When it comes to digital pianos, Casio has long been a household name, offering a wide range of instruments that cater to both beginners and seasoned musicians. The Casio Privia PX-S1100, released as an update to the highly popular PX-S1000, is no exception.
Combining sleek design, portability, and advanced features, the PX-S1100 aims to attract pianists who want a reliable and elegant instrument without the bulkiness of traditional pianos.
In this Casio Privia PX-S1100 review, I will dive deep into every aspect of the digital piano, from its design and build quality to its sound engine, key action, and connectivity options, giving you a thorough analysis of this instrument.
If you click the button above you will be redirected to Amazon.com. In case you then decide to buy anything, Amazon.com will pay me a commission. This doesn’t affect the honesty of this review in any way though.
Casio PX-S1100 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Casio Privia PX-S1100 |
| Keyboard | 88 fully weighted, scaled hammer-action keys (Smart Scaled Hammer Action) |
| Key Surface | Simulated ebony and ivory textures |
| Touch Sensitivity | 5 sensitivity levels (including off) |
| Sound Source | Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) |
| Polyphony (Max) | 192 notes |
| Tones | 18 instrument tones (including grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, etc.) |
| Acoustic Simulations | String resonance, damper resonance, key-off simulation |
| Effects | Reverb (4 types), Chorus (4 types), Brilliance, DSP effects |
| Demo Songs | 60 built-in songs |
| Metronome | Yes, adjustable tempo, time signature, and volume |
| Pedals | Damper pedal included (SP-3), supports optional 3-pedal unit (SP-34) |
| Recording | 2-track MIDI recorder |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 for Audio and MIDI |
| USB Connectivity | USB Type-B (for computer connection), USB Type-A (for flash drives) |
| App Compatibility | Casio Music Space (iOS/Android) |
| Speakers | 2 x 8W (stereo speakers) |
| Headphone Output | 2 x 1/4″ stereo headphone jacks |
| Dimensions | 52.0” x 9.1” x 4.7” (132.2 x 23.2 x 11.7 cm) |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Power Source | AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 4 hours with alkaline batteries |
| Finish Options | Black, White, Red |
| Included Accessories | SP-3 sustain pedal, AC adapter, music stand |
Unboxing and First Impressions
- Packaging and Initial Setup
- Design and Aesthetics
- Portability
Packaging and Initial Setup
The PX-S1100 comes well-packaged, ensuring the digital piano is protected during transit. Casio has made sure to include a basic setup guide, and unpacking the unit is straightforward. Inside the box, you’ll find the piano itself, an AC adapter, a music stand, a basic sustain pedal, and a user manual. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the piano’s sleek appearance and compact form factor.
Setting up the PX-S1100 is a breeze. It’s as simple as plugging in the power adapter, attaching the music stand, and connecting the pedal. The sustain pedal included is a basic one, and while it gets the job done, more experienced players might want to upgrade to a higher-quality pedal. If you’re using a stand, the PX-S1100 is compatible with a range of standard keyboard stands, and its lightweight design makes it easy to place on top of any surface.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the standout features of the PX-S1100 is its minimalist design. At only 4.7 inches deep, it is one of the slimmest digital pianos available on the market. The piano’s glossy top surface is sleek, modern, and aesthetically pleasing. Available in three colors—black, white, and red—the piano can fit into a variety of environments, whether you’re placing it in a living room, studio, or classroom.
There are no physical buttons cluttering the interface. Instead, Casio has opted for touch-sensitive, illuminated controls that seamlessly blend into the piano’s surface when not in use. When you power the PX-S1100, these touch buttons light up, providing an intuitive, futuristic user interface. This design choice not only looks good but also enhances the user experience by making the control panel less intimidating for beginners.
Portability
Weighing in at just under 25 pounds (11.2 kg), the PX-S1100 is incredibly portable, making it an excellent option for musicians who need a piano they can take on the go. Whether you’re gigging or simply moving the piano around the house, the PX-S1100’s lightweight design is a huge advantage. Unlike many other digital pianos in its class, you won’t struggle to lift or carry this instrument. For gigging musicians, this portability is a game-changer, as it offers all the benefits of a full-sized piano in a form factor that’s easy to transport.
