Yamaha P115 VS Casio Privia PX160 Comparison 🙂

Our visitor requested us to compare the Casio PX150 with the Yamaha P115. Casio PX160 came out shortly after he requested, so we will be comparing Yamaha P115 and Casio PX160 this time.

Within the price range of 500-700 digital pianos, Yamaha P115 and Casio PX160 are the biggest rivals.

Photos above: The Yamaha (on top) vs The Casio (on bottom). -positioning of photo is disregards which is better or worse.

This post will completely dissect the ins and outs of both digital pianos that by the time you finish reading, you will know which digital piano can be a fit for your personal needs.

Sound Comparison

 

The Sound of Yamaha P115: Yamaha is famous for acoustic pianos.
Yamaha digital piano samples its own acoustic pianos so Yamaha p115 has the clarity and cleanliness of the acoustic pianos.
Sampled on the sound of the Yamaha CFIIIS Concert 9’ grand pianos, Yamaha Digital Piano P115 has grandeur lower notes and with unique resonance, it is upgraded to emulate acoustic grade piano.
Yamaha P115’s has polyphony 192 and is upgraded from P105 (128 Polyphony) allowing it to perform any songs. Speakers are 7X7-14watts.
There are 14 sound voices and it can be even easier to control voices with use of downloadable apps provided by Yamaha.
With the use of pianist style rhythm function, users can play more enjoyably by making background rhythm with even easy chords during performance.
It also has 4 more rhythm compared to the former Yamaha P105.
Yamaha P Series has been popular due to exceptional sound compared to other pianos within the price range and style.
We strongly recommend this piano for shoppers who desire digital pianos with great price.

The Sound of Casio Privia PX160:

‘AIR Sound’ is a newly developed sound technology by Casio and it expresses the original sound of piano. (‘AiR’ stands for Acoustic and intelligent Resonator).
Casio PX160 Privia Series has all 88-key Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard uses stereo resonance simulator which expresses sufficient details of piano sound. Casio Privia PX160 is also 128-Polyphony.

Casio PX160 Privia Series has variety of sound choices such as Concert, Modern, Classic, Mellow, and Bright.
Casio PX160 Privia Series can also play instrument sounds such as harpsichord, string, Organ, Bass and many other 13 sounds.
Casio PX160 Privia Series also has the layer function which allows users to play with two different sounds at the same time.
Casio PX160 Privia Series also has transpose function that allows strength control of sound strength and allows easier play with another instrument.
With 128 Polyphony it will be able to play most of the songs.
The speakers are 8w x 8w with remarkable sound that attracts recognition.
This redesigned speaker system has improved dramatically.
The speaker system of Casio PX160 Privia Series is open to the front but also projected to the back, which provides grandeur sound when the PX-160 is placed against a wall.
It will create a sound that is multi dimentional sound that can bound off the walls. In a classroom settings or at home, this would be an amazing experience for listeners.

Casio PX160 Privia Series is great for home and educational uses. To have better sound quality, use headphones and/or amps.

Keyboard Action Comparison

The Keyboard Action of Yamaha P115: Yamaha P115 has also 88 weighted hammer action.
It has similar system as an acoustic  piano which is excellent for practicing.
Yamaha P115 has GHS (Grade hammer standard),  so Yamaha P115 is able to control touch and responsiveness.
Lighter touch makes  control touch and responsiveness easier, making the Yamaha P115 the best piano for the use of both  performance and practice.

The Keyboard Action of Casio Privia PX160:

Casio PX160 Privia Series, with 88-key Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, has same size and action (Scaled Hammer Action) as an acoustic piano and with lower keys heavier and becomes lighter as keys get higher.

Casio PX160 Privia Series 88-key Weighted Scaled Hammer Action has an ebony and ivory textured keys that prevent fingers from slipping, gives prestigious look, and instills cleaner feeling.
Casio PX160 Privia Series has three sensors on the key that allows users to feel detail when controlling strength and even has an option that allows velocity and responsiveness control.
The Proprietary Hammer Response features provide timing nuance as it is programmed for different Hammer speed depending on the size of the hammer inside of an acoustic piano.
This feature gives the player the most realistic keyboard action experience that player will not get from other pianos.

Casio PX160 Privia Series has the best touch compared to other pianos within the price range.

Finish/Design Comparison

The Finish/Design of Yamaha P115: In our opinion, the Yamaha P115 has a very neat style. There are 2 colors available: Black and White

The Finish/Design of Casio Privia PX160: Casio PX160 has a modern style design. There are 2 Colors available: Black and Gold

Function Comparison

The Function of Yamaha P115:

Yamaha P115 has functions that can aid performers as a portable digital piano.

Rhythm function of Pianist Style |  When chords are played with a left hand, background music is automatically played which can be a great enhancement to ears when played.

Apps |       There are14 sound voices and it can be even easier to control voices with use of downloadable apps provided by YAMAHA.

Layer (Dual layer) | With this technique, you can play two different sounds simultaneously on one key. You will be able to play ‘piano and string’ sound or ‘piano and organ’ sound simultaneously on one key. You will be able to make the performance more beautiful and will give you more enjoyment.

Split | You can play two different instrument sounds on each hand within a keyboard. For example, left hand can play vibratone, right hand can play piano; it gives effect of one person playing two different instrument sound.

Transpose Function | You can easily harmonize with different insturments.

