Roland RP107 vs Casio Privia PX-870
Quick Verdict
The Roland RP107 and Casio Privia PX-870 tie at 85 overall, but they suit different priorities. Choose the Roland if you want the best key action in this entry console class, with PHA-4 Standard escapement and Ivory Feel keys, plus built in Bluetooth audio and MIDI. Choose the Casio if you want fuller room sound from a 40 watt four speaker system with lid simulator, four extra voices, and USB flash drive audio recording. The Roland gives you better touch and wireless, while the Casio gives you better speakers and recording. Both have 256 note polyphony, three built in pedals, and sliding key covers.
| Spec | Roland RP107 | Casio Privia PX-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action | PHA-4 Standard with escapement and Ivory Feel | Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II |
| Sound Engine | Roland SuperNATURAL Piano | Casio AiR with lid simulator |
| Voices | 15 | 19 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | 256 notes |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo | 4 speakers, 40 W total |
| Bluetooth | Audio and MIDI | No |
| USB | USB MIDI | USB to Host (MIDI); USB flash drive audio recording |
| Pedals | 3 pedals built in, progressive damper | 3 pedals built in, half-damper |
| Weight | Not published in listing | 75.6 lb (34.3 kg) |
| Form Factor | Console with sliding key cover | Console with sliding key cover |
Key Action
Both pianos use graded hammer actions with textured key surfaces, but the technologies differ. The Roland RP107 has the PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and Ivory Feel, which gives a piano-like touch. The Casio Privia PX-870 uses the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, which has three sensors and a textured finish. The listings score the Roland key action at 28 out of 30 and the Casio at 25 out of 30, so the Roland has a clear advantage in this category.
Roland's PHA-4 Standard includes escapement, which is a mechanical detail usually found on more expensive acoustic piano actions. The Roland verdict calls this action a class above the Casio action in the PX-770. The Casio listing states the PX-870 uses that same action as the PX-770. Therefore, the comparison applies directly, and the Roland action holds an edge over the PX-870 as well.
Both have three built in pedals with graded damper functions, but the details differ. Roland uses a progressive damper pedal with continuous response, as listed in the pros. Casio uses a half damper pedal, which has fewer gradations. This gives the Roland more nuance in pedaling, which is consistent with its higher key action score.
Piano Sound and Speakers
Both instruments offer 256 note polyphony, which allows complex passages without note dropouts even with damper pedal use. The Roland RP107 uses the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which is a modeling based system. The Casio Privia PX-870 uses the Casio AiR engine with a lid simulator, which adds resonance modeling for open and closed lid positions. The listing scores the Casio piano sound at 22 out of 25 and the Roland at 21 out of 25, giving Casio a slight edge in this area.
Speaker hardware is a major difference between the two. The Casio has four speakers with a total output of 40 watts, which is much larger than the built in stereo speakers on the Roland. The Roland listing calls its speakers modest for a console. The Casio pros say the four speaker system projects up and out like an upright piano, which usually means better room coverage.
The Roland verdict states that the Casio PX-870 sounds bigger in a room than the RP107, which aligns with the speaker power and design. The Casio lid simulator adds to the acoustic piano feel by modeling the changes in tone when the lid is opened or closed. The Roland relies on SuperNATURAL modeling for its core tone, but the built in speaker system does not project as strongly. The small score difference reflects the Casio's stronger built in speaker performance.
Features and Modes
The Roland RP107 has 15 voices, while the Casio Privia PX-870 has 19 voices, giving the Casio four additional tones for non piano sounds. Both include three built in pedals and a sliding key cover, which are standard for console digital pianos in this class. The feature scores are 11 out of 15 for Roland and 13 out of 15 for Casio, so the Casio has a modest advantage in this category.
Damper pedal behavior is one functional difference. The Roland progressive damper responds continuously across the pedal travel, as described in the listing. The Casio half damper offers graded but stepped control rather than full continuous response. Both products list three built in pedals, though only the damper is described in detail. The remaining pedals are not specified further in the supplied facts.
Bluetooth and recording are the main feature differences. Roland includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI, allowing wireless streaming from a phone and wireless MIDI connections to apps. Casio has no Bluetooth at all. Instead, the Casio offers USB flash drive audio recording, which lets you capture your playing directly to a USB drive. The Roland listing does not mention USB audio recording, and the Casio listing does not mention any wireless features.
Build, Design and Portability
Both are console digital pianos with a sliding key cover, which protects the keys when not in use. The Casio Privia PX-870 weighs 75.6 pounds, or 34.3 kilograms, according to the listing. The Roland RP107 weight is not published in the listing, so a direct weight comparison is not possible. Neither piano is designed to be moved frequently after initial setup.
Build quality scores are close, with the Casio at 10 out of 10 and the Roland at 9 out of 10. The Casio listing says the cabinet is plainer than Yamaha and Kawai consoles at this price, but the score still reflects a solid build. The Roland listing also calls its cabinet styling plain, which is a common trade off at this price point. Both have integrated stands and pedal boards, so the main cabinet is one piece.
Portability is limited for both because of the console form factor, which is meant to remain in one room. The Casio's 75.6 pound weight makes it a two person lift during setup and any future moving. The Roland's weight is unknown, but its console design is similar and likely heavy as well. Both sliding key covers add protection during daily non use, but they do not change the stationary nature of these instruments.
Connectivity
Bluetooth is the biggest connectivity difference between the two. The Roland RP107 includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI, which are listed as pros. This means Roland users can stream music wirelessly through the piano's speakers and use MIDI apps without a cable. The Casio Privia PX-870 has no Bluetooth at all, as stated in the specs.