Sound Quality and Sound Engine
- Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source
- Piano Sounds and Variations
- Other Instrument Voices
- Acoustic Simulations and Effects
Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source
At the heart of the PX-S1100 is Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) sound engine. This technology was first introduced in Casio’s higher-end models, and it makes a noticeable difference in the overall sound quality. The AiR engine simulates the sound of an acoustic piano in great detail, using complex algorithms to recreate the subtle nuances of hammer actions, string resonance, and the natural decay of sound.
One of the most impressive aspects of the AiR engine is its ability to replicate dynamic changes in tone based on your playing style. From soft pianissimos to booming fortissimos, the PX-S1100 does a remarkable job of capturing the full dynamic range of a real acoustic piano.
Piano Sounds and Variations
The PX-S1100 comes with 18 onboard sounds, with the grand piano sound being the most prominent. The main grand piano preset is warm, resonant, and incredibly expressive, making it suitable for various musical genres, from classical to jazz and pop.
What stands out most about the PX-S1100’s piano sounds is the level of detail. The grand piano preset captures the brightness and sustain of the higher octaves while maintaining a deep, rich bass in the lower register. Additionally, Casio includes a couple of alternative piano voices, such as a more mellow grand piano and an electric piano. Each preset is well-suited for different styles, whether you’re playing a soft ballad or a bright jazz tune.
Other Instrument Voices
While the primary focus of the PX-S1100 is its piano sound, it also comes loaded with other instrument voices, including:
- Electric Pianos
- Harpsichord
- Vibraphone
- Strings
- Organs
The electric piano sounds are another highlight, offering vintage vibes reminiscent of the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer. The organ sounds, while basic, are effective for background work in rock or gospel settings. The strings are lush, and although not as detailed as standalone string sample libraries, they are more than adequate for layering under piano pieces. However, the variety of sounds on offer, though useful, might feel a bit limited for those looking for an extensive library of non-piano sounds.
Acoustic Simulations and Effects
One of the features that elevate the PX-S1100’s sound is the inclusion of various acoustic simulations. These include damper resonance, string resonance, and key-off simulation. Damper resonance simulates the interaction between strings when the sustain pedal is used, creating a more immersive and realistic sound. The string resonance effect further enhances this by replicating the sympathetic vibrations of other strings, adding to the authenticity.
The PX-S1100 also offers a range of effects like reverb, chorus, and brilliance controls. These effects allow you to tweak the sound to suit your environment or personal preference. The reverb, in particular, is impressive, offering room, hall, and stage simulations that can make your playing feel more expansive. The chorus effect adds a lush, swirling quality to electric pianos and other sounds, while the brilliance control lets you adjust the overall brightness of the instrument’s tone.
Key Action and Playability
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
- Touch Sensitivity and Customization
- Pedals and Damper Functionality
Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
One of the most crucial aspects of any digital piano is the feel of the keys, and the PX-S1100 doesn’t disappoint. Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard is designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic grand piano. The keys are fully weighted, with graded hammer action, meaning the lower keys have a heavier feel, and the higher keys are lighter, just like a real piano.
Casio has employed a smart, scaled hammer action that uses different weighting on each key, as opposed to the traditional zones of weighted keys. This gives the PX-S1100 a more realistic and nuanced touch. The simulated ivory and ebony texture on the keytops also adds to the authentic playing experience, providing a tactile feel that is both comfortable and grippy.
Touch Sensitivity and Customization
The PX-S1100 offers several levels of touch sensitivity, allowing players to adjust the keyboard’s response to their playing style. There are four levels to choose from: light, medium, heavy, and fixed. The light setting makes the keys more responsive to a gentle touch, while the heavy setting requires more force to produce sound. This customization is ideal for players of all skill levels, as it allows them to tailor the piano’s response to their personal preference.
In practice, the touch sensitivity is incredibly responsive, and I found that the piano accurately captures subtle changes in dynamics. Whether playing fast runs or slower, more expressive passages, the PX-S1100 delivers an experience that is close to what you’d expect from a traditional acoustic piano.
