Casio CDP-S160 vs Yamaha Arius YDP-S36

Key Action

Casio CDP-S160 uses Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, which is listed as a graded hammer action with textured key tops. This means the keys get heavier from treble to bass, and the texture is intended to reduce finger slip. Yamaha Arius YDP-S36 uses GHS, or Graded Hammer Standard, which also provides a graded weight but is described in the listing as an entry action. Both models received the same key action score of 23 out of 30 in the supplied breakdown, so neither is clearly superior on paper.

The Casio action is specifically highlighted in the pros as scaled hammer action with textured key tops, while Yamaha GHS is called the limit for an advancing student in the cons. Casio also offers an optional SP-34 three-pedal unit, which may affect the feel when paired with the console stand, but the action itself remains portable-grade. The listing for Yamaha does not mention textured key tops, so if texture matters, Casio has that listed advantage. For beginner and intermediate practice, both actions offer realistic graded resistance, but neither is a high-end wooden-key action.

Piano Sound and Speakers

Yamaha Arius YDP-S36 uses the Yamaha CFX sample with damper and string resonance, which gives it a clear advantage in the supplied scoring: 23 out of 25 for piano sound, compared to Casio 17 out of 25. The Casio CDP-S160 uses a Casio AHL-derived stereo grand, and its own cons note the piano tone is thinner than the Privia PX-S1100. Yamaha sample includes resonance modeling, which should produce a more complex and realistic acoustic piano character.

Both instruments offer 10 voices total, so the variety is the same, but the core piano tone quality differs. Casio has published speaker output of 2 x 8 W, giving a known baseline for home practice. Yamaha lists built-in stereo speakers but does not publish speaker power in the listing, so you cannot compare wattage directly. The absence of that spec is worth noting if loudness is important.

Polyphony is another difference. Casio CDP-S160 has 64-note polyphony, which is adequate for beginner pieces but can drop notes in dense sustained passages. Yamaha YDP-S36 does not publish a polyphony figure in the listing, which is a recurring limitation in its spec sheet. If you need a confirmed polyphony number, Casio gives one, but Yamaha sound engine scoring suggests stronger tonal performance despite the missing spec.

Features and Modes

Yamaha YDP-S36 includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI, which lets you stream songs through the piano speakers and connect wirelessly to apps. Casio CDP-S160 has no Bluetooth, as listed in its specs. Yamaha also ships with 303 lesson songs and 50 classics on board, which is a major practice feature. Casio listing does not mention any built-in lesson songs, so Yamaha has a clear feature advantage for self-guided learning.

Both models scored 10 out of 15 in the features breakdown, so the overall feature rating is tied, but the content differs. Casio includes a sustain pedal in the box and supports an optional SP-34 three-pedal unit, which can add console-style pedaling. Yamaha already has three pedals built in, including damper, soft, and sostenuto, so no extra purchase is needed for full pedal functionality. Casio also runs on six AA batteries, but that is more relevant to portability than to features.

Other modes are not detailed in the listings beyond the voice count and lesson material. Yamaha dual headphone jacks are a practical feature for teacher and student, while Casio has a single 3.5 mm headphone output. So in terms of out-of-box practice features, Yamaha is more complete, even though the numerical feature score is equal.

Build, Design and Portability

Casio CDP-S160 is built as an ultra-slim portable slab that runs on six AA batteries or mains power. It weighs 23 lb (10.5 kg), which the listing calls the slimmest and lightest hammer-action piano at this price. That makes it easy to move between rooms, take to a lesson, or play where there is no outlet. The optional CS-46 stand can turn it into a console-style instrument, but the core design prioritizes portability.

Yamaha Arius YDP-S36 is a slim console with a folding key cover, not a portable slab. Its form factor is designed to sit flat against a wall, and the folding cover doubles as the music rest. Yamaha does not publish a weight figure in the listing, so you cannot compare pounds to pounds. However, as a console it is not intended to be carried regularly or powered by batteries.

Both models earned the full 10 out of 10 score for build and portability in the supplied breakdown, but for opposite reasons. Casio gets top marks because it is light, thin, and battery capable. Yamaha gets top marks because the console is slim for its category and includes a cover that protects the keys while serving as a rest. If you need to move the piano frequently or play outdoors, Casio is the only one that fits. If you want furniture-style design, Yamaha is the one.

Connectivity

Yamaha YDP-S36 has Bluetooth audio and MIDI, which is a major connectivity advantage. You can pair a phone or tablet wirelessly for page turning, app control, or streaming backing tracks through the piano speakers. Casio CDP-S160 has no Bluetooth, so all connections are wired. This is reflected in the supplied connectivity scores: Yamaha gets 9 out of 10, Casio gets 6 out of 10.

Both pianos have USB to Host, which allows wired MIDI connection to a computer or mobile device. Casio USB port is listed for MIDI only, while Yamaha USB to Host is also present, but the Bluetooth covers wireless MIDI and audio. For headphones, Yamaha has dual headphone jacks, which is useful for quiet practice with a teacher or parent. Casio has a single headphone output, and it is a 3.5 mm mini-jack, which may require an adapter for pro headphones.

