Casio CDP S-110 Review

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly 88-key keyboard that doesn’t feel like a toy, the Casio CDP-S110 is one of the better options under $500 right now.

I’ve spent time with nearly every entry-level digital piano on the market, and this one stands out for a few reasons: the low-end sounds surprisingly rich, the action is light but comfortable, and it’s simple enough for beginners while still offering a solid playing experience.

It’s not trying to be flashy or loaded with pointless features. It just does the basics very well, and that’s exactly what makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget, beginners starting lessons, or even kids serious about learning piano at home.

Let’s get into how it compares with two other popular picks: the Yamaha P-45 and the Donner DDP-80.

*The CDP-S110 out of the box surprised me with its low-end and I will get into more on this later on. It has one of the warmer and fuller low-ends for any keyboard near its price point on the market.

First Impressions

The CDP-S110 is lightweight, slim, and minimal. I had it out of the box and playing within five minutes. The controls are straightforward, and the design doesn’t try to do too much.

That said, it doesn’t look or feel cheap. It’s clean and practical, and it fits well in tight spaces. For anyone living in an apartment or looking for a secondary keyboard for casual practice, this is a smart option.

Sound Quality

The sound immediately stood out to me, especially the lower octaves. The low end has more body than I expected, and it doesn’t collapse under fuller chords like some other keyboards in this range.

Compared to the Yamaha P-45, the CDP-S1 10 sounds more open and less compressed. It avoids the overly bright tone I often hear in cheaper pianos and instead delivers something rounder and warmer.

The electric piano tones are also solid. They won’t blow you away, but they get the job done for practice or songwriting.

Key Action

Casio uses a scaled hammer action here, and while it’s on the lighter side, I found it really comfortable. It’s responsive, smooth, and not fatiguing.

I actually prefer this over the GHS action on the Yamaha P-45. That one feels stiffer and heavier, which can be tiring over longer sessions, especially for beginners.

If you’re used to acoustic pianos, this won’t feel exactly the same, but for an entry-level digital piano, it holds up.

Who It’s For

The CDP-S110 is a great fit for:

• Beginners who want a full-sized keyboard with a realistic feel
• Kids or students learning at home
• Anyone on a budget who still wants something solid
• Players who prioritize portability and simplicity

I can easily see this being a primary keyboard for a few years before upgrading. And even after that, it would make a great second board.

Connectivity

While the CDP-S110 is minimal in design, it still covers essential connectivity needs:

• USB to Host: This lets you connect to a computer or tablet for use with learning apps or DAWs.
• 1/8″ Audio In: Play along with your favorite songs through the onboard speakers.
• Headphone Output: Standard 1/4″ jack for silent practice.
• Sustain Pedal Input: A basic pedal is included, but you can upgrade to a more expressive damper-style pedal.

There’s no Bluetooth or MIDI Out, but for this price point, the essentials are all here.

Casio CDP-S110 vs Yamaha P-45 vs Donner DDP-80

Feature	Casio CDP-S110	Yamaha P-45	Donner DDP-80
Keys	88 weighted keys (Scaled Hammer Action)	88 weighted keys (GHS – Graded Hammer Standard)	88 weighted keys (Heavy Action)
Touch Sensitivity	3 levels + off	4 levels	Fixed or limited
Polyphony	64-note	64-note	128-note
Piano Sounds	10 built-in tones (including grand, electric, etc.)	10 voices (including grand, electric, etc.)	1 piano tone (acoustic grand emulation)
Speakers	2 x 8W	2 x 6W	2 x 25W
Weight	23.1 lbs (10.5 kg)	25.3 lbs (11.5 kg)	46.3 lbs (21 kg)
Dimensions	52″ x 9.1″ x 3.9″	52.2″ x 11.6″ x 6.0″	54.9″ x 13.8″ x 4.7″
Pedal Included	Yes (basic sustain pedal)	Yes (basic sustain pedal)	Yes (basic foot pedal)
Connectivity	USB to Host, Headphone Out, Sustain In, Audio In	USB to Host, Headphone Out, Sustain In	Headphone Out, Sustain In (no USB/MIDI support)
Bluetooth	No	No	No
Stand Included	No	No	Yes (furniture-style stand)
Aesthetics	Minimal, modern, plastic chassis	Traditional digital piano appearance	Premium wood finish, furniture-style body
Best For	Warm tone, portability, beginner playability	Yamaha fans, basic needs, heavier key preference	Visual appeal, fixed home setup, light casual play

Each of these three keyboards has a specific strength, depending on what you’re looking for. The Casio CDP-S110 stands out for its sound quality and responsive, lighter key action, which makes it more enjoyable to play for longer periods, especially for newer players. The Yamaha P-45 is still a fine option in 2025, but its action is stiffer, and its sound feels more dated at this point. It’s still solid but lacks the tonal warmth found in the Casio.

Then there’s the Donner DDP-80. If aesthetics are a major factor in your buying decision, the DDP-80 might grab your attention first. It’s easily the best-looking of the three, but the sound and key feel don’t quite keep up, as it has some of the heaviest keys I’ve ever played. It’s more of a design-first keyboard that happens to play reasonably well. Overall, if sound and playability are your top priorities, the CDP-S110 offers the best overall experience.

Here’s how I’d break down the differences based on sound, feel, and overall experience.

Compared To The Yamaha P-45

I’ve played the Yamaha P-45 for years. It’s durable and has held up well, but it’s starting to feel a little behind.

The sound is fine, but it lacks depth, especially in the lower register. The action is heavier, and for me, that made it harder to play dynamically. I often felt like I had to work harder than necessary.

If you’re coming from a Yamaha background or have specific brand loyalty, it still has value. However, alongside the Casio, I think the CDP-S110 has the edge.

Compared To The Donner DDP-80

The DDP-80 probably has the best aesthetic of any keyboard in this price range. If you’re looking for something that looksgreat in a living room or apartment, it’s a strong pick.

That said, the sound and feel aren’t quite at the level of the Casio. The key action is heavier and noisier, and the single piano tone feels more limited.

Still, for players who want a beautiful piece of furniture that also plays decently, it’s worth considering. Just know that you’re leaning more toward form than function.

The Donner DPP80+, which is the superior version of the DPP-80, has a full review here.

Final Verdict

The Casio CDP-S110 is currently one of the best digital pianos under $500 and one of the best bangs for your buck.

It’s not overloaded with features, but it nails the basics. You get a solid piano tone, good key action, and a lightweight frame that’s easy to move and set up.

This is a smart buy for beginners, kids, or anyone looking for a reliable keyboard that sounds and plays well.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried the CDP-S110 or are considering it over the Yamaha or Donner models. Always curious to hear your take.

If you have any other questions, please engage with the chat bot, as that’s a direct message to me, not AI.