The electronic keyboard market is a very competitive field with some major players like Yamaha, Roland, Casio, and Korg (among others). This is all good news for the consumer because what we are seeing are high-quality, feature-packed keyboards that offer incredible value for money.

However, one of the problems with all these keyboards and all their features is trying to choose the right one for you. In this comparison I have chosen the Yamaha PSR-E423 and the Casio CTK-5000, which go hand in hand in the medium sector. I’ll break down some of the similarities and differences so you can gain a better understanding and hopefully make a better decision for yourself.

Keyboard

Both instruments have a 61-note keyboard with full-size keys. However, the PSR-E423 has organ-style keys while the CTK-5000 has piano-style keys. Although both keyboards are touch responsive, meaning you can vary the note depending on the pressure you apply to the key, the PSR-E423’s organ-style notes will stay lit as long as you hold down the key. On the other hand, the CTK-5000’s piano-style keys will allow notes to gradually fade away.

The PSR-E423 has a polyphony of 32 notes while the CTK-5000 has 48. Polyphony is the number of simultaneous notes that can be played at the same time. In this context, the CTK-5000 is able to provide smoother and more natural transitions between notes.

sounds

Both keyboards have a similar specification when it comes to built-in sounds and tones. The PSR-E423 has 700 tones and the CTK-5000 has 670. These range from a grand piano to a triangle, and every other designed instrument in between. As with most instruments of this type, some are good, others not so good.

Likewise, both keyboards are extensively equipped with built-in rhythms and songs. The PSR-E423 has 174 rhythms while the CTK-5000 has 200. You can use them as backing to enhance your own performance. Similarly, the PSR-E423 has 30 songs while the CTK-5000 has 152. These are useful for performance lessons and for your own listening enjoyment.

Characteristics and Facilities

Both keyboards have digital effects available including reverb and chorus (PSR-E423 has 9 reverbs and 4 choruses; CTK-5000 has 10 and 5), and both have a sequencer so you can put together and record your own compositions (both keyboards have 6 tracks). available with 5-song memory). Additionally, the CTK-5000 has an SD card reader for added versatility so you can download/upload your own files.

You can connect headphones to the output of both instruments for silent practice. However, only the CTK-5000 has line outputs for connection to an external mixer or PA system. For this reason, the CTK-5000 is more suitable if you want to use it in a live performance situation.

Another noteworthy feature, again with the CTK-5000 only, is the sampling function. With this you can record any audio sound input (maximum 10 seconds) and then play it through the keyboard. This opens up a whole new range of creative possibilities and potential for fun.

Conclution

As you can see, both keyboards are very similar in terms of specification. For home use, you basically can’t go wrong with either. The CTK-5000 lends itself a bit more to a live environment. However, the PSR-E423 has more built-in instrument tones and a lower recommended retail price. Ideally, the best thing to do is try both before you buy, but at least now, after reading this article, you should know what to expect.

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