The Casio AP-270 and PX-870 are two of Casio’s most popular home digital pianos. Both offer realistic piano sounds and weighted key actions at an affordable price point. But which model is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Casio AP-270 and PX-870 across various categories to help you decide. We’ll look at key specs and features, sound quality, key action, effects and connectivity, and price. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Casio AP-270 | Casio PX-870 |
| Keyboard | 88 weighted keys, Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II | 88 weighted keys, Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 19 instruments (5 pianos) | 19 instruments (5 pianos) |
| Speakers | 2 x 30W | 4 x 10W |
| Effects | None | Reverb (4 types) |
| Display | Small LCD | Large backlit LCD |
| Stand | Optional stand | Integrated stand |
| Pedals | Optional SP-33 | Included SP-33 |
| Audio Out | 1/4″ headphone, 1/4″ line out | 1/4″ headphone, 1/4″ line level out |
| Key Features | – | Transpose, 2-track recorder |
| Price | $699 | $799 |
Overview And Key Specs
The Casio AP-270 was released in 2019 as an update to the popular AP-260 model. It’s an 88-key digital piano with Casio’s famous Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard. This recreates the weight and feel of an acoustic grand piano.
The PX-870 was released in 2020 as the successor to the PX-860. It shares the same 88-key Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard as the AP-270. However, the PX-870 features several upgrades over the AP-270 which we’ll cover shortly.
Here’s a quick overview of the key specs:
Casio AP-270
- 88 weighted, scaled hammer action keys
- 19 instrument tones (5 pianos)
- 60W 2-way speaker system
- Optional CS-67 stand, SP-33 pedal
Casio PX-870
- 88 weighted, scaled hammer action keys
- 19 instrument tones (5 pianos)
- 40W 4-speaker system
- Integrated stand, included SP-33 pedal
So in terms of core specs, the pianos are very similar. The PX-870 offers a slightly more powerful speaker system and convenience of an integrated stand. But the AP-270 gives you more flexibility to choose your own stand and pedals.
Now let’s dig deeper into sound, feel, features, and more.
Sound Quality
A digital piano lives and dies by its sound. Both the AP-270 and PX-870 use Casio’s famous Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR sound engine. This provides seamless velocity transitions for rich, natural piano tones.
The two models offer identical main piano sounds. You get five main piano tones:
- Concert grand
- Pop grand
- Jazz grand
- Modern grand
- Classic grand
These are all sampled from world-class grand pianos. The concert grand, for example, uses samples from a Steinway concert grand. The pop piano sound is bright and bold, while the jazz piano is more muted.
In terms of piano sound realism, the AP-270 and PX-870 are identical. The pianos also share 14 other instrument sounds like strings, organ, harpsichord, and bass.
However, the PX-870 model offers a few more built-in sounds. Notably, you get improved strings and electric piano tones. The PX-870 also includes built-in reverb effects not found on the AP-270. This adds spacious resonance to make the piano sound like it’s playing in a concert hall.
For connectivity, the PX-870 also supports line-level audio output. This gives you stronger sound optimization potential when connecting to external speakers or an audio system.
Overall, the PX-870 has a slight edge for sound quality over the AP-270. But both deliver excellent grand piano tones from Casio’s AiR engine.
Key Action
The keyboard action largely determines how a digital piano feels to play. Both models share Casio’s industry-leading Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard. This uses three sensors under each key to detect your playing dynamics. The keys are also weighted and graded just like an acoustic grand.
The 88-key weight and grading seeks to simulate the feel of an actual piano. The bass keys feel heavier than the treble keys, just as on a real grand. The keyboard uses simulated ivory and ebony textures on the white and black keys for added realism.
Overall, the AP-270 and PX-870 have identical keyboard actions. The keys move and respond the same way across both models. Advanced players will appreciate the realistic piano touch for practicing classical pieces that rely on dynamic technique.
A few other common features between the keyboards include:
- Touch sensitivity: 3 levels, off
- Simulated ebony and ivory textures
- Keys plated in nickel silver for durability
- Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II
So in terms of authentic feel, you can’t go wrong with either piano’s superb action.
Effects And Connectivity
In this category, the PX-870 pulls ahead with more built-in effects and connectivity options.
The AP-270 is very straightforward – you get 19 total instrument tones. That’s it for effects.
