If you’re shopping for a console-style digital piano in the $1,200–$1,300 range, the Casio PX-870 and Yamaha YDP-165 are two names that keep popping up. Both promise an authentic piano experience in a stylish cabinet that looks right at home in a living room, music room, or studio. They’re aimed squarely at players who want the feel and tone of an acoustic without the space, maintenance, or volume headaches.
At first glance, these two are more alike than different—full 88-key graded hammer actions, three pedals, quality speaker systems, and polished finishes. Yet, the personality difference shows up quickly. The Casio PX-870 leans into modern elegance, with a sleek top speaker grill and minimal controls. The Yamaha YDP-165 goes for timeless, upright-piano warmth, with a subtle glow of tradition in its finish and form. Both look great, but the question is—which one truly delivers the better all-around playing experience?
Casio PX-870 vs Yamaha YDP-165 Comparison Chart
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| Specification | Casio PX-870 | Yamaha YDP-165 |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Check the best price on Amazon | Check the best price on Amazon | |
| Keys | 88 weighted keys, Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, simulated ebony & ivory keytops | 88 weighted keys, Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) action, synthetic ebony & ivory keytops |
| Touch Sensitivity | 3 levels + off | 3 levels + fixed |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | 192 notes |
| Voices / Tones | 19 voices | 10 voices |
| Main Piano Sound Source | Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source | Yamaha CFX Grand Piano sample |
| Speakers | 4 speakers: 2 × 12 cm + 2 × 4 cm, 40W total output | 2 speakers: 2 × 12 cm, 20W total output |
| Effects | Reverb (4 types), Chorus, Brilliance, DSP | Reverb (4 types) |
| Recording (MIDI) | 2-track MIDI recorder, 5,000 notes | 2-track MIDI recorder, ~100 KB/song |
| Recording (Audio) | Direct-to-USB (WAV, 44.1 kHz/16-bit) | Not supported |
| Metronome | Yes (adjustable tempo, beat, and volume) | Yes |
| Pedals | 3 pedals (damper with half-pedal, sostenuto, soft) | 3 pedals (damper with half-pedal, sostenuto, soft) |
| USB to Host (MIDI) | Yes | Yes |
| USB to Device | Yes (for flash drives) | No |
| Bluetooth | Optional adapter (MIDI + Audio) | Optional adapter (MIDI only) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 × 3.5 mm stereo | 2 × 6.3 mm stereo |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 1,393 × 299 × 801 mm | 1,357 × 422 × 849 mm |
| Weight | 34.3 kg (75.6 lbs) | 42 kg (92.6 lbs) |
| Finish Options | Black, White, Brown | Black, Rosewood, White |
| My individual reviews | Casio PX-870 review | Yamaha YDP-165 review |
Design & Build
When you’re investing in a console-style digital piano like the Casio PX-870 or Yamaha YDP-165, design and build quality aren’t just about cosmetics. These instruments become part of your living space. They need to look good from the day you set them up and feel reassuringly solid every time you sit down to play. Unlike portable keyboards that you might shove into a corner or keep in a case, these models will stay assembled in one place for years. That means the design choices—both aesthetic and structural—play a big role in long-term satisfaction.
General form factor
Both pianos follow the console digital piano template: an upright-style body with a full-length music rest, integrated pedalboard, and side panels that mimic the silhouette of a small upright acoustic. They’re both full-sized instruments and not designed for regular transport. While either one can be disassembled into major components for moving, this isn’t something you’ll want to do often. Think of them as “once assembled, it stays there” pieces.
The Casio PX-870 has a slightly more modern take on this form. The most notable feature is the continuous top panel with a slim grill that hides its upward-facing speakers. There’s no folding or propped lid—just a smooth, flat surface with a sliding key cover underneath. This gives it a streamlined, almost minimalist vibe that feels right at home in contemporary interiors.
The Yamaha YDP-165, on the other hand, embraces the more traditional upright-piano look. The top surface is interrupted by a classic flip-up key cover that doubles as a music rest support when opened. The cabinet sides have a gently tapered shape, giving it that “upright furniture” profile Yamaha has been perfecting for decades.
Dimensions and space requirements
The PX-870 measures roughly 54.8″ (W) x 11.7″ (D) x 31.5″ (H) and weighs around 75 lbs (34 kg). The depth is notably slimmer than most console pianos, which can be a real advantage in smaller apartments or tight practice corners. That slim depth contributes to its sleek look without feeling flimsy.
The YDP-165 comes in at about 53.4″ (W) x 16.6″ (D) x 32″ (H) and weighs about 92 lbs (42 kg). It’s deeper, heavier, and more substantial—closer to the size of a small upright acoustic. This extra bulk gives it a certain gravitas in a room but does mean it needs more space. The extra weight can also translate to a slightly more stable feel when playing aggressively, though both are sturdy.
Materials and finish
Neither model is made of solid wood; instead, both use a high-quality MDF or particleboard core with laminate finishes. This is standard in this category—it keeps cost down while still looking refined.
Casio offers the PX-870 in three finishes: black, white, and brown. The black is a matte/satin style that resists fingerprints better than high-gloss finishes. The white is clean and modern, and the brown has a warmer, traditional look. The laminate quality is good, with tight seams and no rough edges.
Yamaha’s YDP-165 also comes in three finishes: black, white, and dark rosewood. The dark rosewood has a slightly textured feel that mimics wood grain, giving it a furniture-grade appearance from a distance. Yamaha’s finishing process is excellent—panel joins are clean, and the sheen is consistent. This is one area where Yamaha’s decades of furniture-grade instrument building really show.
