Kawai ES120 Digital Piano Review: Is This the Ideal 88-Key Choice?

Finding a compact digital piano that actually feels like a real instrument—while still being easy to move and packed with useful features—isn’t always straightforward. The Kawai ES120 tries to hit that sweet spot for anyone wanting an 88-key piano with a convincing keyboard and built-in speakers.

Plenty of folks point out that the ES120’s keyboard action feels surprisingly close to an acoustic, which is a big plus if you’re coming from a traditional piano. With Bluetooth audio and MIDI, plus USB-MIDI, it’s ready to handle practice, app integration, and even some light recording. The internal speakers and sound samples get a lot of positive mentions, though you probably shouldn’t expect them to compete with bigger, pricier stage pianos.

Some users, though, have found the control layout a bit clunky or confusing, especially if you’re new to digital pianos. Its lightweight build makes it appealing if you need to move it around, but more advanced players might wish for extra features—like deeper sound editing or layering.

Overview Of The Kawai ES120 88-Key Digital Piano

The ES120 is aimed at both beginners and more experienced players, thanks to its compact footprint and full 88 weighted keys. The key action gets frequent praise for realism, but there’s a recurring theme: the onboard speakers aren’t quite as impressive unless you use headphones or plug into something external.

Bluetooth and USB-MIDI open up lots of possibilities for connecting apps or recording. Features like spatial headphone sound are a nice touch for private practice. On the flip side, there are scattered reports of hardware hiccups and some uncertainty about long-term durability. In short, the ES120 covers the basics well for home or small stage use, though it’s not without a few compromises.

Responsive Hammer Compact Action

Touch response is huge for any digital piano, and Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact Action is designed to give you that “real piano” sensation. Most people say the keys have a satisfying weight and bounce, making practice and playing feel more natural.

It’s noticeably quieter and lighter than some larger hammer actions, which is great for late-night sessions or apartment living. If you’re used to a heavier, old-school piano, you might find it a tad light, but overall, the action strikes a nice balance between realism and comfort in a portable frame.

Spatial Headphone Sound Experience

Practicing with headphones on the ES120 is a step up from the usual digital piano experience. The spatial headphone sound adds depth, making it feel less like you’re playing inside a box.

This is especially handy if you don’t want to bother anyone else at home. Some players found the effect pretty convincing, while others thought it depended on the quality of their headphones. Either way, it’s a thoughtful feature, even if your mileage may vary.

Bluetooth Audio And MIDI Connectivity

Bluetooth on the ES120 lets you wirelessly stream audio or connect MIDI to apps and devices. It’s a nice way to cut down on cable clutter and makes practice setups a bit more flexible.

Most users say pairing is easy, though a few mention the occasional dropout. There’s not much talk about advanced Bluetooth settings or firmware updates. All in all, Bluetooth is a handy addition for casual practice and music-making, but if you’re a pro, you’ll probably still want a wired connection just for reliability.

Wide Selection Of Built-In Sounds

The ES120 gives you a solid variety of built-in sounds, from classic pianos to electric keys and a few other instruments. Switching between them is simple, and most players find the range covers their day-to-day needs.

While the sound library isn’t the most extensive out there, it’s enough for most situations—whether you’re dabbling in new styles or sticking with the basics. A few wish for more layering or deeper editing, but for the price, it’s hard to complain.

USB-MIDI Integration

Plugging the ES120 into your computer or music software is a breeze with USB-MIDI. No extra drivers needed, just plug and play for recording or using virtual instruments.

People like how responsive the MIDI transfer is, though some wish there were more MIDI ports for complicated setups. The USB-MIDI works well with popular music apps, but if you need advanced routing, you might find it a bit basic. Still, for most uses, it gets the job done.

Elegant And Portable Design

At just over 26 pounds, this piano is genuinely portable. Its slim shape fits in tight spaces, on desks, or wherever you’ve got a little room to spare.

The black finish looks sharp and works with most decor. Some users mention it’s still a bit long for constant travel or tiny apartments, but overall, it strikes a decent balance between style and portability.

Ease Of Setup And Use

Getting the ES120 out of the box and set up is pretty painless, though the instructions for stands and pedals could be clearer. Connecting headphones or other devices is straightforward, thanks to Bluetooth Audio/MIDI and USB-MIDI.

