Casio has been making keyboards for quite some time and their name is synonymous with electronic keyboards so hopefully they do well what they do, what they do. Casio is particularly good at making entry-level digital keyboards and has a wide variety to choose from. This article will help you choose the one that is right for you.

There are basically two ranges with different models within those ranges: the LK digital keyboard range and the CTK keyboard range. To look at the two ranges, there is not much of a difference to the inexperienced eye. But once you dig into the functions and features, there is a marked difference.

The main difference between the Casio LK and CTK digital keyboards is that the LK range has what they call a backlit keyboard. The backlit keyboard is a tried and trusted feature designed to help absolute beginners get started learning and playing quickly.

We use Casio LK Digital Keyboards in our own music school and I have seen countless children and adults find this one of the most useful training tools, but especially for younger students as they can get frustrated and out of focus if they cannot learn quickly. I am not saying that you will become a piano master immediately after using the tool, it just provides a very practical learning guide.

There are 5 models in the Casio LK keyboard range: LK-120, LK-220, LK-230, LK-270, and LK-300TV. All of these models have 61 keys that light up. 61 keys are enough for absolute beginners. The Casio LK-120 is the entry level and goes up to the LK-300TV at the higher end. Each model has a little more features as the range increases. For example, the LK-120 has 100 built-in sounds while the LK-300TV has 514.

Similarly, the LK-120 has fewer rhythm options than the LK-300TV Digital Keyboard. As the range goes up, you will find more functions like effects, eg delay, reverb. The ability to connect external equipment becomes possible as the range increases, for example by adding a microphone and playing along with someone who sings. One thing that is common to all models is the ability to connect to a computer easily via Midi or USB. They also feature the Casio Step up learning system.

The Casio CTK range is also suitable for absolute beginners, but does not feature the backlight keys. However, they all feature the Step-Up learning system, as well as more recording, sampling and effects functions.

There are 6 models in the CTK range; CTK-230, CTK-2000, CTK-2100, CTK-3000, CTK-4000 and CTK-5000. As with the LK range of digital keyboards, the CTK range increases the number of built-in sounds and digital effects as the range increases. The CTK-230 is entry-level, and it should be noted that it only has 49 keys, while the others have 61 keys.

Another feature of the CTK range that is worth mentioning is the appearance of the keys. On many keyboards in this price range, you may find that the keys are a different size than an acoustic piano. Casio has made the keys the same size and look just like an acoustic. All of which helps with playing technique.

So the question is what is the best Casio keyboard for beginners? There is nothing right or wrong, but as a guide, I would choose the LK-230 absolute beginners who are younger, that is, 4-7 years old. For older players, I would choose the CTK range.