Top Digital Piano Actions, Compared! (Under $800) Yamaha P125 Roland FP30 Casio PX-S3000 Kawai ES110 

If you like music, you might want to check out my second channel "Milan Recording Studios". Feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon if you want to! ru-vid.com/show-UCu1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w

The only piano reviewer so far that I can trust to be objective

Important topic, especially now when so many music students on a budget won’t be able to practice on grand pianos in their schools and have to buy something for home...

you're very technical and informative but very easy to understand, and you answered all of the questions that i had in my head, for example non of the videos i watched about these pianos talked about the clicking sound that the piano makes which i think is a very important thing. unlike many reviewers, your video is long but not to only make more money but i think that you actually have a lot of important things to say plus you're not saying the same things over and over again to make the video longer. and you're not boring unlike my very long comment.

Thank you! I have been waiting for this.

James, thank you. You are objective and go to the details without being obliged by being paid to advertise for any brands. We trust you.

I have watched an unusual amount of piano reviews and this by far has the most value imo. Thank you for the great video, and your honest information.

Good job! I think that many people have been waiting for such a comparison. Especially to hear your opinion about Roland FP-30 key action.

We opted for the ES110 after much research for feel and dynamics, this review came late but terrific to see we made the right choice.

Yeah much awaited video 👊

I'd love to see a comparison of the action of the higher-end instruments, for example, the NW-GH of Yamaha CP-88, the NWX with escapement of Yamaha P515, the PHA-50 of Roland RD-2000 and FP-90, and GF on Kawai MP11SE. It would also be interesting to include the Roland PHA-4 on FP-30 and FP-60 since it has escapement mechanisms. Most people online are only talking about how they "feel" and everybody feels differently. You are talking in a really objective and descriptive manner and I think it would be really valuable if you can compare some of the more premium actions.

Thank you so much! It has been a huge help in choosing what to buy.

Yes finally he did it! This is the price range most of us beginners consider i guess.

Thanks for a much needed report!

Thanks! Great video with very consistent points

Your work is truly appreciated by those of us trying to buy something g in this range. Very well organized and presented. Thank you for your investment in time and energy to do this.

Great channel and reviews! I can see in the comment section that I'm not the only one hoping for a Korg D1 review! I there one coming anytome soon?

Finally,,the moment i ve been waiting for,,,thank u so much

Very nice! I’d love to see you continue this style up the various price ranges of keyboards ($1-2k, $2k+, etc.)

Finally a reviewer without marketing bs

You are doing the work that few of us can do. First, you have far better piano technique/awareness/sensitivity than I, and Second, the INTERNET has disrupted local commerce so much that I could not easily play-test these four digital pianos even if I went to 4 different shops within a 40 mile radius, even though I live in a small but populous state. It would take me several trips to assess and then recall what I felt. Since I cannot easily test ANY of these digital piano actions, Jimmy Boy, your responsibilty to your audience is growing. I have been agonizing over the last few months about what digital piano under $900 (absolute tops...more like $700) to get since I can practice at work as a guard (Sshh!), but also teach music privately on the side, and I include myself among the well-educated but working poor. (Yet my random/hopeful purchase of a Roland Go Piano is all spring keys, and does not compare to the Gift of a beat-up baby grand from a parochial school 10 yrs ago or so, with a good technician taking the action home to regulate it, and subsequent tunings.) A real piano is truly cool, but mine has defects from Basketball Bonks and temperature/humidity in the gym at said school and just about everybody's REAL piano could use work multiple times a year, depending upon the awareness/sensitivity of the owner or main user. And needless to say, I can't take the Baby Grand to work! Thus, I need and appreciate this video with the gram weights! (Actually, we also know nothing about the quality control aspects and the bangs in shipping and what all they (the digital piano makers) do to prevent that...that's an idea for another video if you choose to travel to Japan and the Far East post-pandemic,eh?) Peace.

Wow, I’m learning so much from this guy. Well done! 👍

Thank you so much for your honest review for these digital pianos. I cannot find full review of Roland FP-30 on your channel.

great reviews - thank you

James, thank you very much for this comparison video and for listening to your followers. This is really good, I enjoyed it, and helps many people looking for a beginner digital piano a lot. I also have an unrelated question: have you ever tried Kawai's wooden Grand Feel Compact (GFC) action of the CA48/CA58 models? Even if not, as they should feel close to the regular Grand Feel, what would you think about it, for a beginner looking to spend a bit more and get a closer to acoustic digital piano action? Thanks again.

