Casio CT-X keyboards (CT-X5000 and CT-X3000) feature better sounds & powerful speakers, making it suitable for advanced beginners for serious performing and playing. If you have owned Casio keyboards in the past, you will notice a nice jump in sound and technology with this range. The CT-X series keyboards have better sound quality as Casio has used the new, improved sound processor in these keyboards. The CT-X series keyboards are still effectively priced and suited for high grade students and amateur performers. Skip to the best Casio CT-X keyboard on Amazon
Casio CT-X vs CTK Keyboards
This is an effort from Casio to complete overhaul its portable range of keyboards.
For a long time, the Casio CTK series was the go-to series if you wanted and electronic keyboard (with 61 keys) from Casio. It had a few entry level keyboards and a few high end models (although much cheaper than the competitors.)
Casio has used their experience, technology and sounds from the high end models CTK models and used it in the keyboards in the CT-X series.
The advanced CT-X series is a recent release from Casio and includes keyboards with improved tones and new rhythms.
So for example:
- Casio CT-X 700 vs Casio CTK 2550: The entry level keyboard CT-X 700 keyboard comes with a much better sound quality and also offers touch-sensitive keys (CTK entry level model don’t offer touch sensitivity).
- Casio CTX 3000/5000: These keyboards come with more sounds & styles, allows tone editing, has more buttons for accessing tones/rhythms, has better recording options, and few more extras. And of-course it uses a much better sound source.But, the Casio CTK-7200 is also an advanced keyboard, comes with sliders, virtual tone-wheel organ, built in audio recorder, it also offers tone editing and has several features.
Comparison Chart: CT-X Keyboards
The Casio CTX range has three keyboards as of now. And like all its keyboards and pianos, Casio looks unbeatable as far as the features are concerned (for the price). Full fledged sequencer, arpeggiator, top quality sounds and several new styles.
- Casio CTX5000 (61-keys): The flagship product aimed at advanced players, but is priced in the mid-range.
- Casio CTX3000 (61-keys): Priced in the low-mid price-range, its aimed at beginners/intermediate players
- Casio CTX700 (61-keys): Aimed at beginners (comes with touch sensitive keys)
Best Casio CT-X Keyboards
Lets take a closer look at these keyboards.
CT-X5000 (61-Keys)
The CT-X5000 comes with pro-level technology, and is apt for the advanced keyboard player. If you are ooking for something better than the CTK-7200 (top model in the CTK series), then this is something that will excite you.
The keyboard comes with several shortcut buttons and LED indicators making it easy to make the various selection while performing on stage, or in the studio.
CT-X5000 comes with a stereo line output, has a microphone input, making it suitable for live performance. Category buttons let you select sounds on the fly.
You can also play audio files straight from USB stick, suppress the vocals and play the melody on the keyboard (great for improving your piano playing).
Checkout the songs and rhythms on CASIO CT-X5000
See PRICE on Amazon
Mid-range (budget) portable electronic keyboard with 61-touch sensitive keys, suited for nearly any skill level. A quick look at the specs will indicate that its more of a mid-range keyboard.
800 tones, 260 rhythms, 64 note polyphony, 100 DSP effects, phrase recorders with four pads, 17-track MIDI recorders. Power speakers (15W+15W amplifier), two /4″ outputs, 1 x 1/8″ (line) input, 1 x 1/4″ (mic) input, USB-MIDI port, modulation button, USB flash drive storage.
CT-X700 (61-Keys)
CT-X700 is a 61-key keyboard for beginner with great features, sound quality, and more importantly, it comes with touch sensitive keys.
I guess, with this model, it now becomes easier to pick up the best 61-key keyboard for beginner. Not only does it come with a great set of features, the sound quality is excellent for a portable keyboard.
It comes with a great set of sounds, and has some new (contemporary) styles, which is so refreshing to see on a starter keyboard.
This keyboard comes with touch-sensitive keys, which is a great thing to have on a keyboard. Read more.
Comes with touch-sensitive keys (which is a big plus at this price).
600 Tones, 195 Rhythms, 48-note Polyphony, 100 Arpeggiators, 6-track Recorder, Step-up Lesson System.
USB port, Pedal jack, Phones/Output jack, Audio input jack.
CT-X3000 (61-Keys)
The CT-X3000 falls somewhere in between in the CT-X series. In case you find the CT-X5000 to be expensive (because its a new keyboard and comes with several advanced features), this is the next best option for you.
This model will appeal to serious beginners and intermediate level players.
61-keys (touch-sensitive), suited for beginners to intermediate level players.
800 Instrument Tones, 260 Accompaniment Styles, USB to Host/Device, 3.5mm Auxiliary Input, and Stereo Speakers (6W+6W amplifier), 64 note polyphony, phrase recorders with four pads, 17-track MIDI recorders.
Casio CT-X: Indian Keyboards
While these are the models that are being sold under the CT-X series in America, Europe and mot other parts of the world, in India, there are several other models that get sold under the CT-X series; they use the suffix IN in the model name to denote that its deigned for the Indian market.
We will cover those keyboards in another post.
Comparison with Other Casio Series
So how does the Casio CT-X series stack up against the other keyboard series from Casio?
If you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard, then this is the best bet if you’re looking for a keyboard in the entry-level or entry-to-mid level prices.
However, this series only includes 61-key keyboards, so if you want more keys, you will have to consider the Casio WK 76-key keyboards, or the Privia 88-key pianos.
