Beginner Keyboard Buying Guide: Yamaha & Casio

Choosing your first keyboard starts with what you want to learn. For songs, rhythms and portable practice, consider a touch-sensitive 61-key keyboard. For piano lessons and a more piano-like action, consider an 88-key hammer-action digital piano. This guide compares Yamaha and Casio models listed at DOREMi in Malaysia.

Check each product page for the current price, availability and package contents. A model appearing in this guide does not mean it is currently in stock.

Which beginner keyboard should you choose?

  • Portable playing with rhythms: start with the Casio CT-S300, a 61-key touch-responsive keyboard with automatic accompaniment.
  • Built-in lessons and accompaniment: compare the Yamaha PSR-E383, with 61 touch-sensitive keys, lesson functions and accompaniment Styles.
  • Simple controls and a focus on instrument sounds: consider the Casio CT-S1, a 61-key touch-responsive keyboard with piano, electric piano and other tones.
  • Piano lessons and weighted keys: consider the Casio CDP-S160, an 88-key digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II.

These are recommendations by learning goal. Before buying for lessons, check your teacher's requirements for key count, key action and pedals.

61 or 88 keys: what is the difference?

A 61-key keyboard takes up less space and can suit early keyboard lessons, melodies, chords and playing with backing rhythms. Its smaller range can become a limitation as your music becomes more demanding.

An 88-key digital piano gives you the full standard piano range. If your aim is piano study, the key action matters as well as the number of keys. The CDP-S160 combines 88 keys with hammer action, making it the piano-focused option in this comparison.

Touch response and weighted keys explained

Touch response changes the sound according to how you play a key: a gentler stroke produces a softer sound and a stronger stroke produces a louder sound. It helps you practise musical expression.

Weighted or hammer-action keys describe the physical resistance of the keyboard. Touch response alone does not mean weighted keys. The CT-S300, PSR-E383 and CT-S1 are portable keyboards; the CDP-S160 has a weighted hammer-action mechanism. Try the actions in person where possible before choosing for long-term piano practice.

Compare the models

Casio CT-S300: portable practice with rhythms

Casio CT-S300 61-key portable keyboard

The CT-S300 has 61 keys with two touch-sensitivity settings plus off. Its 400 tones, 77 rhythms and automatic accompaniment give beginners room to explore different sounds and play along with a backing part. Built-in speakers let you play without a separate amplifier; the headphone/output connection supports quieter practice.

Choose it if: you want an easy-to-carry keyboard for melodies, chords and rhythm-based playing. For a piano course that requires weighted keys, compare a hammer-action digital piano instead.

View Casio CT-S300 price and availability

Yamaha PSR-E383: lessons and accompaniment

Yamaha PSR-E383 61-key keyboard

The PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys, 650 instrument Voices and 260 auto-accompaniment Styles. Yamaha's Keys to Success and other lesson functions support practice with onboard songs. It also has built-in speakers and a PHONES/OUTPUT connection.

Choose it if: you want guided practice alongside a broad choice of sounds and backing Styles. Its touch-sensitive portable-keyboard action differs from an acoustic piano's weighted action.

View Yamaha PSR-E383 price and availability

Casio CT-S1: a simpler playing setup

Casio CT-S1 black 61-key keyboard

The CT-S1 has 61 touch-responsive keys and 61 tones, including piano and electric piano sounds. Its simple layout, built-in speakers and headphone/output jack suit players who want to concentrate on playing. It does not provide the arranger-style automatic accompaniment found on the CT-S300 and PSR-E383.

Choose it if: you value instrument sounds and straightforward controls more than backing rhythms. It remains a 61-key portable keyboard rather than an 88-key hammer-action piano. Bluetooth audio/MIDI requires the optional WU-BT10 adapter, sold separately.

View Casio CT-S1 Black price and availability

Casio CDP-S160: an 88-key option for piano study

Casio CDP-S160 88-key digital piano

The CDP-S160 has 88 keys with Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, touch response and 10 tones. Built-in speakers, a metronome, Duet mode and a MIDI recorder support home practice. Its headphone/output connection allows quieter playing.

Choose it if: your main goal is piano study and you want the full piano range with weighted keys. Confirm the exact DOREMi bundle, including stand, bench and pedal arrangements, before ordering.

View Casio CDP-S160 price and availability

What else do you need?

  • A stable stand and suitable seat: allow enough room to sit comfortably with your hands at keyboard height. Confirm stand compatibility and whether it is included.
  • Headphones: check the instrument's headphone socket size and any adapter required. All four models above have built-in speakers and a headphone/output connection.
  • A sustain pedal, if your lessons require one: check compatibility with the exact model. A pedal socket does not guarantee every pedal or three-pedal unit will work.
  • The correct power supply: confirm what is supplied with the local offer and use a manufacturer-approved adapter for that model.
  • Cables for apps or a computer, if needed: confirm the keyboard port, your device connection and app compatibility before buying a cable.

Browse keyboard accessories, or contact DOREMi to confirm a complete setup.

Beginner keyboard questions

Is Yamaha or Casio better for a beginner?

Choose by features and playing feel rather than brand alone. Among these models, the Yamaha PSR-E383 emphasises lessons and accompaniment, the Casio CT-S300 offers portable rhythm-based playing, the CT-S1 focuses on a simple sound-selection experience, and the CDP-S160 offers 88 weighted keys.

Can I start piano lessons with 61 keys?

Some introductory music can be played on 61 keys, but the smaller range and lighter action may not meet your course requirements. Ask your teacher before buying. For a piano-focused path, compare an 88-key hammer-action instrument.

Do I need separate speakers?

No separate amplifier is needed for ordinary home playing on these four models because each has built-in speakers. For a larger room or performance, discuss the connections and sound system with DOREMi.

Are a stand, bench and pedal included?

Package contents depend on the exact listing and offer. Confirm the complete bundle with DOREMi; a photograph of an accessory does not by itself confirm that it is included.

Find your first keyboard at DOREMi

Browse digital keyboards for portable playing, or browse digital pianos for piano-focused options. If you would like help choosing, tell DOREMi your budget, learning goal and teacher's requirements.

Model features checked against manufacturer information on 26 October 2026. Current prices, stock and local package contents are shown or confirmed separately by DOREMi.

Manufacturer references: Casio CT-S300; Yamaha PSR-E383; Casio CT-S1; Casio CDP-S160.