Other functions include recording, metronome, USB function and it has an OUT IN plug that can connect to another speaker. Yamaha P115 also has USB function that connects to computer and enjoy composition and computer music.

The Function of Casio Privia PX160:

Casio PX160 Privia Series has many different functions

Lesson Function | 60 demo songs which you can play divided hands: assisted left and right hand lessons to practice each hand before playing both hands simultaneously.

Split | You can play two different instrument sounds on each hand within a keyboard. For example, left hand can play vibratone, right hand can play piano; it gives effect of one person playing two different instrument sound..

Duet mode | You can divide the keyboard into two separate keyboards with the same chromatic scale. This is will become similar to playing two different pianos; it is fit for performance or a lesson between a student and a teacher.

Layer | With this technique, you can play two different sounds simultaneously on one key. You will be able to play ‘piano and string’ sound or ‘piano and organ’ sound simultaneously on one key. You will be able to make the performance more beautiful and will give you more enjoyment.

Touch responsiveness control | You can change the strength of touch responsiveness to fit your style.

Other functions include, metronome function, recording, USB and other varieties of function. Especially, USB function allows connections to smartphones (i.e. iphones) and smartpads (i.e. ipads) which can be enjoyable. Connection to computer can allow composition function and many different useful functions.

Specification Comparisons

Yamaha P115 Specification
Specs from Yamaha main website

Size/Weight

Control Interface

Voices

Effects

Songs

Functions

Storage and Connectivity

Amplifiers and Speakers

Power Supply

Accessories

Casio Privia PX160 Specification
Specs from Casio main website

Function/			PX-160
Keyboard	Number of keys		88
	Key action		Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II
	Key surface finish		Simulated ebony and ivory keys
	Touch response		3 sensitivity levels, off
Tones	Polyphony (maximum)		128
	Number of built-in tones		18 built-in tones
		Sound source	Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR
		Stereo sampled piano tones	Yes
	Layer/Split		Yes/Yes
Simulator	Hammer Response		Yes
	String Resonance		–
	Damper Resonance		Yes
	Lid Simulator		–
	Key Off Simulator		–
Digital Effects	Types	Reverb	4
		Chorus	4
		Brilliance	Yes (-3 to 0 to 3)
		DSP	Yes (preset for some tones)
Accompaniment rhythms	Number of built-in rhythms		–
	One Touch Presets		–
	User rhythms (rhythm editor)		–
Songs	Number of built-in songs		60
	Demonstration-only songs		–
	Song expansions (user songs)		10 Songs (max.) up to approximately 90 KB/Song
Additional Features	Top board open/close		–
	Lesson function		Part on/off
		Lesson part select	Right hand, left hand
	Recorder		2 tracks, 1 song
		Approximate data capacity	Approximately 5,000 notes total
	Audio recording/playback		–
	Duet mode		Yes
	Octave shift		±2 octaves
	Metronome		0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 beats; tempo range: 20 to 255
	Pedals		Included: SP-3 Optional: SP-20, SP-33 (damper, soft, sostenauto)
		Half-damper pedal operation	Yes (with optional SP-33 3-pedal unit)
	Transpose		2 octaves (-12 semitones to 0 to +12 semitones)
	Tuning control		A4 = 415.5Hz ~ 440.0Hz ~ 465.9Hz
	Scale function		17 preset scales
	Pitch Bend wheel		–
	Operation lock		Yes
Display			–
MIDI			Yes
Connectivity and storage		Phones	2 stereo standard jack
		Pedal	1 (Damper)
		Connector for 3-pedal unit	Yes
		Line OUT	R, L / Mono Standard jacks 6,3 mm
		Line IN	–
		MIDI	–
		USB port	Yes
		USB flash drive port	–
Speakers and amplifiers	Speakers	Size	13 cm / 6 cm (rectangular) x 2
		2-way 4-speakers	–
	Amplification		8 W + 8 W
Dimensions	(W x D x H)		1,322 x 286 x 135 mm (w/o music stand)
	with optional stand		1,322 x 286 x 760 mm
Weight			11,1 kg (w/o music stand)
	with optional stand		21,1 kg
Accessories	included		Pedal (SP-3), AC adaptor (AD-A12150LW), score book, music stand
	optional		Stand CS-67P, pedal SP-3, SP-20, 3-pedal unit SP-33

Our recommendation based on our opinion:  Just be aware of the fact that this is our personal opinion based on facts. We do not unfairly recommend certain product in any biased ways. Personal preference may differ among different users.

• Sound: Sound depends on customer preference. Most customers acknowledge, Yamaha P115 does have little bit more pristine and cleaner sound than Casio PX160. On the other hand, most customers acknowledge that Casio PX160 has deeper and smoother tones.
• Style: Yamaha P115 has a similar finish as a neat design. Casio PX160 has modern style. It will just depend on personal preference.
• Touch: This will depend on personal preference. Most customers acknowledge, Yamaha P115 has lighter keys than Casio PX160. Most customers acknowledge, Casio PX160 has heavier keys than Yamaha P115.
• Function Controls: This will depend on personal preference and experience as well. Most customers acknowledge, Casio PX160 has convenient controls.

Other things to consider: Price…

-Yamaha P115–———- is priced at 599.99
-Casio Privia PX160—— is priced at 499.99

 

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Click here to read our Casio PX160 Review.
Click here to read our Yamaha P115 Review.