Build quality and assembly
Both pianos arrive flat-packed in several boxes: one for the keyboard unit, one for the stand/cabinet components, and another for the pedal assembly. Assembly is straightforward for either—basically, you build the side panels, crossbar, and base, attach the pedal unit, then set the keyboard on top and secure it with screws.
Once assembled, the PX-870 feels sturdy, though the slimmer depth means the side panels aren’t as thick as Yamaha’s. Casio keeps the weight down without making the unit wobbly, and the pedal assembly is solid with little flex.
The YDP-165’s thicker side panels and heavier base give it a more “anchored” presence. When you play heavier passages or pedal with force, the entire structure feels immovable. This may appeal to players who want the exact physical solidity of an acoustic.
Ergonomics and player experience
One thing you’ll notice immediately when sitting down is the difference in how the controls are laid out. On the PX-870, Casio puts the small cluster of buttons and volume knob neatly to the left of the keyboard. This makes them accessible but visually unobtrusive. The sliding key cover operates smoothly and hides the keys completely, protecting them from dust when not in use. The music rest is wide enough for multiple sheets and has a gentle angle.
Yamaha’s YDP-165 uses small rectangular buttons along the left edge of the keyboard, with subtle backlighting. The flip-down key cover closes over them, so the whole panel is hidden when the lid is shut. The music rest is fixed, tall, and more vertical than Casio’s, which may be slightly better for reading in certain lighting conditions. Yamaha also includes a small hook underneath for hanging headphones—a surprisingly practical detail Casio omits.
Acoustic presence and speaker integration
From a purely visual standpoint, Casio’s speaker grill is a talking point. It runs across the top panel and integrates seamlessly with the cabinet design. This grill isn’t just aesthetic—it allows upward-firing speakers to project sound toward the player’s ears, mimicking the feel of sitting at an acoustic with an open lid. Yamaha’s speakers are downward-firing and hidden, which keeps the top surface completely clean but changes how sound interacts with the room. We’ll discuss the sound implications later, but in terms of design, Casio’s choice gives the piano a distinct modern identity.
Durability and maintenance
Both instruments are designed to handle years of regular home use with minimal upkeep. The laminate surfaces are easy to clean with a soft cloth and mild solution. The pedals are metal with a polished finish—resistant to wear but will show fingerprints if touched often. The sliding mechanism on Casio’s key cover feels solid and unlikely to warp. Yamaha’s hinged cover is also smooth, with no grinding or misalignment.
The weight difference plays a role here too—heavier cabinets like the YDP-165’s tend to feel more solid long-term if the piano is subject to a lot of daily use. The PX-870 is lighter but still far from flimsy; it just trades some of that mass for a sleeker footprint.
Aesthetic versatility
Casio’s minimalist lines and slimmer profile make it easier to fit into modern interiors without overpowering the room. It can blend into a corner without screaming “I’m a piano,” especially in white or black finishes. The brown finish leans warmer, so it works in more traditional settings.
Yamaha’s design, particularly in dark rosewood, feels more like a piece of formal furniture. In a living room with wood tones and classic décor, it will look like it belongs there naturally. The white and black finishes skew more modern, but the overall shape still nods toward tradition.
Final thoughts on design and build
In the design stakes, neither is a clear loser—it’s more a matter of taste and space. If you have a smaller room, lean toward modern aesthetics, or like the idea of upward-firing speakers integrated into the cabinet design, the PX-870 stands out. If you prefer the reassuring bulk and traditional upright style that says “acoustic piano” at a glance, the YDP-165 has the edge.
Yamaha’s heavier build may be an advantage for players who want maximum stability, while Casio’s sleeker profile appeals to those who value footprint and a contemporary look. Both are well-made, easy to assemble, and finished to a high standard for their price point. You’re not going to feel shortchanged on quality with either one—your decision will come down to whether you lean toward Yamaha’s classic weight and warmth or Casio’s modern, efficient elegance.
Keyboard & Touch
For most players, the keyboard action is where the decision is made or broken. You can have the prettiest cabinet, the most advanced sound engine, or the best connectivity, but if the keys don’t feel right under your fingers, you’ll never truly connect with the instrument. The Casio PX-870 and Yamaha YDP-165 both aim to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano in their own way, using graded hammer actions and textured keys, but their approach, resistance, and nuance differ in ways that matter when you’re actually playing.
General action type and philosophy
The Casio PX-870 uses Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II. This is a fully weighted, graded action, meaning the keys in the lower register feel heavier and the upper register lighter—just like an acoustic grand. The “tri-sensor” part refers to the fact that each key has three sensors instead of two. This allows the piano to detect repeated keystrokes more accurately, even if the key doesn’t return fully to the top before being played again. For fast passages, trills, or legato work, this can make the instrument feel more responsive.
The Yamaha YDP-165 features the GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) action. Like Casio’s, it is graded and weighted, with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops. The “GH3” designation also indicates a three-sensor system, so repeated note recognition is on par with Casio’s offering. Yamaha has a long history with hammer actions, and the GH3 is an evolution of earlier GH designs, aiming to be closer to the resistance and return speed of a real upright or small grand.
Both actions are mechanical, with actual hammers inside—not springs—so the tactile feel is much closer to a real acoustic piano than you’ll get on semi-weighted or synth-style boards.
Key surfaces and tactile feel
Casio’s keytops have a matte finish with synthetic ivory for the whites and synthetic ebony for the blacks. The matte texture offers a subtle grip, which is useful during long practice sessions when fingers may get sweaty. The texture is slightly less pronounced than Yamaha’s, making them feel smooth without being slippery.
