Casio PX-870 Privia Digital Piano - Black Bundle vs STRICH Digital Piano 88 Keys, Hammer-Action

Price Comparison

The Casio PX-870 Privia Digital Piano is priced at $899.00, while the STRICH Digital Piano 88 Keys is about 61% cheaper at $349.99. This significant price difference makes the STRICH a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers. The Casio's higher price reflects its extensive features and premium bundle, which includes a furniture bench, headphones, an instructional book, online lessons, and an instructional DVD. In contrast, the STRICH offers a more streamlined package focused on providing essential digital piano functionality. For those looking for a more serious investment in their musical journey, the Casio may justify its price point, but for beginners or casual players, the STRICH presents a compelling alternative.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Casio PX-870 offers an impressive audio experience with its powerful 4-speaker sound projection system that fills the room with rich, dynamic sound. Its award-winning AiR Sound Source features a four-layer stereo grand piano sound, complete with detailed resonance and 18 additional tones, making it ideal for varied performances. On the other hand, the STRICH Digital Piano, while featuring 25W speakers, emphasizes a more basic sound experience with its 128 preset timbres and 200 drum rhythms. While the STRICH is suitable for casual play, the Casio’s advanced sound engine and superior speaker system cater to more serious musicians seeking authenticity and depth in their sound.

Key Action and Feel

The key action of a digital piano greatly influences the playing experience. The Casio PX-870 is equipped with 88 scaled, weighted hammer-action keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, featuring simulated ebony and ivory textures for an authentic touch. This design allows for a more expressive performance. The STRICH Digital Piano also has hammer-action weighted keys that simulate the feel of a grand piano, but it does not specify as many advanced features as the Casio, such as adjustable touch sensitivity. Players looking for a more nuanced and responsive playing experience will likely prefer the Casio’s Tri-Sensor II Scaled Hammer Action over the STRICH's more standard key action.

Versatility and Features

The Casio PX-870 boasts a variety of versatile features, including a recording and practice tool, duet mode for teaching, and the ability to connect two sets of headphones, making it ideal for lessons. It also supports MIDI connectivity and includes a built-in music library with 60 songs plus the capability to record personal performances. In contrast, the STRICH Digital Piano offers a range of functions such as layer/split capabilities, octave shift, and transpose features, which can enhance creative possibilities. However, it lacks the depth of features found in the Casio, making it more suited for those looking for essential functionalities rather than extensive practice tools.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetically, the Casio PX-870 features a stylish modern wooden cabinet with a sliding key cover, available in black, oak, or white finishes. This makes it a beautiful addition to any room, appealing to both musicians and interior design enthusiasts. The STRICH Digital Piano, designed in walnut wood grain, also emphasizes a vintage vibe, making it a stylish piece of furniture as well. While both pianos offer attractive designs, the Casio’s more refined and versatile finish may appeal to those looking for a high-end look in their musical instruments.

Bundled Accessories

The Casio PX-870 comes bundled with essential accessories, including a furniture bench, headphones, an instructional book, online lessons, an instructional DVD, and an Austin Bazaar polishing cloth. This comprehensive package adds significant value, especially for beginners who may need guidance and tools to enhance their learning experience. In contrast, the STRICH Digital Piano does not specify any included accessories beyond the instrument itself. For buyers who value a complete package that includes learning materials and accessories, the Casio provides a much more attractive offer.

Brand Reputation and Customer Insights

Casio is well-known for its quality musical instruments, and the PX-870 has a sales rank of 13,806, indicating a solid level of popularity and trust among consumers. The STRICH Digital Piano, with a better sales rank of 6,731, suggests a growing reputation, but it may not yet match the established credibility of the Casio brand. Consumers may feel more confident investing in the Casio due to its history and the comprehensive features it provides, while the STRICH might appeal to those looking for a budget-friendly entry point into digital pianos.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Casio PX-870 Privia Digital Piano and the STRICH Digital Piano 88 Keys comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-quality instrument with superior sound, key action, and a comprehensive feature set, the Casio is worth the investment at $899. However, if you are a beginner or casual player seeking a more affordable option without the need for extensive features, the STRICH at $349.99 offers good value. Each piano serves a different market segment, so your decision should align with your musical goals and financial considerations.