If you want to customize your setup, it might take a little extra digging to find the right accessories. Some folks found the onboard speakers simple to use but preferred headphones or external speakers for better sound. The interface is generally user-friendly, but you might spend a few minutes figuring out the button layout the first time.

Pros And Cons

Pros

• Weighted keys and Responsive Hammer Compact Action deliver a realistic feel, close to an acoustic piano.
• Bluetooth Audio/MIDI and USB-MIDI make it easy to connect with other gear or music software.
• Sound selection is solid, especially the EX Concert Grand sample—sounds particularly good with quality headphones.
• Light and compact, so it’s easy to move or fit in small spaces.
• Looks good and generally satisfies both beginners and more experienced pianists.

Cons

• Some users have had mechanical issues, like keys collapsing after a few months, and mixed experiences with service.
• Built-in speakers are often described as muffled or weak, so external speakers are a good idea if you care about sound.
• The tone and key response might not be consistent enough for live gigs or demanding players.
• Picking the right stand or pedal can be confusing without extra help, which can slow down setup.

Customer Reviews

Reviews for the ES120 are a bit of a mixed bag. A lot of people love the feel of the weighted keys and the grand piano sound—especially with headphones. Some say it’s about as close as you’ll get to an acoustic in this price range.

On the downside, complaints about the built-in speakers being underwhelming are pretty common. A few owners mention issues like malfunctioning keys or slow customer support. Overall, it sits at a 4.2 out of 5 from 27 reviews, so most folks are happy, but if you want rich, punchy speakers, you’ll probably want to hook up something extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Kawai ES120 digital piano?

The ES120 packs a balanced set of modern features. Its fully weighted keyboard with Responsive Hammer Compact action is a highlight for anyone wanting an acoustic-like feel. Bluetooth connectivity for audio and MIDI makes wireless practice and app use easy.

Built-in speakers are convenient, but honestly, they don’t wow everyone. The variety of preset sounds and the option to practice quietly with headphones are also practical touches.

How does the Kawai ES120’s action compare to that of other digital pianos in its price range?

Generally, the ES120’s keyboard action gets good marks compared to other entry- and mid-level digital pianos. The weighted keys feel more authentic than a lot of similarly priced options, though how “heavy” they feel is a bit subjective. Some say it’s close to an acoustic, while others want more resistance.

There are occasional complaints about key consistency or quality control, like keys collapsing after a few months, but that seems rare.

Can the Kawai ES120 be connected to external speakers or amplifiers?

Yep, you can hook the ES120 up to external speakers or an amp. Most users recommend it if you’re playing out or just want better sound than the built-ins can provide. The internal speakers can sound a bit muffled compared to headphones or a good external setup.

Bluetooth audio and standard line outputs give you plenty of ways to connect.

What are the pros and cons of the Kawai ES120 digital piano as mentioned by reviewers?

Pros:

• Weighted keys that feel closer to a real piano
• Bluetooth for MIDI and audio
• Portable and lighter than a lot of full-size keyboards
• Good range of onboard sounds, including a popular grand piano sample
• Headphone jack for practicing quietly

Cons:

• Built-in speakers may sound weak or muffled
• Occasional quality issues, like unresponsive service or hardware problems (e.g., keys collapsing)
• Some think the tone and key response fall short for live or advanced playing

How does the touch response of the Kawai ES120 compare to an acoustic piano?

Touch response gets mixed reviews. Some say the action is heavier than many digitals and does a decent job mimicking acoustic touch. In blind tests with headphones, a few people can’t tell the difference.

But others feel the dynamic response and tone still don’t quite reach the richness of a real acoustic. If you’re super picky about nuance, you might notice it’s not quite the same as hammers and strings.

Are there any significant differences between the Kawai ES120 and its predecessor?

If you’ve spent any time with the older ES110, you’ll probably notice the ES120 brings a few welcome tweaks. Bluetooth connectivity stands out—it’s just easier to hook up your phone or tablet now, and honestly, that’s a relief if you’re tired of cables everywhere.

You’ll also find some new sound samples and a handful of extra voices. Some folks seem genuinely pleased with these updates, though the built-in speakers and the feel of the keys still get mixed reviews. It’s not a total overhaul, but if you care about wireless features or a bit more variety in sounds, the ES120 edges ahead of the ES110.