Yamaha’s synthetic ivory/ebony keytops have a slightly more defined texture, especially on the black keys, which some players find more “grippy.” This can be a plus for advanced repertoire that demands precise finger placement, though some beginners might find it unusual at first if they’ve only played glossy plastic keys before.
Resistance and weight
The Casio PX-870’s action is slightly on the lighter side compared to many acoustic uprights. It’s still weighted enough to provide dynamic control, but beginners often appreciate that it doesn’t require as much force. This can make extended playing less fatiguing for those still developing finger strength. The balance between weight and responsiveness is well-judged for home practice.
The Yamaha YDP-165’s GH3 action has a touch more heft, closer to a mid-sized upright acoustic. If you’re used to playing real acoustic pianos, especially Yamahas, this may feel instantly familiar. It does demand a bit more from your fingers, which some players prefer because it builds strength and translates more naturally to acoustic performance.
Key return and repetition speed
Both tri-sensor systems excel in allowing rapid note repetition. On older two-sensor digital pianos, you had to fully release a key for the second sensor to trigger again, which made certain passages clunky. With three sensors, the PX-870 and YDP-165 can register a note even if the key is released only partway.
Casio’s action feels just a hair quicker in return speed, which might be a benefit for players working on fast arpeggios or jazz runs. Yamaha’s return speed is still excellent, but the slightly heavier weight gives it a more deliberate feel, which some classical players might actually prefer.
Noise and mechanical feel
All digital piano actions produce some mechanical noise from the keys and hammers moving, though it’s far quieter than an acoustic. On the PX-870, the key action noise is soft and dampened, making it a good choice for apartment living where you might be concerned about neighbors hearing even the mechanical noise through walls at night.
The YDP-165’s GH3 action has a slightly more pronounced “thunk” on bottoming out, which is not unpleasant—it’s more like the sound of a real piano action and may even add to the realism for the player.
Dynamic control and expression
Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II is tuned for a wide velocity range, meaning you can play from pianissimo to fortissimo with a lot of gradation in between. It pairs well with the PX-870’s AiR Sound Source, which has nuanced sampling and resonance simulation. You can play a note very softly and still trigger a detailed, delicate sample without it feeling like the sound jumps.
Yamaha’s GH3 also provides excellent control, and it’s designed to match the dynamic layers of their CFX grand sampling. The slightly heavier action means that pushing into the keys gives a satisfying response, and the way the sound blooms at higher velocities feels organic. Players who focus on dynamic shading and want each level of touch to feel predictable will appreciate this.
Pedal interaction and half-damper support
Here’s one notable difference: the YDP-165 supports half-damper pedaling, allowing you to partially depress the sustain pedal and get partial sustain—something acoustic pianists use for nuanced blending of notes. The PX-870’s triple pedal unit includes a damper, sostenuto, and soft pedal, and Casio’s damper also supports continuous detection, though some players feel Yamaha’s half-damper implementation is more finely tuned.
For intermediate and advanced players, this half-damper realism can make a difference, especially in romantic repertoire or Debussy-style pedal blending. Beginners may not notice much at first, but as technique grows, it’s something you’ll likely value.
Fatigue and practice comfort
This is where the personality of the two actions becomes evident. On the PX-870, the lighter touch can be more forgiving during long practice marathons. If you’re practicing several hours a day, especially scales and technical exercises, the reduced resistance can mean less physical fatigue while still providing enough feedback to build technique.
The YDP-165’s heavier action can be more demanding, but that’s a double-edged sword—it can tire beginners more quickly, but it also builds finger strength in a way that transfers well to acoustic piano performance.
Who each action might suit best
Casio’s action will likely appeal to:
- Beginners who want a comfortable action that encourages long practice sessions.
- Players who switch between piano and lighter-action keyboards (synths, workstations) and want something that won’t feel drastically heavier.
- Those playing fast, repeated-note passages in pop, jazz, or light classical who want quick key return.
Yamaha’s action will likely appeal to:
- Classical players who want resistance closer to an acoustic upright or small grand.
- Students preparing for exams or performances on acoustic pianos.
- Players who value half-damper precision for nuanced pedaling.
Long-term considerations
Both actions are built to last, with thousands of hours of playing in mind. Over time, key actions on digital pianos can develop slight changes in feel, but both Casio and Yamaha have solid reputations for durability in this price bracket. The difference will be more about which touch you want to live with day in and day out.
Casio’s slightly lighter action might make it easier to adapt to other keyboard instruments, while Yamaha’s could make the transition to a grand piano feel more natural. If you foresee moving toward higher-end acoustic grands later, Yamaha’s GH3 will feel like a familiar step.
Final thoughts on keyboard and touch
Both the PX-870 and YDP-165 offer legitimately high-quality actions that far exceed what you’d find in entry-level digital pianos. The choice here comes down to whether you want a slightly lighter, quicker-feeling action with smooth textured keys (Casio) or a heavier, more acoustic-like feel with finely tuned half-damper response (Yamaha).
For all-around comfort, especially in varied playing styles and long sessions, the PX-870’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II is a pleasure to play. For disciplined classical practice and a realistic acoustic transition, the YDP-165’s GH3 action is arguably more authentic. Neither will hold you back—the difference is about what inspires you more when your fingers hit the keys.
Sound Quality & Voices
Sound is the heart of any piano—digital or acoustic. It’s what makes you want to keep playing, what inspires emotion in you and your listeners, and what ultimately defines whether an instrument feels “alive” or flat. With the Casio PX-870 and Yamaha YDP-165, you’re looking at two distinctly different sound philosophies. Both aim for realism, but they get there in different ways, with their own tonal fingerprints and feature sets.