I’ve used a Kawai ES100, the predecessor of the ES110, for a couple of years. The action is very good considering the price, as is the sound. The only shortcoming I find with it is that it has considerable key noise, which is much greater on some keys than others.

You're so good at these super informative videos, you don't need any editing. Have you thought about including fulcrum length measurement in your digital pianos reviews?

Fantastic review ! Congratulations, from Spain. Stay at home!

Interesting video! How about the Korg D1 or any other RH3 action from Korg?

this is what i was looking for to buy a piano, i am not a pianist nor an amateur, i am just falling in love with the piano since i started with Bach, slowly, but surely, and i wanted to invest a little more in a piano like and this Compare of digital pianos has helped me a lot... Thank you

Thanks for the comparison James! Could you please also comment on the Korg's PH3 action? (as found in the Grandstage you reviewed in February but also in the D1 which is in the same price range as those 4 keyboards). How is Korg's PH3 action responsiveness, expression, joy to play, compared to these keyboards? Where would it rank in this list? Thanks!

I really like the video. Someone like me won't probably feel any difference at all - but it is interesting to see there are actual differences between actions and I think that this is a good way to show it.

I found your videos recently and I loved the way you explain and the reviews. I would like to see a sound comparison between Casio pxs3000 vs yamanha p125 vs yamaha p515. If you could do this someday, I will be very thankful.

Have you considered doing a review of the Yamaha Arius series? It's funny how you made all of these affordable digital piano videos AFTER I've decided which one to buy :) Your reviews are in-depth and top quality so they would have been handy. I enjoy watching them anyway because I always learn some cool stuff and this piano action comparison is no exception. Still, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on Arius YDP-144 (the one I ended up with and I'm pretty much satisfied with it so far).

excellent comparison! reviews from a real pianist is always welcome! hard to get good reviews about piano action from typical keyboardists

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Hi James. First I'd like to say thank you for all the videos you've done comparing these four pianos. It's been very helpful to see you go in-depth on these instruments. I was an beginner/intermediate piano player a few years back who is looking to get back into playing again. I've been practicing on a cheap keyboard for a while now, and I want to upgrade to a digital piano. I like the sound and features of the ES110, but I'm worried that the lighter action will give me bad habits which could impact me when trying to play on a heavier piano. This is mainly a concern if/when I plan on taking piano lessons again. Is the difference in weight of the ES110 so great that I will have a hard time playing on other pianos?

Very informative, thanks for this! I'm very curious, how do these key actions compare with Korg's RH3 action in your experience? I've never had the chance to try out that action, but I'm strongly considering getting a Korg D1 to replace my old Yamaha P-95 which stopped working recently.

Thank you, James. You have confirmed my reason for choosing the Roland over the Yamaha and the Casio. I wanted the real piano feel and was less concerned about some of the other features. I'm really looking forward to your upcoming review of it. Stay well!

Thank you so much for your professional reviews! I really enjoyed them. Can you do the same test for other pianos? I recently bought my Roland FP-90 (PHA-50 action, same as Roland RD-2000) and I noticed that I have the opposite problem of the Casio PX-S3000: 66g to move (not to make sound) the middle C and 72g to move the C#. Indeed it's a bit annoying playing songs with a lot of black keys. Thank you!

Thanks a million!

Excellent video! I personally prefer a highly detailed, dynamic response over the stiffnes/lightness of the keys.

excellent work

I think Kurzweil SP6 (w/ medeli) and Studiologic Numa (w/ fatar) would be interesting to Review.. I've heard FATAR's keybed is good/best?

Thank you for this SPECIFIC VIDEO

I enjoy your videos and getting an insight of various piano's. Have you ever played a Roland MKB-1000? It's a 'Mother-keyboard' not a piano as such but it has a fine weighted action for the keys. I have one collecting dust which I bought new but never really used it. It is one of my prized possessions though. I'd love to know your thoughts on these if you've come across one.

Please do that for higher budget as well, p-515, Nord piano, etc !!!!

