The Bottom Line
This would be a good starter keyboard for children, or a beginner who needs visual help with chords and piano fingering. The rating for this keyboard is slightly lower due to its lack of touch-sensitivity.
Pros
- Lighted keys show you which notes to play
- Built in lessons & challenges
- Auto-shut off after 30 minutes (optional)
- Chord charts in keyboard & in manual
- Lightweight at 14 lbs.
Cons
- Only 4 keys can light at once
- No sustain pedal included
- Keys are not weighted
- Limited velocity settings
Description
- Keys: 61
- Polyphony: 48-note
- Touch Sensitivity: No
- Reverb/Chorus: 10 reverb settings; no chorus
- Metronome: Yes; 30-255 BPM
- Available Colors: Black
Review - Casio LK-165
Price: $120-$200
Keys & “Action”:
The Casio LK-165’s most important attribute is its lighted keyboard, which directs you to the right notes for both chords and songs. However, this model can only support four lighted keys at one time, making larger chords – or melodies backed by chords – impossible to light. This feature can also be switched off.
The feel of the keyboard is normal for an inexpensive portable keyboard: very lightweight, hollow, and plastic (although they are nearly full size). For this reason, this keyboard is best suited for very young children who might not yet require practice on weighted keys.
It should be noted that there is no touch-response on this model; the volume of a note will not change depending on how hard a key is pressed. A similar lighted Casio model which does have this feature is the LK-240; however, its touch-sensitivity is reliant on how quickly a note is pressed, not how hard.
Transposition from -12 to +12.
Voices:
There are over 400 built-in voices and sound effects, but a really cool feature is the ability to create your own custom tones. You can record a short sound directly onto the keyboard using a microphone, then add dynamic, tempo, vibrato, or looping effects (the manual provides very clear instructions on how to set up this feature).
Available tones include:
- 28 Piano & keyboard instruments
- 26 Organs
- 14 Guitars
- 32 String & choral options
… and plenty more!
Pedal Fuctions:
A single-pedal unit (not included; see Accessories, below) may be programmed to produce the effects of the damper, sostenuto, or una corda pedals; and it can also can be used to activate a background rhythm.
Preset Songs:
The LK-165 comes with 90 preset songs and 150 rhythms. The song bank includes traditionals, children’s folk tunes, Christmas music, and classical piano songs. There are also 20 additional practice exercises supplemental to the built-in lessons.
Keyboard Speakers & Quality:
The two integrated 2W speakers are suitable for simple play, but an external amplifier is recommended for anyone who needs some extra oomph. At maximum levels, the speakers can sound a bit muffled. This is particularly true when the bass notes are played, or when bass instrument voices are selected.
Included Accessories:
Package includes:
- 9.5V AC power supply adapter (model # AD-E95100 / AD-E95100L)*
- Free song book
- Keyboard stand*
- Music rest
* (Inclusion of power supply and keyboard stand varies by retailer; always inquire before purchasing.)
Optional accessories which may be purchased separately include:
- Sustain pedal (model # SP-3) – $15-$25
LK-165 Bundle Package Accessories:
The bundle package for the LK-165 includes the keyboard; stereo headphones ; AC power supply; song book, and keyboard stand.
Inputs:
○ 1/4" headphone/audio OUT jack○ 1/8" audio IN
○ 1/4" mic IN
○ USB (A-B cable not included)
○ Sustain pedal input, 1/4"
See More Casio Instrument Reviews:
■ Privia PX-130 - 88-Key■ WK-200 - 76-Key
■ CDP-100 - 88-Key
■ WK-7500 - 76-Key
■ WK-500 - 76-Key