Sound engine and sampling approach
The Casio PX-870 uses Casio’s AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) Sound Source. This is more than just a set of recorded samples—it’s a processing engine that models elements of a piano’s tone over time, such as how the sound evolves after a note is struck, the way harmonics interact, and the natural decay. The AiR system uses lossless audio compression to preserve the full detail of its piano samples, which are recorded at multiple velocity layers. The PX-870 also incorporates features like string resonance, damper resonance, and key-off simulation, which reproduce the subtle sounds of a real acoustic when keys and pedals are released.
The Yamaha YDP-165 features Yamaha’s CFX Concert Grand sampling, which is derived from their 9-foot concert grand piano. The CFX is a flagship acoustic instrument that’s known for its bright, clear treble and powerful bass projection. In the YDP-165, Yamaha has sampled it at multiple dynamic levels to give you a range of expression from whisper-soft to commanding. Yamaha also includes VRM Lite (Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite), which adds sympathetic string resonance and damper resonance modeling, albeit in a simplified form compared to their higher-end models.
Tonal character and personality
Casio’s PX-870 tends to have a warmer, rounder character. The midrange is full-bodied, and the treble is clear without being overly bright. This warmth makes it inviting for long practice sessions and lends itself well to mellow repertoire—think Chopin nocturnes, jazz ballads, or pop accompaniment. The bass has good depth, and the AiR engine does a nice job of maintaining clarity in dense chords.
Yamaha’s YDP-165, true to the CFX heritage, has a brighter, more forward sound. The treble sparkles in a way that makes melodic lines stand out, and the bass is tight and articulate. This brightness is not harsh but does give the Yamaha a more “concert hall” projection, even through its modest speakers. Classical players, especially those who play repertoire that benefits from a clear melodic line—Mozart, Beethoven, and much of the Romantic canon—often gravitate toward this tone profile.
Polyphony and complexity
The PX-870 offers 256-note polyphony, which is generous for this price range. This means you can play very dense passages, use the sustain pedal liberally, and layer multiple voices without running into note dropouts. For example, if you’re playing a complex piece with lots of pedal while layering piano and strings, you’ll still hear each note’s natural decay without sudden cutoffs.
The YDP-165 offers 192-note polyphony, which is still more than enough for most real-world situations. In solo piano playing, it’s extremely rare to hit the limit, though if you use layering and heavy pedaling in combination with built-in songs, the Casio does have a technical advantage here.
Variety of voices
Casio’s PX-870 comes with 19 voices. Beyond the main concert grand pianos, you get variations like mellow piano, bright piano, and modern piano, along with electric pianos, harpsichords, strings, organs, and even bass splits. While nobody buys a console digital piano primarily for synth sounds, having variety can be inspiring—especially for pop and worship musicians who want to mix textures.
Yamaha’s YDP-165 is more focused, offering 10 voices in total. Three of these are acoustic pianos: CFX Grand, Mellow Grand, and Pop Grand. The others include electric pianos, harpsichord, vibraphone, and strings. Yamaha’s approach is clearly to give you fewer sounds but make them highly polished. If you’re the kind of player who mainly wants a superb acoustic piano sound and maybe one or two alternates, this focus might be appealing.
Resonance and realism features
On the PX-870, Casio’s resonance modeling is quite sophisticated. Damper resonance recreates the effect of undamped strings vibrating when you press the sustain pedal. String resonance models the sympathetic vibrations between strings when certain harmonics are triggered. Key-off simulation adds the subtle noise of a damped string as you release a key. Together, these features add a sense of “air” around the notes that makes the sound feel more three-dimensional, especially through the speakers.
Yamaha’s VRM Lite achieves a similar effect but in a simpler form. It still gives you the sensation of the strings interacting, but the modeling is not as deeply parameterized as on Yamaha’s higher-end Clavinova series. That said, the CFX sampling itself is so rich that you still get an inspiring playing experience, especially when you use half-damper pedaling to blend tones naturally.
Speaker systems and sound projection
The PX-870 uses a 40-watt, four-speaker system. Two speakers fire upward through the top grill, and two fire forward toward the player. This creates a sense of both direct and ambient sound, similar to how an acoustic piano’s soundboard and lid project. Sitting at the PX-870 feels immersive—you hear the sound bloom above and in front of you, which is something many console pianos in this range don’t do.
The YDP-165 also has a 40-watt total output but uses two larger 4.7-inch speakers that fire downward. This gives the sound a warm reflection off the floor but doesn’t create quite the same sense of spatial projection as Casio’s design. The Yamaha still sounds excellent at the bench, with clear stereo imaging, but the sound is more contained in the immediate playing area.
Volume performance
At high volume, the PX-870 holds its clarity well. The upward-facing speakers mean you can fill a medium-sized room without the sound feeling overly directional. The bass remains solid, and the mids stay warm. At low volume, Casio’s Volume Sync EQ feature boosts certain frequencies to prevent the sound from becoming thin—ideal for late-night practice.
The YDP-165 can also reach impressive volumes for home use. Its bass doesn’t boom as much, but it stays articulate, which can be better for complex classical textures. Yamaha also uses a similar volume-adaptive EQ to keep the tone balanced at softer levels, though the effect is a bit more subtle than Casio’s implementation.
Headphone experience
Through headphones, both pianos take on new life. The PX-870’s headphone mode simulates the way sound would reach your ears in a real acoustic environment, making it less “in your head” and more spatially natural. The stereo sampling is detailed, and you can practice for hours without ear fatigue.
The YDP-165 has Yamaha’s Stereophonic Optimizer, which does a similar job. It’s particularly effective with the CFX sample, making it feel like you’re seated in front of the actual grand piano rather than having the sound piped directly into each ear. Players who use headphones extensively might prefer Yamaha’s headphone imaging slightly, as it feels a bit more expansive in the treble.