Love the feel of the PHA-4 action on my Fp-10, it definitely takes more effort than a keyboard which i'm used to (felt the soreness in my fingers, the first day I got my fp-10)

Great job! bro... Looking for the high-end actions comparison! Korg RH3 , Roland PHA-50 ,Kawai RHIII...

Can you do a piano action comparison of all digital pianos regardless of price?

Interesting video. If I remember correctly you ones had a demo action of a piano. Maybe it’s possible to show how the action reacts if you put the weight on it? Then it becomes more visual. The difference in weight make sense if you hear your ideas about it. Btw you mention fp30 but the description says pf30. Thank you for explaining and sharing.

Would be interesting to compare the older Casio PX160. Their older action had a longer pivot length, triple sensors and was well regarded. Shame they went backwards with the PXS series.

Thanks, James, this is really helpful! I especially liked that you included a section on key action noise, which is a big deal for some of us trying not to drive people crazy. I'd be interested in seeing a comparison against the higher-end actions like the MP11 for key weight and noise, as I've heard wildly differing opinions. Keep it up and stay safe/healthy!

Great video! I just bought the Yamaha and I'm excited to play on it :)

excellent review! i couldnt find your review of the fp30 alone, is it uploaded?

Again, interesting. I just checked my slightly old (i.e., out of production) Casio Previa and found the blacks and whites to move about the same. The bad news is that both are very heavy, at close to 85 grams. Though I may be estimating the mythical "letoff point" to be excessively depressed.

Great vid. whats your favourite digi piano under 1000?

Could you please do a review of Korg D1 and how the action is compared to fp-30 or kawai es110?

hey man, i didnt see you go over the doepfer lmk4+! that is the best feeling keyboard action ive tried!

I like your passion Already see the new Generalmusic on youtube? greetz from the Netherlands.

Hi Milan, new sub here. Thanks for your videos. I just want to know what you think of Roland RP301 for my first digital piano, thought of buying this week. I like classical piece so I’d be learning and practice them.

Does the ES110 has dynamics, changing the volume but also the tone, as in an acoustic?

Out of the four which would you recommend in terms of quality and playability for a beginner?

Oh I’d like to see the Yamaha vs. the Kawai.

Damn, this give me a lot of information but at the same Time all of them have their advantages. Guess I will have to play them all to choose.

It would great if you could do a Korg D1 review, complete with downweight measurements. Same price range as these 4.

Hi James, thanks for the excellent honest review, we need more of these than just salesmen pitches, can I ask you do still find the es110 action the best of all lightweight portable DPs? You dont find it too lacking in resistance for things like trills? Do you find it better than the new rd-88? I cant find the es110 review you mentioned...

Nice comparison. I’m a beginner, and got the PX s1000. Totally Love it! But actually did notice that the keys get harder as you try to play closer to the top.

Thanks!! In order, which one makes less key noise for practice with headphones? In ranking?

Please review the Kurzweil SP6, CP4 and Forte. Love your videos!

Great idea to compare keyboard. I like your frank review too much. Sir please review korg d1 about its keybed and sound. Please.

Thank you!

Yet another stimulating video. Thanks. I'm about to buy. You already talked me out of the Casio and into the the Kawai, but after watching this I thought I'd better consider the Roland too. What I don't like about it is that it doesn't have normal line outputs. The manual suggests pluging external speakers into the headphone socket. This seems poor for "stage" piano. The phones socket is stereo for a start and musicians use mono amps, or two amps if they want stereo effects. The manual says " You can connect stereo headphones here. If you connect amplified speakers, the sound of the FP-30 will be heard from the speakers. If the sound is distorted when external speakers are connected, slightly lower the volume of the FP-30." The signal for headphones is surely too hot for most amps? What used to be called impedance mismatch? I would expect it to sound awful. I'm sure you have put one through an amp. How did it sound? It kind of feels amateurish somehow to leave something so important off. Keep up the good work.

In-depth comparison between Roland FP30 and Kawai ES110 please!

I second the suggestion for another comparison of the actions on higher-end digital pianos. Perhaps a comparison of the Kawai MP7SE or ES8 ($1799/$1649), the Roland FP90 ($1949), the Yamaha CP88 ($2499), the Korg Grandstage ($2199)? The choice of an action when a store is unavailable makes for very risky purchases. You can audition many of the sounds of the various pianos on RU-vid but the actions are another matter altogether. Love your reviews!

What do you think of Casio's Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II?

