Casio PX-S110 Review

We rated the Casio PX-S110 a solid 8/10. This model meets its target audience well, and is an economical instrument. The Casio PX-S1100 has had a sound system redesign since the previous model (PX-S1000) that we really love. The sounds are good, and it has unique touch sensor controls. That being said, I found to action to be too light for my tastes, and wish that the non-piano tones were more convincing (and that it had more tones overall!). But as a whole, this is a great instrument to get started on, to have as a backup, or to travel with.

Casio PX-S1100 Overview

The Casio Privia PX-S1100 is a digital stage piano that was first released fall of 2021. It’s become quite popular among beginners, early intermediates, and traveling pianists alike. This Privia has 18 built-in tones, including piano, electric piano, and strings. It also has several reverbs, choruses, and other effects that can be applied to any tone. In addition to this, it has a standard built-in metronome, a handy transpose function, and a handful of recording capabilities.

And, as we mentioned earlier in the rating, it boasts several updates that (in my opinion) make it more valuable of an instrument than the Casio PX before it. Some of these updates include: A better sound system, and improved realism in the grand piano tones.

Features

Upgraded Speaker System, Double Headphone Jacks

The piano has a powerful sound system for the price, with two, 8-watt speakers. The sound system has been entirely revamped since the last model, and it shows. 

It also includes two speakers and two headphone jacks. Two headphone jacks are always better than one, because it allows two people to practice together or play duets without disturbing everyone else in the room. Pianos with 2 headphone jacks make for ideal classroom pianos, be it at an elementary school that offers supplementary lessons, or a college with a music education program. 

Casio’s AiR Sound Engine, 18 Tones

The AiR sound engine is a multi-dimensional core, according to its maker. AiR stands for “Acoustic and Intelligent Resonantor” and is a part of Casio’s newest technology (Casio Glossary). 

The PX-S1100 has 18 total tones which include pianos, strings, bass, and keyboards. I believe the AiR sound engine’s piano tones are the best voices on the S1100, especially the German Concert Piano. Other tones include: 

• Grand Piano 1
• Grand Piano 2
• E. Piano
• Harpsichord
• Strings
• Jazz Organ
• Pipe Organ
• Choir
• Bass

Damper Resonance, String Resonance and More

This economical keyboard is chock full of virtual studio technology. Some of which include: Damper resonance, string resonance, key-off technology, and hammer response. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, virtual studio technology (or, VSTs) adds all the little details that you’d normally miss in a digital piano, such as that little thump when you lift your finger off of the key. 

Synthetic Ebony and Ivory 

It can be hard to find non-slip keys in an under-$1000 keyboard, but this slimline Privia model provides a comfortable and secure grip for the fingers with its textured keys. 

Smart Scaled Hammer Action 

The PX-S1100 has smart scaled hammer action II. Smart scaled action is notably different from graded hammer action, because it has a third sensor. Having a third sensor on a digital keyboard allows you to repeat notes within a smaller timeframe, as you can play notes again without entirely lifting your fingers off the keys. 

Touch Sensor Controls

The touch sensor controls and panel have mixed reviews from musicians who have tried it. Nevertheless, this feature is suprising in an under-$800 keyboard. The touch sensor controls light up, which I think is really convenient for playing in dark-lit spaces. 

Limited Edition Red Model

Photo Credit: Sweetwater.com 

Do want the look of a Nord Stage for the price of a Casio? I sure do.

The limited edition red model with gold accents is absolutely stunning. While it is more difficult to come by, it’s actually not any more expensive that the black or white versions of the model. 

Other Features:

Other basic features in this digital stage include: 

• Split mode
• Duet mode 
• Layer
• Optional battery power
• Lesson function 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 52 x 9.1 x 4 inches
• Weight: 24.5 pounds 
• Piano type: Digital Stage piano 
• Digital Effects: Brilliance, Reverb

Who is it suitable for?