Application to different genres
For classical music, the Yamaha’s clarity and projection of the CFX sample can make it easier to articulate complex textures, especially in faster, contrapuntal works. The bright top end helps melodies stand out without needing to force dynamics.
For jazz, pop, or ballads, the Casio’s warmth and speaker projection can feel more enveloping. Its mellow grand and modern grand variations allow you to tailor the tone to the song’s mood. The electric piano voices are also a bit more characterful on the Casio, making it more versatile in non-classical settings.
Limitations and trade-offs
Casio’s sound is immersive, but some players find the top end slightly less crystalline than Yamaha’s—more “polished warmth” than “concert sparkle.” For soloists who value treble detail above all else, Yamaha may edge ahead.
Yamaha’s sound, while gorgeous, can feel a little forward and bright for players who prefer a rounder tone. And with fewer voices, it’s not as adaptable to varied genres without external sound sources.
Final thoughts on sound and voices
If you want a full, warm, room-filling sound with a lot of tonal variety and a speaker system that feels alive, the PX-870 makes a strong case. It’s the sort of instrument that makes you want to play late into the night, lost in its resonance.
If you want a pure, focused, and articulate piano tone that shines in classical repertoire and rewards precise touch, the YDP-165’s CFX sample delivers. It’s less about variety and more about giving you one outstanding sound as your main voice.
Both pianos have excellent sound quality for their price, but your ear will tell you which “voice” feels like home.
Speakers & Headphone Experience
When you’re dealing with digital pianos in the PX-870 and YDP-165 category, the built-in speakers and headphone output can make or break the experience. These instruments are meant to be self-contained—no need for extra amps or PA systems—so the quality of the onboard sound system matters a lot. Whether you’re playing for yourself in a small room, giving a mini recital in your living room, or practicing late at night with headphones, how the sound is delivered shapes your entire relationship with the instrument.
Speaker design and placement
The Casio PX-870’s approach to speakers feels more ambitious for its price bracket. It uses a four-speaker setup: two upward-firing speakers under the top grill and two forward-facing speakers on the front panel. This means you’re not just hearing sound coming toward you—you’re also getting that sense of “lift” you’d get from an acoustic piano lid projecting into the room. The upward-firing drivers give the sound a more spacious, enveloping feel, and the forward-facing ones provide clarity directly to the player. This combination also means the PX-870 projects better into the room for anyone listening from a few feet away.
The Yamaha YDP-165 takes a simpler but still effective approach. It has two larger 4.7-inch downward-facing speakers. This design uses the floor as a natural reflector, which can give the tone a warm and blended quality. The downside is that the sound is less “directional” toward the player—sometimes you feel it’s blooming from below rather than surrounding you. That said, Yamaha knows how to voice speakers well, and the tone remains balanced and articulate.
Power and headroom
Both pianos have the same quoted total power output—40 watts—but how that power is distributed and voiced makes a noticeable difference.
The PX-870, with its four speakers, spreads the wattage across multiple drivers, reducing distortion at higher volumes and maintaining clarity even when you play fortissimo passages. You can push it pretty loud before you notice compression or muddiness, and even then, the midrange tends to stay clean. This is a real plus if you’re performing for a small group in your home and want to fill the space without external amplification.
The YDP-165’s two larger speakers are slightly more efficient at producing bass tones, which helps the Yamaha retain that signature clarity in the low end even at high volumes. The treble remains bright and present, though you might notice a bit more change in tone character as you crank the volume up compared to the Casio.
Stereo imaging and spatial feel
Casio’s multi-speaker arrangement wins here in terms of creating a sense of space. The upward-firing speakers add a vertical dimension, so it’s not just left-right stereo; it feels like the sound exists in a three-dimensional bubble around you. If you close your eyes while playing, it’s easy to imagine you’re sitting at an acoustic grand with the lid open.
The Yamaha’s stereo field is clear but a little flatter in comparison. Because the sound is coming from below, your perception of stereo spread is slightly more contained. Still, for a lot of players, especially those focused on precise, articulate tone, the YDP-165’s projection works well—it directs sound to the listener without too much “wash” from ambient reflections.
Playing at low volume
Many digital piano owners spend a lot of time playing at low volume, whether it’s late-night practice or avoiding disturbing others in the household. This is where both brands implement clever EQ adjustments.
Casio’s “Volume Sync EQ” automatically boosts bass and treble frequencies when the master volume is set low. This prevents the sound from becoming thin or muffled, and it’s particularly effective on the PX-870. Even at whisper-quiet levels, you still get a sense of body and sparkle, which makes playing softly more rewarding.
Yamaha does something similar with adaptive EQ, but the effect is more subtle. The YDP-165 retains clarity at low volumes, especially in the midrange, though the bass feels a touch lighter than Casio’s under the same conditions. Some players might actually prefer this, as it keeps the sound cleaner and less boomy in quiet practice settings.
Headphone output quality
Headphone playing is a huge part of the modern digital piano lifestyle, and both of these models take it seriously.
The PX-870 offers two headphone jacks (front left side under the keyboard), so you can plug in without reaching awkwardly around the back. Casio uses a special headphone mode that simulates the way an acoustic piano’s sound would interact with your head and ears, reducing the “stuck inside your skull” feeling that pure stereo samples can sometimes cause. The detail in the AiR sound engine comes through beautifully here—you hear the resonance, the subtle pedal noise, and the decay of notes without harshness.