Casio now also has the Casio MZ-X high-end arranger keyboards that are priced in the mid-to-high range and comes with color touch-screen, besides a host of performance features.
The Casio CT-X series is unlikely to replace any of these series in the future.
It may replace the CTK series as there is some overlap of the keyboard models (except for the CTK-7200 which is still popular and stands out, but could be rendered obsolete if Casio releases another similar model in the CT-X series).
We will have to wait for Casio’s announcement on this.
Casio CT-X: Buying Guide
Casio has been constantly improving their keyboards and pianos, and now they have used all their past experience with their successful CTK series, to create the CT-X series of Keyboards.
What instantly captures your attention when you hear these keyboards is the overall sound quality, which seems to be a lot more improved. The quality of sound coming from these keyboards (even if you take a look at the entry level keyboard in this series) is a lot better than what you find in portable keyboards.
If you checkout the demo videos, i’m sure you will be wondering if this is Casio. The CT-X packs several authentic, high-quality sounds, and several new/modern styles. Advanced keyboardists will be impressed with the sounds, features, performance of the top models in this series.
The top keyboards in this series have some wonderful voices like acoustic & electric pianos, even guitars, sax and brass instruments sound very good. So you can use it for brand practice or for live performance in a small setting.
If you’re a novice keyboard player or have been playing for some time, its great to have more options now, and you should definitely consider buying one of these keyboards, unless you happen to be a die-hard Yamaha fan (like most others).
It looks as if some of the Casio CTX keyboards may eventually replace some of the keyboards in the CTK series.
AiX sound source
With the new AiX sound source, Casio has completely re-created from scratch most of the keyboard sounds.
Not only has Casio reworked the sound produced from the keyboards, they have also changed the instrument’s exterior and given it a sleeker look.
The result of the new sound source is that keyboard players now have access to high-quality sounds that exceeds the expectations of what a portable digital keyboard can offer.
Here’s more about the Casio CTX keyboards.
Casio CTX: Top Features
NEW AiX SOUND SOURCE
The CT-X5000/X3000 keyboards feature the new AiX Sound Source*1 which faithfully reproduce a wide variety of instruments such as acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, drums, basses, brass, wind instruments, string ensembles and more, and comes with a new audio system that generates powerful sound.
The new CT-X keyboards will feature the AiX Sound Source, leveraging expertise that Casio accumulated in developing sound sources for digital pianos. It will have much better sounding acoustic instruments and have 100 high-performance and diverse Digital Signal Processor (DSP) effects.
POWERFUL SPEAKERS
With large-magnet bass reflex speakers and a high-output amplifier, the keyboards deliver powerful sounds. The speakers are also embellished with red highlights, giving the keyboards a stylish look.
The high-output amplifiers delivering powerful sound output, perfect for rehearsal or performance applications.
Moving forward, Casio is planning to equip most of its electronic keyboards with the AiX Sound Source.
SOUNDS, STYLES, EFFECTS
The CT-X series provides excellent sounds, several new styles, and high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP) effects.
AUDIO PLAYER
You can play music stored on a USB memory stick from the speakers of the CT-X keyboard. You can then cancel the vocal part and play the melody part yourself, a great feature to have while performing, or for pratcing on your favorite sound tracks.
CONTROLS for LIVE PLAYING
The top CT-X keyboards feature several intuitive controls, shortcut buttons and LED indicators that make it easy to do the various selections while performing onstage, leaving you focus on playing/making music.
INPUTS/OUTPUTS
The Top CTX keyboards come with 1/8″ line inputs, mic inputs, 1/4″ line outputs, modulation button, USB-MIDI, USB flash storage and more.
Stereo line output, expression pedal and microphone input features are great performance features.
Here are the keyboards available to you in this series.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option to get started, consider the Casio CTX700 61-key keyboard. Serious beginners/intermediate level players can consider the Casio CTX3000 61-key keyboard. Players looking for advanced features can opt for the Casio CTX5000 61-key keyboard.
- Casio CTX5000 (61-keys): The flagship product aimed at advanced players.
- Casio CTX3000 (61-keys): For beginners/intermediate players
- Casio CTX700 (61-keys): For beginners
Accessories for the Casio CT-X Keyboards
In case you buy a bundled package, you will get the CT-X keyboard along with several useful accessories, but if you haven’t you will need to buy them separately.
Here are some keyboard accessories that you may consider for your CT-X keyboards.
Piano Sustain Pedals
You will need pedals for your piano/keyboard, to sustain the notes while playing (piano style).
Checkout the best piano pedals here for your Casio CT-X keyboards.
Keyboard Stand
You will require an adjustable keyboard stand to ensure the keyboard is at the right height while playing, for a better keyboard playing experience and for maintaining the right posture.
Checkout the best keyboard stands here.
Headphones for Piano/Keyboards
You may require headphones to play/practice in private, without disturbing others. A good quality pair of headphones will also make the keyboard sound better.
Checkout the best headphones for your Casio CT-X keyboard here.
More Recommended Casio Keyboards
Here are some more useful links to other keyboard series, and for various prices.
Have any views on the Casio CT-X range of keyboards? Have you tried any of these keyboards? Please let us know what you feel abut them.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
In India, Casio has launched several new keyboards, CT-X8000IN, CT-X9000IN & CT-X870IN. Can you please do a review of these keyboards?
Hi Ajay, we will do a review on those keyboards at the earliest
I think the Casio CT-X keyboards are great, especially the CT-X 5000 However, the buttons to mute the tracks are located at a very awkward place. Wish they had put it at a more convenient spot.