The PX-870 adds built-in reverb like you’d find on a real stage piano. There are four reverb types to add spacious resonance to your playing. Subtle reverb makes the piano sound like it’s being played in a recital hall.
For connectivity, the PX-870 supports line level audio output. This allows you to optimize sound quality when connecting to external amplification and recording equipment. The AP-270 uses regular headphone level signals.
Here are some other effect and connectivity specs:
Casio AP-270
- No built-in effects
- 1/4″ headphone jack
- 1/4″ line output
- USB port
Casio PX-870
- Built-in reverb (4 types)
- 1/4″ headphone jack
- 1/4″ line level output
- USB port
- Optional 3-pedal unit
The PX-870 includes Casio’s new SP-34 pedal unit. This offers realistic half-damper control like an acoustic piano. You can purchase the optional LP-5A triple pedal unit which additionally provides sostenuto and soft effects.
Overall, the PX-870 is the more flexible choice for effects and connectivity.
Also Read: Is Casio Celviano Better Than Privia?
Additional Features
A few other features stand out on the PX-870 compared to the AP-270. These include:
Upgrade LCD Display – The PX-870 has a much larger backlit LCD display (128 x 64 pixels). This makes it easier to view and select different tones, effects, and settings compared to the AP-270’s small screen.
5-position Transpose – Quickly transpose the keyboard to any key with the dedicated transpose buttons (+/- 5 semitones). Great for vocal accompaniment and practice in different keys.
2-track Recorder – Record and play back your performances in the onboard recorder memory. Save recordings to a computer via USB.
Improved Speakers – The PX-870 has a 3-way, 40-watt speaker system with better bass. The AP-270 has 60-watts of 2-way audio.
Integrated Stand – The PX-870 stand is built-in for a cleaner look and quick setup anywhere. The AP-270 stand is optional.
So while the core keyboard playing experience is nearly identical, the PX-870 offers a selection of convenient extras for practice and performance.
Price Comparison
With the PX-870 being the newer model, it carries a slightly higher retail price:
- Casio AP-270: $799
- Casio PX-870: $849
However, you can often find both models discounted online and in stores. The AP-270 being an older model tends to sell for lower prices now around $700. The PX-870 sells for between $750-$800.
The optional CS-67 stand and SP-33 pedal unit for the AP-270 will add roughly $100-150 to get it up to par with the PX-870’s included features.
So in the end, the pricing is very similar. And you get more value standard with the PX-870.
Also watch the video of Casio AP-270!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences between the Casio AP and PX digital piano lines are:
PX models are more advanced with additional features and sounds
AP models are more budget-friendly focused on core performance
PX pianos tend to have better speakers and effects
AP pianos provide great value with authentic key action
So in summary, the PX range provides more bells and whistles while the AP range focuses on nailing the key piano elements at lower prices. The AP-270 and PX-870 are quite close though in terms of piano playing experience.
Yes, the Casio AP-270 features 88 fully weighted, graded hammer action keys. The keys use Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II system. This grades the weight from heavy bass keys to lighter treble keys, just like an acoustic piano. The keyboard provides a very realistic piano playing feel.
Yes, the Casio PX-870 shares the exact same 88-key weighted keyboard as the AP-270. The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard uses three sensors under each key for incredible dynamics and expression. The acoustic-like weighted keys are ideal for practicing classical piano pieces requiring nuance and technique.
The main differences between the AP-270 and AP-470 are:
AP-470 has more advanced 256-note polyphony Vs. 192-note on AP-270
AP-470 has 700 built-in tones Vs. just 19 on AP-270
AP-470 includes pitch bend wheel and assignable buttons
AP-470 has 60W 4-speaker system Vs. 2-way on AP-270
AP-470 is more expensive (around $200 difference typically)
Conclusion
The Casio AP-270 and PX-870 are extremely close in terms of core piano performance and feel. Both models share the same 88-key hammer action and AiR piano sound engine.
However, the newer PX-870 adds a selection of beneficial upgrades. You get improved effects, sounds, connectivity, and built-in extras for not much more cost. The integrated stand also provides a cleaner look.
For budget-focused buyers, the AP-270 is still an excellent choice. It provides realistic weighted keys and realistic piano samples at an affordable price. But the PX-870 represents a worthwhile step up for the small price difference in our opinion. It’s the best value Casio home piano you can buy today. Either way, both these Casio digital pianos are great options for beginners to advanced players looking for an authentic piano experience under $1000.