Pedals and Damper Functionality
As mentioned earlier, the PX-S1100 comes with a basic sustain pedal, which is functional but limited in scope. For players looking for more control, Casio offers an optional three-pedal unit (SP-34), which adds damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals. The damper pedal, in particular, supports half-pedaling, giving you more nuanced control over sustain—something that is crucial for more advanced repertoire.
With the half-pedal function, you can partially depress the damper pedal, resulting in a more gradual release of the sustained notes, which mimics the behavior of a traditional piano. This feature will be especially appreciated by classical players, as it allows for more intricate pedaling techniques.
Connectivity and Features
- Bluetooth MIDI and Audio
- USB Connectivity
- Casio Music Space App
- Recording and Playback
Bluetooth MIDI and Audio
One of the standout features of the PX-S1100 is its Bluetooth connectivity, which supports both MIDI and audio streaming. This means you can wirelessly connect the piano to your smartphone, tablet, or computer for MIDI control, as well as stream audio directly through the PX-S1100’s speakers.
Bluetooth MIDI is a great addition for players who want to use the piano in conjunction with music production software or apps like GarageBand, Logic Pro, or FL Studio. With Bluetooth audio, you can stream backing tracks, playlists,
or instructional videos through the piano’s speakers without the need for additional cables or external speakers. This feature is especially useful for practice sessions and performances.
USB Connectivity
In addition to Bluetooth, the PX-S1100 includes a USB Type-B port, allowing for a direct connection to a computer for use as a MIDI controller or recording device. It’s plug-and-play, meaning no additional drivers are needed for most devices, making it easy to integrate into any home studio setup.
You can also connect a USB flash drive to the PX-S1100 for saving recordings made using the piano’s onboard recorder. This feature is useful for quickly capturing ideas or performances without needing a computer.
Casio Music Space App
Casio has introduced the Casio Music Space app, a companion app designed to work seamlessly with the PX-S1100. Available for both iOS and Android, the app offers a variety of features, including interactive lessons, sheet music, and the ability to control certain aspects of the piano, like changing sounds or adjusting effects, directly from your mobile device. The app is user-friendly and a great tool for beginner and intermediate players looking to enhance their practice sessions.
Recording and Playback
The PX-S1100 includes a two-track MIDI recorder, which allows you to record and layer performances. You can record your right-hand melody on one track and left-hand accompaniment on the other, then play them back together. While the built-in recorder only supports MIDI, the option to save recordings to a USB drive or transfer them to a DAW via USB or Bluetooth makes it easy to turn your recordings into audio files.
Speakers and Sound Projection
- Speaker System
- Headphone Use and Silent Practice
Speaker System
The PX-S1100 features a pair of stereo speakers with 8W per channel. While the speakers are relatively small, they deliver impressive sound for their size. The bass response is particularly noteworthy, given the compact nature of the instrument. The speakers are rear-facing, which works well when the piano is placed against a wall, as the sound reflects back into the room.
For home use or small performances, the built-in speakers are more than adequate. However, for larger venues or gigs, you might want to use external amplification, especially if you’re competing with other instruments or need more projection.
Headphone Use and Silent Practice
For silent practice, the PX-S1100 offers dual headphone jacks, which allow you to plug in headphones and enjoy private practice sessions without disturbing others. The headphone sound quality is excellent, with a clear, detailed representation of the piano’s sound. The dual jacks also make it easy for teachers and students to practice together, listening through separate headphones.
Price and Value for Money
At its price point, the Casio Privia PX-S1100 offers excellent value for money. The combination of realistic key action, high-quality piano sounds, Bluetooth connectivity, and portability make it one of the best digital pianos in its class. While there are other digital pianos available at a similar price, few offer the same balance of features, portability, and sound quality as the PX-S1100.
For beginners, the PX-S1100 is a great starting point, offering an authentic piano experience without the high cost or bulk of an acoustic piano. For intermediate and advanced players, the PX-S1100 provides a solid practice instrument, and its lightweight design makes it ideal for musicians on the go.
Comparison with Alternatives
1. Casio PX-S1100 vs. Yamaha P-125
The Yamaha P-125 is one of Casio’s biggest competitors in the mid-range digital piano market. Both the PX-S1100 and P-125 are aimed at intermediate players and offer high-quality sound engines and excellent key actions, but each has distinct advantages.