Pedal connectivity also differs. Casio includes a sustain pedal in the box and offers an optional SP-34 three-pedal unit for console-style use. Yamaha has three pedals already built into the cabinet, so there is nothing extra to connect. If you want zero added purchases and wireless options, Yamaha is the stronger choice. If you only need basic sustain and wired MIDI, Casio covers the essentials.

Setup and Accessories

Casio CDP-S160 comes with a sustain pedal, which is the minimum needed to start playing. The listing does not state whether an AC adapter is included or sold separately, so that is an open question if you plan to use mains power. To create a console setup, you can add the optional CS-46 stand and SP-34 triple pedal unit, but those are separate purchases. The battery option means setup can be as simple as installing six AA batteries.

Yamaha Arius YDP-S36 arrives as a complete console with three pedals built in and a folding key cover that doubles as the music rest. The listing does not mention a bench, so you will likely need to supply your own seating. There is no mention of battery power; the console is intended to stay in one place and plug into a wall outlet. The lack of a published power adapter detail is the same as Casio, but the console design implies AC operation.

From an accessory standpoint, Yamaha is more ready to use as a furniture piano because the pedals and stand are integrated. Casio requires optional accessories to match that console feel, but it is ready to go as a portable keyboard with just batteries and the included sustain pedal. If you want the full three-pedal experience, factor in the cost and setup of the SP-34 for Casio; Yamaha includes it.

Daily Use

For daily practice, the Yamaha YDP-S36 offers a polished experience with its CFX sample, Bluetooth streaming, 303 lesson songs, and three built-in pedals. You can sit down, open the key cover, and have a full console practice session without attaching anything. The dual headphone jacks allow two people to listen silently, which is handy for lessons. The GHS action is okay for beginners, but the listing notes it is the limit for an advancing student.

Casio CDP-S160 works well for daily use if you need to move the piano from room to room or take it to a practice space. Its 23 lb weight and battery power mean you are not tied to an outlet. The included sustain pedal works for basic playing, but for full pedaling you need the SP-34. The headphone output is a 3.5 mm jack, so you may need an adapter for standard studio headphones. The 64-note polyphony is enough for many pieces but can be limiting in advanced repertoire.

Sound quality in daily practice favors Yamaha, which scored 23 out of 25 for piano sound versus Casio 17. The Casio tone is described as thinner than the PX-S1100, so if you spend hours practicing, you may notice the difference. However, if your daily routine involves travel, lessons outside the home, or limited space, Casio portability may outweigh the tonal tradeoff. Both are manageable for beginners; Yamaha is more stationary, Casio more flexible.

The Deciding Question

The deciding question is whether you need a portable, battery-powered hammer-action slab or a slim console with Bluetooth and built-in three pedals. Both pianos score 80 overall, but they earn that score in different ways. Casio gets top marks for portability and value, while Yamaha gets top marks for sound and connectivity. The choice is less about which is better and more about which form factor and feature set match your daily life.

If you answer yes to needing battery power, weighing under 25 lb, and fitting on a narrow desk or table, Casio CDP-S160 is the obvious pick. Its optional SP-34 and CS-46 can later turn it into a console, but the core is still portable. If instead you want a piano that lives against a wall in your apartment, has Bluetooth for streaming and apps, and includes three pedals from day one, Yamaha YDP-S36 is the better fit. Do not choose based on the equal total score alone.

Another deciding factor is transparency of specs. Casio publishes weight, polyphony, and speaker power. Yamaha does not publish polyphony, weight, or speaker power. If those figures matter to you, Casio published numbers give more certainty, while Yamaha listing leaves gaps. For sound quality, Yamaha CFX sample and resonance scored much higher, so if tone is your priority, Yamaha is the safer bet despite the missing specs.

Who Should Buy Which

Buy the Casio CDP-S160 if you are a beginner or casual player who needs a light, slim piano that can run anywhere. Its six AA battery option and 23 lb weight make it ideal for apartments with no dedicated music room, students who travel to lessons, or anyone who wants to practice outdoors. The scaled hammer action with textured keys gives a real piano feel at an entry price. Just be prepared to add the SP-34 triple pedal and CS-46 stand if you want a console setup later.

Buy the Yamaha Arius YDP-S36 if you want a Yamaha console that sits flat against a wall and includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI. The CFX sample with damper and string resonance is a big step up in tone, and the 303 lesson songs and 50 classics support daily practice. The built-in three pedals and dual headphone jacks make it a complete furniture piano for a small room. It is not portable, but it is slim and has a folding key cover that doubles as a music rest.

Avoid Casio CDP-S160 if you want the richer sound and 192-note polyphony of the Privia PX-S1100, as its own cons suggest. Avoid Yamaha YDP-S36 if you want a better action than GHS or a confirmed polyphony figure, since the listing does not publish polyphony and calls GHS entry level. In short, Casio wins on portability and published specs; Yamaha wins on piano tone, Bluetooth, and out-of-box console completeness.