I recently bought the PXS-3000 because of all the positive reviews. I didn’t notice the key weight difference at first, but what really bugged me was the incredibly short pivot. It’s very frustrating to play, and virtually unplayable if you like playing up the keys. Unfortunately I didn’t opt to return it within the supplier window so I’m stuck with it for now. I’m pretty annoyed that none of the other reviewers mentioned these issues.

Haven't read all the comments so this may have been brought up, but it would have been very helpful, especially for a beginner like me, to actually see how the weight pushed the keys down; ie, a close up using a second camera. Thank you for this tho.

Hey James, first of all, thanks a lot for the video. I can't tell you how helpful it was for me. I wanted your opinion on the key action of Korg D1. They call it RH3. It's the same action found on Korg's flagship Grandstage and SV2 stage pianos. I wanted to know if it has three sensors, synthetic ivory textured keys and escapement, but there's no information available on Korg's official website. I found an image on Google. The pivot point seems a bit further inside as compared to all the digital pianos discussed in this video. I was really thinking of going with Roland because action is a huge priority for me. But now I'm confused. If you get a chance to see it in a piano store, it will be really helpful if you could make a video and compare its action with other digital pianos in the same price range and tell us your personal opinion. Thanks again!

Great topic! I heard that Korg D1 has a better Piano action with the similar price. You should include this option!

Need versus Casio 560M, Roland Juno-DS88, Yamaha MX88. I can't choose

Could you do a video comparing the Yamaha DGX660 vs a real piano?

Please review on the new Roland RD 88. Thank you

Could you tell me which Piano you would declare as the best well-rounded one and recomend to buy in this price range? I want to buy one of these and your video helped me (thank you by the wy), because I tended to go with the Casio PXS.

Could you maybe do a full review of Roland fp30?? Or maybe even compare that to yamaha p125

What are your thoughts for Alesis Recital Pro? Can you do a review for that?

Please review Korg D1, a stage keyboard with RH3 action below 600 usd

Thanks for the meticulous comparison. One additional measurement that would have been useful: the difference between the down weights on the edge of the keys to the close to the fall board.

Great videos! I'm thinking of purchasing the Roland FP30, but I'm wondering if it maybe will be updated pretty soon? it's already 4 years old. What do you think?

Hi, I am looking into getting a digital piano. I haven't played a real piano in many years. I am interested in getting back into it, I would get an acoustic, but don't have the room. I have been considering the Roland RP-102, or Kawai KDP-70 or ES110, I also thought about the Korg D1 or XE20. I want a good action and nice sound, would like action to have feedback similar to acoustic. Any thoughts, recommendations?

Thanks for videos, without thinking about price just action, which digital keyboard is close to grand piano?

what about the key sensors ? i believe yamaha p125 has dual sensor per key and the roland has tripple sensors. (for fp10 that im aware of). does this mean that the midi will be of a much better quality of the roland than the yamaha ? or is it not really worth considering while buying a digital piano ? @thepianoforever do let us know :) +thepianoforever

Could you do a gulbransen organ review ?

What a great review! Your comparison of the keybeds and actions are truly helpful for someone who studied classical piano and wants to buy an instrument which comes as close to a good grand piano as possible. I am still a bit puzzled though if I should choose the Kawai or the Roland. And how is the keyboard action of the Korg D1 compared to these two (even though it is more a stage piano and has no speakers unlike the digital pianos you compare here)? I believe the D1 has the same RH3 keyboard action as the SV-2, the Grandstage 88 and the Kronos 88!?

Could you paste a link to your fp-30 review? I couldn't find it. Also it would be nice to look at Roland rd-88 which has the same keyboard (I think) but is a more advanced instrument. Thanks for your videos, they are really great!

I think a lot of your viewers would like to see a comparison which of those 4 piano is the best buy.

Hi James, Roland FP-30 has the same action as Roland DS 88 ? . Thanks for your reviews.Greetings from Argentina.

Thanks for all the reviews. Do you have a recommendation for p125 3 pedal?

James, have you done a 2021 updated comparison?

Excellent and honest video. You feel Yamaha P-125 springy because GHS action has no hinges. The rear part of the key actually bends. So it is not strange that the key feels heavier or stiffer as it goes down. I am curious what will be the downweights measured by you of actions like NWX, PHA-50, RHIII, RH3.