Both pianos offer USB MIDI connectivity. The Roland listing says USB MIDI, and the Casio listing says USB to Host for MIDI, which are essentially the same function. The Casio adds a separate USB flash drive port for audio recording, which is a feature the Roland does not list. This gives the Casio a wired advantage for capturing performances without a computer.
Connectivity scores reflect the wireless gap. The Roland scores 9 out of 10, while the Casio scores 5 out of 10, the lowest category score for either piano. The Casio's lack of Bluetooth is called its most dated feature in the listing. The Roland's Bluetooth audio and MIDI are highlighted as pros, which justifies the higher score.
Setup and Accessories
As console pianos, both arrive in larger packages that require assembly, though the listings do not give step by step instructions. The Casio's 75.6 pound weight suggests two person setup for safety. The Roland's weight is not published, so setup effort cannot be directly compared. Both include integrated stands and three pedal boards, reducing the number of separate parts to assemble.
The sliding key cover is built into each cabinet, which is a convenience for daily use. Neither listing confirms whether a bench, headphones, or printed music rest is included in the box. These accessories are often purchased separately, but the supplied facts do not state either way. Both have built in speakers and pedals, so no external amplifier or separate pedal unit is needed for basic operation.
Assembly instructions are not part of the supplied listing details, so buyers should expect standard console setup. The Casio's weight makes it important to choose a stable floor location and to have help lifting. The Roland's form factor is similar but its weight is unverified, so the same caution is reasonable. Both should remain stationary after initial setup is complete.
Daily Use
For daily practice, the Roland RP107 has a key action score of 28 out of 30, the higher of the two, which supports touch development. Bluetooth audio and MIDI allow wireless connection to practice apps and music libraries on a phone or tablet. The built in stereo speakers are described as modest, so headphone use may be preferable for critical listening. The 15 tones cover the essential piano sounds but offer less variety than the Casio's 19.
The Casio PX-870 is built around its four speaker 40 watt system, which gives it room filling sound for daily playing without external speakers. Its 19 voices give more variety for practice, layering, and casual play. USB flash drive audio recording lets players capture practice sessions easily and share them without a computer. The lack of Bluetooth means app control requires a USB cable, which is less convenient for phone based learning.
Both have sliding key covers to protect keys from dust and everyday household wear. The Roland progressive damper and the Casio half damper support pedal practice, though the Roland's continuous response is more nuanced for advanced techniques. Neither instrument is portable, so daily use assumes a dedicated home space. The supplied facts do not describe headphone jacks, but both are digital pianos intended primarily for home use.
The Deciding Question
The overall scores are identical at 85, so the choice is not about total quality but about matching strengths to your needs. The Roland wins key action 28 to 25 and connectivity 9 to 5, which are both significant margins. The Casio wins piano sound 22 to 21, features 13 to 11, build 10 to 9, and value 10 to 7, so it leads in more categories but by smaller margins.
If you prioritize touch and wireless integration, ask whether the PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and Bluetooth audio and MIDI matter more than speaker power and USB recording. The Roland delivers those strengths but has fewer voices and modest speakers, as the cons state. This is the touch first purchase for players who value action above all.
If you prioritize room filling sound and the ability to record audio without a computer, ask whether the 40 watt four speaker system and USB flash drive recording matter more than Bluetooth and the highest action score. The Casio delivers those strengths with a still good action and no wireless features. This is the sound first purchase for players who want a self contained acoustic like experience.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Roland RP107 if you are a student or player who wants the best entry level key action in this comparison and Bluetooth convenience. The PHA-4 Standard escapement and Ivory Feel keys are its main advantages, as highlighted in the best for summary. Avoid the Roland if you want the most powerful speakers or a wide voice library at this price, according to the avoid if summary.
Choose the Casio Privia PX-870 if you are a home player who wants a console that sounds full through its own speakers and can record audio to a USB flash drive. The four speaker 40 watt system and lid simulator are its main advantages, and the best for summary supports this. Avoid the Casio if you want Bluetooth or the most refined action in this class, as the avoid if summary states.
Students who value touch and wireless app connectivity will lean toward the Roland RP107. Home players who value built in speaker projection and simple audio recording will lean toward the Casio Privia PX-870. Both are solid for daily practice on a fixed stand, but they solve different problems. The supplied best for and avoid if summaries support this split clearly.
Roland RP107
Pros
- PHA-4 Standard action with escapement in an entry console
- 256-note polyphony and SuperNATURAL modeling
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in
- Progressive damper pedal with continuous response
Cons
- Only fifteen tones
- Speakers are modest for a console
- Plain cabinet styling
Casio Privia PX-870
Pros
- Four-speaker 40 watt system that projects up and out like an upright
- 256-note polyphony
- Records audio to a USB flash drive
- Same three-sensor textured action as the PX-770
Cons
- No Bluetooth
- Cabinet is plainer than Yamaha and Kawai consoles at the price
- Action is a step below the Kawai CN201 and Yamaha YDP-184
Who Should Buy Each
Roland RP107
- You want escapement and textured keys in a home console
- You use lesson apps over Bluetooth MIDI
- You need three proper pedals with continuous damper response
Casio Privia PX-870
- The piano will be played through its speakers in a living room
- You want to record practice as audio without a computer
- You want 256-note polyphony for layered, pedaled playing
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want the most refined key action with escapement and Ivory Feel keys | Choose Roland RP107 |
| If you want the loudest, fullest built in speaker sound with 40 watts and lid simulator | Choose Casio Privia PX-870 |
| If you need Bluetooth audio and MIDI for wireless practice and streaming | Choose Roland RP107 |
| If you want to record audio directly to a USB flash drive without a computer | Choose Casio Privia PX-870 |
| If you want the widest range of built in tones at this price | Choose Casio Privia PX-870 |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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