Casio CT-S200 BK

The Casio CT-S200BK is a 61-key keyboard designed for beginners who want to explore notes, accompaniments, and different musical styles on an instrument that’s easy to carry. With 400 sounds, 77 rhythms, and a Dance Music mode, it offers more creative possibilities than a very basic beginner keyboard. The BK version features a black finish.

Key Features

• 400 sounds and 77 rhythms with automatic accompaniment to explore different instruments and styles.
• 60 built-in songs with selectable right-hand and left-hand parts to accompany your first exercises.
• Dance Music mode to create drum, bass, and synthesizer phrases directly from the keyboard.
• Audio input to play along with music from an external source connected via cable.
• Micro-B USB port for exchanging MIDI data with a compatible computer or mobile device.
• Weighs 3.3 kg, features a built-in handle, and can be powered by 6 AA batteries for easy portability.

Is the CT-S200BK suitable for beginners?

Its LCD screen, selection dial, and simplified interface provide quick access to sounds and rhythms. The metronome and 60 built-in songs also provide support for practicing rhythm and playing your first melodies.

The 61 keys are not velocity-sensitive. Therefore, the volume of the notes does not vary based on how hard you press the keys, which limits the ability to work on nuances. For a beginner who wants to develop this aspect of playing, the CT-S300 is a better choice thanks to its velocity-sensitive keyboard.

What can you do with the accompaniments?

The 77 rhythms provide an automatic accompaniment section controlled via the keyboard. The One Touch Preset function selects settings tailored to the chosen rhythm, eliminating the need to manually search for a sound and various parameters before starting to play.

Dance Music mode offers a different approach. Zones on the keyboard are used to trigger and combine drum, bass, and synthesizer phrases to quickly build a musical sequence.

Can you learn to play the piano with this model?

The CT-S200BK is suitable for getting started with the keyboard, learning notes, practicing coordination, and playing simple songs. The right-hand and left-hand parts of the built-in songs can be turned on or off so you can practice one part while the keyboard plays the other.

However, it does not replace a digital piano for in-depth piano instruction. Its 61 keys are neither weighted nor velocity-sensitive, whereas an 88-key digital piano with hammer-action keys is better suited for developing acoustic piano technique.

Can you play with headphones or along with music?

The 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack PHONES/OUTPUT jack accepts headphones so you can practice without using the speakers. It can also be used to send the keyboard’s signal to compatible audio equipment.

The AUDIO IN jack lets you connect a smartphone, tablet, or other device with a compatible audio output via a cable. The music is then played through the CT-S200BK’s speakers, and you can play along at the same time.

How do I use it with a computer or an app?

The USB Micro-B port enables MIDI communication with a compatible computer or mobile device. In particular, the keyboard can connect to CASIO MUSIC SPACE to use the app’s compatible features.

This USB connection carries MIDI data, not the keyboard’s audio signal. Depending on the smartphone, tablet, or computer you’re using, you may need an appropriate cable or adapter.

Is it easy to transport?

The CT-S200BK measures approximately 93 x 25.6 x 7.3 cm and weighs 3.3 kg without batteries. Its built-in handle makes it easy to carry to a lesson, on vacation, or for use in different rooms.

It runs on AC power or 6 AA batteries. With alkaline batteries, Casio claims a battery life of approximately 16 hours, though actual battery life may vary depending on volume and usage conditions.