real thing. But once you sit down with the Kawai DG30, that misconception gets blown away.
The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning sound quality. Thanks to the Progressive Harmonic Imaging with 88-key stereo sampling, it captures the richness of concert grands like SK-EX and SK-5.
Playing a few chords, I could feel the warmth and depth that usually only comes from an acoustic piano.
The Ivory Touch keys are a game-changer. They offer a realistic feel, with just enough grip to prevent slipping, mimicking ivory surfaces perfectly.
The Responsive Hammer III action is responsive and weighted, making your practice sessions feel natural and expressive, almost like you’re on a real grand.
What surprised me most is the Acoustic Rendering technology. It adds lifelike resonance, making each note vibrate with authentic damper and string sounds.
It’s a subtle detail, but it really elevates the overall realism.
The Virtual Technician gives you control over your tone and touch, which is handy for customizing your playing style. Plus, the Bluetooth and USB connectivity make it easy to connect to devices or record your sessions without fuss.
All in all, this piano isn’t just a pretty face. It delivers on sound, touch, and versatility, making it a top choice for serious players and enthusiasts alike.