Digital Pianos Review
Kawai CX102 Review: The New Entry Kawai Console
The CX102 is the entry model in Kawai's new CX console line: the Responsive Hammer Lite graded action, 17 sounds built on Kawai's grand samples, 192-note polyphony, built-in speakers, three pedals and dual and split modes. This review covers what the listing confirms, what it leaves open, and how the CX102 compares with the KDP75 and the Yamaha YDP-146.
Our Verdict
Research Score 79/100The Kawai CX102 is worth considering if you want Kawai's piano tone in a console for a beginner and the lighter Responsive Hammer Lite action suits the player. Seventeen sounds and 192-note polyphony are confirmed. Bluetooth, speaker power and weight are not stated on the listing, and the CX202 with RHC II is the step up for a student who will progress.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
Kawai
Kawai CX102
Best for: Families who want a Kawai console at the lowest price in the new CX line
Skip it if: you want the heavier RHC II of the CX202 or documented Bluetooth
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Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- You want Kawai's sound in a console for a beginner
- A light graded action suits a child
- You will connect apps by cable
Skip it if
- Touch matters; the CX202 or CN201 are the steps up
- You want Bluetooth confirmed
- You need loud speakers
Key Specifications
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer Lite (RHL), graded |
| Sound Engine | Kawai sampled grands |
| Voices | 17 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo |
| Bluetooth | Not published in listing |
| USB | USB MIDI |
| Pedals | 3 pedals built in |
| Weight | Not published in listing |
| Form Factor | Console |
The CX Line
Kawai's CX series is a new console range that sits alongside the KDP and CN models. The CX102 is its entry: the listing confirms the Responsive Hammer Lite graded action, 17 sounds, built-in speakers, 192-note polyphony and dual and split modes, in a white finish on this listing. It does not publish Bluetooth, speaker wattage, weight or the sound engine by name; Kawai's grand samples are the basis of its sounds.
Responsive Hammer Lite
RHL is Kawai's lightest graded hammer action, shared with the ES60 portable. It is graded from bass to treble and quiet, with a lighter touch than RHC II or RHIII, no let-off and plain key tops. For a child or an adult beginner it is comfortable and adequate; for an advancing student the CX202's RHC II or the CN201's RHIII are the better keyboards. Against the Yamaha GHS on the YDP-146, RHL is comparable in weight with a softer feel.
Sound, Polyphony and Speakers
The main grand carries Kawai's characteristic warmth and the 16 further sounds cover a second piano, electric pianos, organs, strings and bass. Polyphony is 192 notes, generous for an entry console. The built-in speakers suit a practice room; without a published wattage, plan on headphones for a larger room.
Connectivity and Pedals
USB MIDI connects apps and a computer with a cable. Three pedals are built into the console base. Bluetooth is not stated on the listing. Two headphone jacks allow silent practice for two.
Assembly and Cabinet
The CX102 is a console with a folding cover in white or black, assembled in under an hour with two people. Weight is not published; Kawai's entry consoles are typically around 80 pounds. No bench is included.
Daily Use
In daily use the CX102 is a simple piano: select a sound, set the metronome and play, with Duet mode for teacher and student and the recorder for reviewing practice. Kawai's PianoRemote app over USB handles settings. The light action makes it an easy instrument for a child to start on, and the 192-note polyphony means pedaled pieces never drop notes, which is the ceiling entry Yamaha and Casio consoles hit.
CX102 Against the Alternatives
Against the KDP75, both are entry Kawai consoles; the KDP75 has the heavier RHC action and built-in Alfred lessons, the CX102 the newer design and 17 sounds. Against the CX202, the CX202 adds RHC II and is the better buy for a student who will progress. Against the Yamaha YDP-146, the Yamaha has Bluetooth, the CFX sample and a bench; the Kawai has documented 192-note polyphony and the warmer tone.
Buy the CX102 for Kawai tone at the entry price when a light action suits the player.
Setup and Accessories
The CX102 arrives as a keyboard unit, side panels, a back board and a pedal board, and assembles in under an hour with two people. Add an adjustable bench, because the listing does not include one, and a pair of headphones for evening practice. The folding cover protects the keys between sessions and the cabinet is shallow enough for a bedroom wall. Kawai's PianoRemote app over USB handles settings that the simple panel does not expose.
Practice Features
Duet mode splits the keyboard into two identical ranges so a teacher and student can play the same passage side by side, a metronome keeps time, and a recorder captures a performance for playback. Dual mode layers two sounds and split mode puts a bass or pad in the left hand. Two headphone jacks let a parent listen in silence. The 192-note polyphony means none of these modes drop notes, which is the ceiling entry Yamaha and Casio consoles reach first.
Long-Term Fit
The RHL action is what a committed student outgrows, usually within a few years. The CX102 is best seen as a first Kawai console, with the CX202 and CN201 as the models to grow into.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Kawai tone in a new entry console
- 192-note polyphony and 17 sounds
- Graded Responsive Hammer Lite action
- Dual and split modes
Limitations
- RHL is Kawai's lightest action
- Bluetooth, speaker power and weight not stated on the listing
- New model with little track record
How We Scored It
Scores reflect published specifications, documented features and value against the alternatives below. They are editorial research scores, not laboratory measurements.
Alternatives to Consider
Kawai CX202
Students who want a Kawai console with the RHC II action in a modern cabinet
Read the Kawai CX202 review →
Kawai KDP75
Families who want Kawai tone and three pedals in a console at the lowest Kawai price
Read the Kawai KDP75 review →
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
Families who want the CFX sound, Bluetooth and a bench in an affordable Arius console
Read the Yamaha Arius YDP-146 review →Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kawai CX102 vs Medeli CP203 Compare →
Questions Buyers Ask
Kawai CX102
See the current listing, price and included accessories.
About This Review
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.
Read our full research methodology.