Design and Portability: The Casio PX-S1100 stands out immediately due to its ultra-slim and sleek design, measuring just 4.7 inches deep and weighing around 25 pounds. By comparison, the Yamaha P-125 is bulkier, weighing about 26 pounds with a more traditional design. If portability and a minimalist look are essential, the PX-S1100 wins here.
Sound Quality: The Yamaha P-125 uses Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, which features samples from the Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano. It has a warm and resonant sound, especially in the middle register. The Casio PX-S1100, on the other hand, features the AiR Sound Engine, which provides a more detailed resonance and dynamic range, particularly excelling in its string resonance and acoustic simulations. While both sound great, the PX-S1100 offers a slightly more realistic grand piano experience, thanks to its focus on recreating the subtleties of an acoustic piano.
Key Action: Both pianos use weighted hammer-action keys, but the Yamaha P-125 has GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action, which is a solid and reliable key system. However, Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action is more nuanced, offering greater control over touch sensitivity, making it a bit more refined for expressive playing.
Features and Connectivity: The PX-S1100 offers Bluetooth MIDI and audio—a feature lacking in the Yamaha P-125. Casio also allows for audio streaming through the piano’s speakers, making it a better choice for modern musicians who want wireless connectivity. However, Yamaha’s P-125 shines with a two-track recorder and duo mode for student-teacher sessions.
Verdict: If portability, aesthetics, and advanced connectivity are important, the Casio PX-S1100 is the better option. However, the Yamaha P-125 is a solid alternative if you’re looking for traditional design and prefer the sound of Yamaha’s grand pianos.
2. Casio PX-S1100 vs. Roland FP-30X
The Roland FP-30X is another formidable competitor in the same price range as the Casio PX-S1100. Both models are feature-rich, but they cater to slightly different priorities in terms of design, sound, and overall experience.
Design and Portability: Like the Yamaha P-125, the Roland FP-30X is larger and bulkier than the PX-S1100. Weighing in at 31 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier than the PX-S1100. The Casio PX-S1100, being slimmer and lighter, is much easier to transport. For musicians who travel frequently or need to save space, the Casio is the obvious winner in terms of portability.
Sound Quality: Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine powers the FP-30X, and it provides a warm, organic sound with highly detailed tonal variations. The FP-30X excels in the mid to lower registers, giving a rich, deep resonance that many players appreciate, particularly for classical and jazz music. The Casio PX-S1100’s AiR Sound Engine focuses on a bright, dynamic range and delivers impressive acoustic simulations, but its sound may come across as slightly less “natural” compared to Roland’s SuperNATURAL technology.
Key Action: Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard action is widely praised for being responsive and well-balanced, with a realistic feel. The Smart Scaled Hammer Action on the PX-S1100 is also very good, but the Roland’s key action feels closer to that of an acoustic piano, thanks to its heavier touch. Advanced pianists who prioritize key feel might prefer Roland’s heavier action, while those looking for something a little lighter and faster might opt for Casio.
Features and Connectivity: The PX-S1100 edges out the FP-30X with its Bluetooth audio and MIDI capabilities. While the FP-30X offers Bluetooth MIDI, it lacks the ability to stream audio through its speakers. Both pianos include USB connectivity, and both offer similar app compatibility for learning and practicing.
Verdict: The Roland FP-30X is the better option if you prioritize acoustic realism in both sound and touch. However, the Casio PX-S1100 is ideal for those who want a more portable piano with cutting-edge Bluetooth features and a sleeker design.
3. Casio PX-S1100 vs. Korg B2
The Korg B2 is a budget-friendly digital piano that offers excellent sound and key action for its price, but how does it compare to the Casio PX-S1100?
Design and Portability: Both the PX-S1100 and Korg B2 are designed to be compact and portable. However, the Korg B2 is slightly bulkier and heavier (weighing around 25.1 lbs) than the Casio PX-S1100. Casio’s design, with its ultra-slim profile and lightweight construction, is more modern and minimalistic compared to Korg’s more traditional aesthetic.