The YDP-165 also provides two headphone jacks (located under the left side), and it employs Yamaha’s Stereophonic Optimizer. This is one of Yamaha’s best features for headphone players—it gives you the sensation of sitting in front of a real piano rather than having each note blasted straight into each ear. The effect is especially convincing with the CFX sample, as the optimizer preserves the sense of air and distance you’d get in a real room.
Comfort for extended headphone sessions
In longer practice sessions, headphone fatigue can become a real issue. Both pianos manage to avoid this by balancing frequencies naturally and avoiding the over-bright, clinical sound that some budget digital pianos produce.
The Casio’s warmth translates well to headphones—you get a full, lush sound that doesn’t tire your ears. The Yamaha’s headphone experience is slightly more “open” in the treble, which can feel more airy but might also be a tad more fatiguing if you’re sensitive to higher frequencies over long periods. This is very much a matter of personal preference.
Use in small performances or teaching
If you ever plan to use your digital piano in a small performance setting—say, accompanying a singer in a living room recital—the PX-870’s speaker projection is going to carry better into the room. That upward and forward dispersion makes it more satisfying for an audience, even if it’s just a handful of people.
The YDP-165 can still work well in such settings, but its sound tends to stay closer to the piano itself. For a solo player with a focused, articulate style, that can be fine—it’s just not as naturally “room-filling” as the Casio without miking or amplification.
Overall judgment on speakers and headphone experience
If you want a more immersive, room-filling speaker system with strong projection in multiple directions and an excellent low-volume EQ, the Casio PX-870 clearly pulls ahead. It feels like Casio designed it for people who want the piano to sound big without external gear.
If you value precision and a slightly more focused projection—especially for classical playing—the Yamaha YDP-165 holds its own. Its Stereophonic Optimizer is arguably a touch more convincing for headphone realism, which matters if silent practice is a large part of your life.
In both cases, these pianos exceed the expectations you might have at this price point for onboard sound. But your choice will depend on whether you prioritize immersive presence (Casio) or focused clarity (Yamaha) when it comes to hearing your music in the space around you.
Functions & Features
When you compare the Casio PX-870 and Yamaha YDP-165, you quickly notice they’re not competing to be Swiss Army knives of digital pianos. Neither is trying to be a stage keyboard crammed with synthesizer sounds or DJ tools—they’re squarely aimed at players who primarily want an acoustic piano experience in a digital format. That said, there’s still a meaningful difference in the extra functions they provide, and those differences can significantly affect how enjoyable and versatile your practice and performance time is.
Core philosophy of features
Casio tends to lean toward giving players more “toys” to play with, even in home-focused models. The PX-870 has a clear emphasis on expanding what you can do beyond standard piano playing—whether it’s layering sounds, recording performances, or adjusting sound details to taste.
Yamaha, on the other hand, is more conservative with features in the Arius line. The YDP-165 prioritizes a streamlined, “just sit down and play” experience. Its extras are more about supporting the core piano tone rather than expanding into lots of alternate voices or deep editing options. This makes it less overwhelming for beginners but potentially limiting for those who want more versatility without buying extra gear.
Voices and tone variety
The PX-870 offers 19 built-in tones. The list includes several acoustic piano variations, electric pianos, strings, organs, harpsichord, and a couple of pads. While none of these are trying to rival a professional workstation keyboard in depth, they’re well-voiced and useful for layering or creating different moods. You can, for example, layer a warm string pad under the main piano tone to add cinematic depth, or switch to a mellow electric piano for pop and jazz styles.
The YDP-165 is far more restrained—it has 10 voices total. These cover the essentials: a few acoustic pianos (including the flagship CFX concert grand), some electric pianos, strings, organ, harpsichord, and vibraphone. Yamaha’s samples are excellent, but the limited number means less variety for players who enjoy experimenting.
If you’re the type to stick with one great piano sound 90% of the time, Yamaha’s smaller voice set won’t be an issue. If you like mixing it up, Casio gives you more to work with right out of the box.
Polyphony
Polyphony—how many notes can sound at once—is an often overlooked but critical spec. It matters not only for fast or complex playing but also when layering sounds, using pedal resonance, or recording multiple tracks.
The PX-870 boasts 256-note polyphony, which is generous even for more expensive instruments. You can hold down the sustain pedal, play big chords, layer sounds, and still not hear notes cutting off prematurely.
The YDP-165 offers 192-note polyphony, which is still plenty for most players. In normal solo playing, you’re unlikely to max it out. However, in certain scenarios—layered voices, heavy pedaling—it’s theoretically possible to hit that ceiling sooner than on the Casio.
Layering and splitting sounds
Layering (two sounds at once) is available on both models, but splitting the keyboard into two different instrument zones is not a feature either offers—these aren’t designed to be band performance keyboards.
Casio makes layering simple, and the extra voice options mean you can be more creative with it. Piano + strings, electric piano + pad, or harpsichord + organ for baroque experiments—it’s all right there. Yamaha’s layering is equally easy to use, but with fewer combinations possible simply because of the smaller voice set.
Recording capabilities
The PX-870 is strong here. It has a 2-track MIDI recorder that allows you to record left and right hands separately, or two different instrument parts, and play them back together. You can also record your performance as a high-quality WAV file directly to a USB stick—meaning you can transfer it to a computer without extra audio gear. For players who like to record and share their performances, or track progress over time, this is a big plus.
The YDP-165 includes a basic 2-track MIDI recorder as well. You can record one hand at a time, layer them, and play back instantly. However, it doesn’t have onboard audio recording. If you want a WAV or MP3 file of your playing, you’ll need to record via an external device or through a computer connected via USB.
