Review

Kawai ES60 review

Research-based editorial · Published 2026-09-24 · Updated 2026-09-24

Current model

Scout take

The ES60 is a focused portable for someone who values an approachable action and acoustic-piano sound more than a busy feature panel. Its light touch will suit some players immediately; the control shortcuts and modest expansion options deserve a practical check.

Who it fits

Who should skip it

Model overview

The ES60 should be considered on its complete entry-level value: action feel, basic piano sound, speaker usability, included pedal, and the cost of any stand or upgrade. Compare it with Yamaha and Casio portables at the same street price, and treat touch preference as the deciding factor after the basic requirements are met.

Keyboard action

Piano Tone particularly enjoys the light, quick response of the RHL action. AMAZONA also finds it playable but considers the weighting a little too light for the reviewer’s preference. This is exactly the sort of disagreement a specification cannot settle. Beginners should try it alongside the FP-10 or P-145BT with the same short exercise, ideally with a teacher’s input, rather than assuming heavier always means better.

Piano sound and speakers

Both sources respond positively to the main acoustic-piano voice. Piano Tone finds several supporting voices less remarkable; AMAZONA also regards the acoustic pianos as a strength and objects to the effect treatment on one electric-piano sound. If your routine is predominantly piano practice, that difference in emphasis may be harmless. If electric piano is central to your music, listen to that particular voice before buying.

Controls connectivity and buyer fit

There is a sharper disagreement over operation. AMAZONA finds the small set of controls learnable, while Piano Tone finds some layering combinations awkward and prefers using PianoRemote. Neither observation is an owner-wide defect report. Ask to select two sounds, layer them and adjust the balance during a demonstration. The ES60 makes sense if that routine works for you; the ES120 is a useful next comparison when you want a fuller portable setup.

Purchase check

Consider the instrument with the stand, carrying case and pedal arrangement you will actually use. Test how much effort it takes to set up and put away. A portable body can still become awkward once accessories are added. Ask the seller to identify exactly what the package includes and compare that complete cost.

Pricing

A current US selling price has not been verified for this article. Check the instrument, stand, pedal, bench, delivery and return conditions as a complete purchase. Historical review prices are not current offers or MSRP.

Owner evidence

The evidence collected for this article does not establish a rate of failures or a recurring long-term ownership problem. We do not generalise from isolated comments or present reviewer preference as owner consensus.

Key specifications

Kawai ES60 — manufacturer facts; checked 2026-09-23
Statuscurrent
Observed priceNot verified — request a current regional quote
Keyboard actionResponsive Hammer Lite
Key constructionNot verified
Key surfaceNot verified
Escapement / let-offNot verified
Maximum polyphony192
Piano sound technologyHarmonic Imaging; SK-EX
SpeakersNot verified
Amplification10 W × 2
PedalsF-1SP included; optional F-10H
Bluetooth audioNot verified
Bluetooth MIDINot verified
USB audio interfaceNot verified
USB MIDIYes
Line outputsYes
HeadphonesNot verified
Dimensions (mm)Not verified
Weight (kg)11
AppsPianoRemote
WarrantyNot verified

Research disclosure

Digital Piano Scout has not physically tested this instrument. This is original research-based analysis using manufacturer documentation for facts and attributed third-party reviews for playing impressions. The source publications may have their own commercial relationships. No star rating or universal winner is assigned.

Sources and research

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