The Casio PX-S1100 is best suited for beginner to intermediate players. Traveling musicians in particular will love the Casio PX-S1100. Music educators will also enjoy this model, because it will suit both students, and teachers. The speaker sound system is powerful enough for a small classroom or venue without external amplification, which is convenient. But its also a great digital stage for apartments or dorms, because of its size. 

The S1100 In Action 

If you can’t get yourself to a brick-and-morter music store, try looking up the pianos you are interested under “All playing, no talking” video. This video showcases the S1100s gentle, resonant high tones in the grands, to the fuzzy, jam-bandy feeling organs. 

Amazon Reviews

This model was rated 4.5/5 on Amazon.com. 

Positive reviews:

• “It feels and looks great” 
• “Great beginner to intermediate piano” 

Overall, there were many comments about how gorgeous the piano looks, and how nice the keyfeel was. 

Constructive reviews: 

• One person left an overall positive review on the piano, but remarked that the speakers were too tinny for their tastes. 
• Another, similarly, wanted the speakers to have more output
• Several customers said that the controls are unintuitive 
• One customer found the FX like reverb or brilliance to not be as adjustable as they liked
• Another customer had an issue with the sustain pedal/jack, stating that it was unresponsive and rung out for too long

Despite the PX-S1100 having an updated speaker system, there are quite a few mixed reviews from musicians in this department. Make sure to test out the speakers at both high and low volumes before you purchase from us online. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The instrument is updated, while keeping the same slimline design as the well-loved PX-S1000
• It is less that 11 inches deep, so it’s a real space saver
• It has good connectivity, including Bluetooth
• The grand piano tones in the AiR sound engine are lovely
• Similarly, the German Concert Piano is a stunner 
• It works with apps like Chordana
• Because of the USB-MIDI jack, you can use it as a MIDI controller
• The VSTs go a long was in making it sound more realistic
• It is compatible with a plastic stand, or the CS-68P stand, which is wood
• The low end of sounds PX-S1100 really shine with this speaker system!
• Smart scaled action has a third sensor for more expressive and accurate playing
• The touch sensor controls light up, so you can see them while playing in the dark

The PX-S1000 was barely on the shelves in 2020-2021, and the PX-1100 is being well-received as we speak…And it’s no surprise. This newer model has the updates we’ve been waiting for, while keeping the portability of the S1000. 

Also, the piano tones on this economical instrument are great. The PX-S1100’s German Concert Piano tone is the real star of the show in the AiR sound Engine, making it the chief selling point for many. Between the upgrades, VSTs, and triple sensor action, this digital stage is an excellent deal. 

Cons

• There is no screen 
• The PX-S1100 isn’t all that different from the PX-S1000
• It only has 18 tones
• The sound quality of the non-piano tones leaves something to be desired 
• The controls can be difficult to navigate 
• Advanced players may want more polyphony
• The key action is light, and some don’t care for it
• Other musicians have said the sound quality at loud volumes is lacking

The lack of screen is by far the biggest drawback to the Casio PX-S1100. A lot of people despise the economic model for that alone. But I’m not sure why the PX-S1100 is facing more criticism for its lack of screen than the PX-S1000 did. Part of the reason why Casio was able to keep the price so low is because of the screen. But, I get it. I miss the screen too, when I play on these models!

I know we just talked about how nice the updates are…But minus the speaker system and cabinet redesign, the PX-S1100 and PX-S1000 are pretty similar siblings. You could potentially save some cash by purchasing an S1000 used on Sweetwater.com or Amazon. 

Another con is that it has few tones, and some of which, aren’t stunners. My least favorite sounds were the strings, and church organ. And while the light-up controls are really cool, the aren’t that easy to navigate without the screen. Lastly, the key action is pretty lightweight- If you’re looking for heft, try another model, like one of the pianos below. 