Built-in songs and learning tools
Casio loads the PX-870 with 60 built-in songs, plus the ability to load more via USB. You can mute one hand while practicing the other, adjust tempo, and loop sections. This is handy for structured practice or self-teaching, especially if you don’t always want to fire up an app or computer.
The YDP-165 comes with 353 songs in total—10 demo songs plus 50 classical pieces in the included book, and the rest as exercises and teaching materials. Yamaha’s approach leans heavily on traditional repertoire, which is great for players interested in classical training. You can also slow down playback, mute parts, and practice hand separately, just like on the Casio.
Pedal functions
Both pianos have a fixed three-pedal unit with damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals, all with half-pedaling capability for more nuanced control. Casio’s damper resonance effect can be tweaked to taste, giving you more customization over how “wet” the sustain sounds. Yamaha’s pedals feel slightly firmer and more like those on an acoustic upright, which may appeal to traditionalists.
Tone shaping and adjustments
Casio really stands out here. The PX-870 allows you to adjust brilliance (tone brightness), hall simulation (different reverb types), key-off simulation (how notes decay when you release the key), and even string resonance and lid position simulation. You can make the piano sound more open and bright for jazz or closed and mellow for intimate classical pieces.
Yamaha offers fewer adjustments, focusing on a small set of reverb types and brilliance control. You can still make meaningful changes, but the depth of tweaking is far less than on the Casio. Yamaha’s philosophy seems to be “give the player a perfect tone from the start,” whereas Casio encourages tinkering.
Other performance functions
The PX-870 includes a Concert Play mode—this lets you play along with recordings of a live orchestra, with the piano part muted for you to fill in. It’s a surprisingly engaging feature, especially if you like the idea of playing “in context” rather than solo all the time.
Yamaha doesn’t have a direct equivalent to Concert Play, but it integrates tightly with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app (more in the connectivity section later), which can pull up sheet music, chord charts, and even auto-generate scores for songs in your music library.
Metronome and transposition
Both models have a built-in metronome with adjustable tempo, time signature, and volume. Both also support transposition (shifting pitch up or down without changing fingering) and fine-tuning for playing with other instruments.
Casio includes a duet mode that splits the keyboard into two equal pitch ranges, so two players can sit side by side—ideal for teaching. Yamaha also includes this function (they call it Duo Mode).
Day-to-day usability
Casio’s extra features don’t clutter the interface—they’re tucked into simple button/key combinations. Yamaha’s minimalism means it’s even harder to get lost in menus, which beginners might appreciate. But if you’re the kind of player who likes to explore, Casio offers more depth without requiring you to read a 200-page manual.
Final verdict on functions and features
If you want a digital piano that goes beyond the basics, lets you shape the sound to your liking, and offers extras like direct-to-USB audio recording and orchestral backing tracks, the Casio PX-870 clearly wins this round.
If you value simplicity, a clean interface, and a set of high-quality core functions without extra frills, the Yamaha YDP-165 is still a fine choice. It’s not that Yamaha is missing features—it’s that it deliberately keeps them streamlined to focus on the core playing experience.
In short: Casio is the “playground,” Yamaha is the “focus zone.” Which one is better depends on how much you want your piano to do beyond simply being a piano.
Connectivity
Connectivity isn’t the flashiest part of a digital piano spec sheet, but it can make or break how well the instrument integrates into your playing life. Whether you want to hook up to learning apps, record your music, use virtual instruments, or simply practice without waking the neighbors, the available ports and wireless options matter.
The Casio PX-870 and Yamaha YDP-165 take slightly different approaches here. Both cover the basics, but Casio leans a little more toward giving you multiple ways to connect, while Yamaha focuses on making its ecosystem work well—if you’re willing to buy into some extra accessories.
Physical audio outputs and inputs
One of the biggest differences between these two pianos is in audio outputs. The Casio PX-870, surprisingly for its price range, doesn’t have traditional 1/4-inch line-out jacks. Instead, you have to use the headphone jacks if you want to connect to an external amplifier, mixer, or audio interface. It’s not a dealbreaker—many people simply use a stereo mini-jack to dual 1/4-inch cable—but it’s not as clean or professional as having dedicated line-outs. This design choice is common in home digital pianos, but it’s worth noting for anyone who plans to gig or do a lot of external recording.
The Yamaha YDP-165 follows the same route—no dedicated line-outs. Like the Casio, you’ll be using its headphone jacks for line-level output. The same caveats apply. This makes sense given these are console-style pianos meant to stay in one place and not regularly interface with PA systems.
As for audio inputs, neither piano has a dedicated aux-in. If you want to play along with backing tracks, you’ll need to use a connected device (like a phone or tablet) through headphones or use a separate external speaker system.
Headphone jacks and private practice
Both models include two headphone jacks located on the underside of the left front panel. This is ideal for duets or teacher-student practice, allowing two people to listen privately at the same time. Both support standard stereo mini-jacks, so no need for adapters if you’re using common headphones.
Casio’s PX-870 has a nice touch here: its Headphone Mode automatically adjusts the EQ so that the piano sounds more natural through headphones, compensating for the way binaural perception changes without room acoustics. Yamaha also has a similar feature—its Stereophonic Optimizer—which gives a more spacious, realistic sound through headphones, particularly for the CFX grand piano sample.
MIDI and USB connectivity
For many players, MIDI is the main reason to connect a digital piano to a computer or tablet—it lets you use music production software, notation apps, and learning tools.
The PX-870 has a USB Type-B port for direct computer connection (USB-MIDI). This allows you to send and receive MIDI data without any extra interfaces. You can use it with DAWs like Logic, Cubase, or GarageBand, or with educational software like Playground Sessions or Flowkey. Casio also supports USB flash drives via a separate Type-A port for saving and loading songs, which is also how you export audio recordings.
