Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The CT-S300 is everything a beginner needs, and even for people who are open minded about using cheaper equipment, there's not much to complain about here. The velocity sensitivity is as good as any other keyboard. The keys are very silent during use, something that clues to the quality of the mechanics of the action. I have a Yamaha MX49 at 5 times the price that still has worse keyboard action (because it focuses on sounds). The sounds in this casio are all samples, and that's OK. The first setting it is on is a stereo sampled grand piano, and it sounds GREAT on better speakers. The built in speakers are a bit weak on bass, but fine for practicing and volume in general is not an issue, it's just the bass that lacks. The main reason I don't give 5 stars is the lack of normal audio out, and lack of normal USB port. Instead, the only audio out is a 1/8 headphone jack, and the only way to get MIDI out is to use an "android" microUSB cable. Still, these are not blockers, just small obstacles which probably save money on Casio's end. Has class compliant midi over usb, and has an option to choose the midi channel of the output , so this could be used as a controller for making serious tracks in a DAW. Considering the key bed mechanics, this actually outdoes most of today's dedicated controllers on the market. I'm not exaggerating, the keys feel suspiciously good (suspicious because, how did they do that for that price?!). IT's seriously (I'm not exaggerating here) as good a feel as the famous Arturia keylab keys (not the weighted 88, but the synth feel ones), but that's just my opinion. Also being able to pitch bend all of the 400 sounds from grand pianos to the drum sets on board opens lots of paths of creativity. 400 sounds all at the turn of that big wheel. The usb-over-midi is bi-directional, but all midi channels go to the same destination so you cannot build a whole band of multitimberal music and have the keyboard perform it all, like a more "professional" keyboard can. Again, no surprise for this price. The keys have a slight texture which is nice because it doesnt disturb a seasoned pianist, but will camouflage scratches from people's nails hitting the keys over time. The black keys are also matte finish, which hides scratches, but the matte will probably become shiny after long usage. I can rant about this thing for much longer, but my point is, it's worth every penny and has ZILCH headache factor. The quality, simplicity, and price is unparalleled. Casio must've felt a need to uphold a high standard for that "Casiotone" name, and it's evident here!