Comparable Instruments

• Casio PX-S1000

• Roland FP-10

• Yamaha P-125
• Korg B2

The Casio PX-S1100 replaced the PX-S1000, which can sometimes be found used at Sweetwater.com. This model won’t have the upgraded speaker system or piano sounds, but other than that, it is very similar. Another comparable instrument is the FP-10.

 The FP-10 actually costs $100 less ($599.99) than the PX-S1100. Plus, I prefer the sound of Rolands SuperNATURAL sounds to Casio’s AiR. That being said, the FP-10 doesn’t have the “umph” that the speakers in this model do. If you are looking for power, go with this one. But if you want more convincing sounds in the sound engine? Try the FP-10. 

If you are looking for a different feeling action, try the Yamaha P-125. It also has intuitive buttons and sliders for controls, which many musicians favor.  However, the 8-watt speakers of this Casio still pack more punch! 

Lastly, the Korg B2 ($599.99) is a solid choice for beginning to intermediate pianists who value portability plus nice sounds. The B2 has 12 total tones (including a German concert piano) a handful of high-quality effects, and a free Skoove trial. 

Upgrade: PX-S3100 or FP-30X

If you are willing to spend a bit more, both the Casio PX-S100 and Roland FP-30X are instruments that have similar features to the PX-S1100, but have been elevated to new, more professional heights. 

The Casio PX-3100 is a slimline/portable digital instrument with 700+ tones, 200+ rhythms, and songwriting tools. At $879.99, the PX-3100 it’s not that much more expensive than the PX-1100, and you get a lot more bells and whistles in the package. 

Similarly, the Roland FP-30X, only costs $100 extra, with a price tag of $799.99. The FP-30X has insanely realistic sounds for the price, as well as PH4-A keyboard with a sought-after key feature known as escapement. The high-quality sounds in the 30X’s sound engine were made with both sampling and modeling, which is why they are so realistic. 

The Kawai ES110 is also a good option for those who are looking for a portable piano with a new speaker system. Though at $1,000, it does cost significantly more than the model in this review.

Quick View 

Casio PX-S1100: Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed this Casio PX-S1100 review! In conclusion, the PX-S1100 is a beginner-friendly keyboard with good connectivity, nice sounds for the price point, and a slim design. If you are in the market for a new digital piano, the Casio PX-S1100 is definitely worth considering!

Music quote of the week:

“Music is given to us with the sole purpose of establishing an order in things, including, and particularly, the coordination between man and time. A good composer does not imitate; he steals. In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?”

 -Igor Stravinsky

8Expert Score

We rated the Casio PX-S110 a solid 8/10. This model meets its target audience well, and is an economical instrument. The Casio PX-S1100 has had a sound system redesign since the previous model (PX-S1000) that we really love. The sounds are good, and it has unique touch sensor controls. That being said, I found to action to be too light for my tastes, and wish that the non-piano tones were more convincing (and that it had more tones overall!). But as a whole, this is a great instrument to get started on, to have as a backup, or to travel with.

PROS

• The instrument is updated, while keeping the same slimline design as the well-loved PX-S1000
• It is less that 11 inches deep, so it’s a real space saver
• It has good connectivity, including Bluetooth
• The grand piano tones in the AiR sound engine are lovely
• Similarly, the German Concert Piano is a stunner
• It works with apps like Chordana
• Because of the USB-MIDI jack, you can use it as a MIDI controller
• The VSTs go a long was in making it sound more realistic
• It is compatible with a plastic stand, or the CS-68P stand, which is wood
• The low end of sounds PX-S1100 really shine with this speaker system!
• Smart scaled action has a third sensor for more expressive and accurate playing
• The touch sensor controls light up, so you can see them while playing in the dark

CONS

• There is no screen
• The PX-S1100 isn’t all that different from the PX-S1000
• It only has 18 tones
• The sound quality of the non-piano tones leaves something to be desired
• The controls can be difficult to navigate
• Advanced players may want more polypony
• The key action is light, and some don’t care for it
• Other musicians have said the sound quality at loud volumes is lacking