Sound Quality: The Korg B2 is powered by a PCM sound engine, which includes high-quality piano sounds sampled from German and Italian grand pianos. The sound quality is excellent, especially for the price, offering a bright, clear tone. However, the AiR Sound Engine of the PX-S1100 produces a more nuanced and expressive sound, with advanced acoustic simulations such as string resonance and key-off effects that make it sound closer to an acoustic piano. The PX-S1100 simply offers more depth in sound than the Korg B2, making it a better choice for more experienced players.
Key Action: The Korg B2 uses Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keys, which offer a good level of realism but feel slightly lighter than the Casio PX-S1100’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action. While both pianos provide a solid key feel, the PX-S1100’s graded action is more advanced, offering a more authentic piano playing experience.
Features and Connectivity: In terms of connectivity, the Korg B2 is more limited. It lacks Bluetooth functionality, which the PX-S1100 excels in, providing Bluetooth audio and MIDI streaming. The B2 does have basic USB MIDI connectivity and an audio input, but the PX-S1100’s connectivity options are far superior for musicians who want a more versatile instrument for modern setups.
Verdict: The Korg B2 is a great option for beginners or budget-conscious buyers looking for a straightforward digital piano with good sound. However, for those willing to spend a bit more, the Casio PX-S1100 offers a much more sophisticated experience in terms of sound quality, key action, and modern connectivity.
4. Casio PX-S1100 vs. Alesis Recital Pro
The Alesis Recital Pro is another budget-friendly alternative to the Casio PX-S1100, catering to beginners who need a basic but functional instrument. How do these two digital pianos stack up against each other?
Design and Portability: The Alesis Recital Pro, while portable, is heavier and bulkier than the PX-S1100. Weighing around 26 pounds, it’s still fairly lightweight, but the Casio PX-S1100’s slim design and 25-pound frame make it a better choice for players who prioritize portability and aesthetics. The sleek and modern look of the PX-S1100 far surpasses the more utilitarian design of the Recital Pro.
Sound Quality: The Alesis Recital Pro offers 12 built-in sounds, including grand pianos, electric pianos, and organs, but its sound engine is more basic compared to Casio’s AiR Sound Engine. The piano sounds on the Recital Pro are decent, especially considering the lower price point, but they lack the depth, realism, and dynamic range that the PX-S1100 provides. The Casio AiR engine produces more nuanced acoustic simulations, with features like damper resonance and key-off effects, giving it a richer and more authentic sound overall.
Key Action: Both the Alesis Recital Pro and Casio PX-S1100 feature fully-weighted keys, but the Smart Scaled Hammer Action on the PX-S1100 is significantly more refined. The Recital Pro uses a more basic hammer action, which, while serviceable for beginners, feels less responsive and lacks the precision of the Casio’s action. For intermediate and advanced players, the key action on the PX-S1100 will be much more satisfying.
Features and Connectivity: The Alesis Recital Pro offers basic connectivity with USB MIDI and a headphone jack, but it doesn’t have any wireless options. The PX-S1100, with Bluetooth audio and MIDI, far surpasses the Recital Pro in terms of modern features, making it a better choice for those who want to integrate their piano with smart devices or use it in a variety of settings.
Verdict: The Alesis Recital Pro is a great entry-level digital piano for beginners on a budget, but the Casio PX-S1100 offers far superior sound quality, key action, and modern connectivity features, making it the better choice for players
seeking a more advanced and versatile instrument.
Conclusion
The Casio Privia PX-S1100 is a fantastic digital piano that excels in several key areas: sound quality, portability, design, and connectivity. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first digital piano or a more experienced player in need of a portable practice solution, the PX-S1100 ticks all the right boxes.
Pros:
- Slim, stylish design
- Great sound quality with AiR sound engine
- Excellent key action with realistic touch response
- Bluetooth MIDI and audio functionality
- Lightweight and portable
- Customizable touch sensitivity
- Compatible with Casio’s Music Space app
Cons:
- Limited number of onboard sounds compared to some competitors
- Basic sustain pedal included (upgraded pedals sold separately)
- Speakers may lack power for larger venues
In summary, the Casio Privia PX-S1100 is an outstanding digital piano that offers a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price. Its slim design and advanced technology make it a joy to play, while its connectivity options ensure that it will remain a versatile tool for years to come. Whether you’re playing at home, performing live, or using it as a MIDI controller in the studio, the PX-S1100 delivers on all fronts.