The YDP-165 also has a USB Type-B port for computer connection, giving you standard USB-MIDI capability. You can control virtual instruments or record MIDI performances directly into your DAW. Unlike the Casio, Yamaha does not include a USB Type-A port for flash drives, meaning you can’t save recordings to a USB stick directly—it has to go through a computer.
Audio over USB
This is a small but important point for anyone who records: neither of these pianos sends audio over USB. That means you can’t just plug them into your computer and record their actual sound without going through an external audio interface. The MIDI data can be sent, but the onboard samples won’t be captured digitally unless you record them the analog way via the headphone outputs.
Here’s where Casio’s direct-to-USB stick recording shines—it sidesteps the need for a computer entirely if all you want is a clean stereo WAV file of your playing. Yamaha doesn’t offer an equivalent function, so you’ll have to use external hardware or software routing to get the same result.
Wireless connectivity and app integration
Neither piano has built-in Bluetooth MIDI or audio. However, both can work with wireless adapters for MIDI control. Casio sells its own Wireless MIDI & Audio Adapter (WU-BT10), which lets you stream audio through the piano’s speakers and send MIDI to apps. Yamaha’s solution is the optional UD-BT01 or MD-BT01 Bluetooth MIDI adapters, depending on whether you want USB or DIN connections (for the YDP-165, it’s the UD-BT01).
When it comes to app integration, Yamaha has a big advantage in polish. The YDP-165 works seamlessly with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, available for iOS and Android. Once connected (via USB or Bluetooth with an adapter), you can control voices, metronome settings, recording, and more through an easy touchscreen interface. It also has a “Chord Tracker” function that analyzes songs from your music library and shows you the chord changes in real-time—a great tool for playing along by ear.
Casio’s PX-870 can be used with apps like Chordana Play for Piano (Casio’s own), Flowkey, or Simply Piano, but the integration isn’t as deep as Yamaha’s Smart Pianist. You can still change settings from the app and load songs, but it feels more like a helpful add-on than a tightly integrated ecosystem.
Pedal and accessory connections
Both pianos have their pedals permanently attached as part of the cabinet design, so there’s no separate sustain jack. This means you can’t swap in a different pedal unit—what’s built in is what you get. This isn’t unusual for console-style pianos but is worth noting for players used to stage pianos with swappable pedal setups.
Accessory-wise, Yamaha offers some optional add-ons like wireless Bluetooth adapters and music rests with different finishes, but these are mostly cosmetic or for convenience. Casio’s accessory options are similar, though its wireless adapter stands out if you want both Bluetooth MIDI and audio streaming.
Practical day-to-day connectivity scenarios
If you’re a beginner who just wants to practice, the most important connection will be your headphones. Both pianos make this easy and comfortable, with sound optimizations that make headphone practice more enjoyable.
If you’re into recording your playing for social media or sharing with friends, Casio’s direct-to-USB stick feature makes life simple. You can finish a take, plug in a flash drive, and walk away with a ready-to-use audio file—no cables, no software. Yamaha users will need to either set up recording on a computer via an audio interface or record MIDI and then use virtual instruments for playback.
If you’re a tech-savvy player who uses apps for learning or creativity, Yamaha’s Smart Pianist ecosystem is cleaner and more robust—though Casio will still get you connected, just with a little more manual setup.
Verdict on connectivity
When you boil it down:
- Casio PX-870 wins for self-contained audio recording, extra USB port for flash drives, and optional Bluetooth MIDI/audio adapter.
- Yamaha YDP-165 wins for smoother, more polished app integration and a cleaner interface for controlling the piano through Smart Pianist.
If your workflow is self-contained—record on the piano, save to USB, maybe load in some songs for practice—Casio is the more independent instrument. If your workflow is integrated with apps and computers, and you’re fine doing recording through software, Yamaha’s approach is more refined.
Neither piano is the connectivity king of the digital piano world—both lack line outs, audio-over-USB, and built-in Bluetooth—but for their intended home use, they cover the essentials. The decision really comes down to whether you value Casio’s stand-alone recording or Yamaha’s app ecosystem more.
Conclusion
After spending serious time with both the Casio PX-870 and the Yamaha YDP-165, it’s clear these are two thoughtfully designed instruments that target the same player: someone who wants a stylish, home-based digital piano that delivers a realistic playing experience without the upkeep of an acoustic. They share core strengths—solid graded hammer actions, convincing piano sounds, and dependable build quality—but their personalities and priorities differ enough to influence the buying decision.
The PX-870 feels like the more feature-rich and self-contained option. Its direct-to-USB recording, higher polyphony count, powerful 4-speaker system, and slightly more modern cabinet design give it an edge for players who want versatility without relying heavily on external devices. It’s an excellent choice if you value convenience, want a bit more volume and fullness in the sound, and prefer having extra tools built right into the piano.
The YDP-165, on the other hand, leans into refinement. Its CFX grand sample, polished action feel, and seamless integration with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app make it a strong choice for players who want an elegant, traditional experience and plan to use connected devices for customization, recording, or learning. It’s less about standalone features and more about being part of a well-integrated Yamaha ecosystem.
In pure value terms, the PX-870 arguably offers more piano for the money if your priority is the most features and power for a single purchase. The YDP-165 offers more polish if you’re willing to connect it with Yamaha’s software tools.
If I had to pick a “winner” for most buyers, the Casio PX-870 edges out due to its stronger all-in-one capabilities. But for those who love Yamaha’s tone and want the smoothest app-based control, the YDP-165 is still a beautiful and worthwhile choice.