The Kawai ES120 is Kawai's answer in the competitive portable digital piano segment. It features the Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action — Kawai's entry-level weighted action — paired with SK-EX Rendering sound technology that samples Kawai's top concert grand.
Key Specifications
| Spec | ES120 |
|---|---|
| Keys | 88, Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) |
| Sound Engine | SK-EX Rendering |
| Polyphony | 192 voices |
| Tones | 30 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth MIDI/Audio, USB, stereo out |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
Responsive Hammer Compact Action
RHC is Kawai's entry-level weighted action with let-off simulation — a slight bump in key resistance that mimics the escapement of a grand piano hammer mechanism. This is present in the FP-30X's PHA-4 action as well, but absent in Yamaha's GHC action. For players who have experience with acoustic pianos, this tactile feedback makes RHC feel more authentic than GHC. The touch weight varies from treble to bass (heavier bass, lighter treble) as expected.
SK-EX Rendering Sound
Kawai samples their SK-EX concert grand (9-foot full concert grand) for the ES120's piano sounds. The rendering technology includes sympathetic resonance, damper resonance, and string resonance — behaviors of acoustic piano that make recorded sound feel three-dimensional. The resulting piano tone is warm and full, and many players prefer it to Roland's brighter SuperNATURAL sound. Sonic character preference between Roland and Kawai is genuinely subjective.
Bluetooth MIDI and Audio
Unlike the Yamaha P-125A, the ES120 includes both Bluetooth MIDI and audio — the same complete wireless connectivity as the Roland FP-30X. This allows wireless connection to piano learning apps (Simply Piano, Synthesia, Flowkey) without cables. For modern digital piano practice, full Bluetooth MIDI is a significant convenience.
How It Compares to FP-30X
The ES120 and FP-30X are direct competitors. Key differences: Kawai RHC action has let-off simulation that RHC lacks on lower-end models, but Roland PHA-4 Standard is generally considered slightly more realistic in feel. Kawai SK-EX tone is warmer; Roland SuperNATURAL is brighter. Both include full Bluetooth MIDI/audio. Both weigh about 11.5 kg. Choosing between them comes down to preferred sound character and key feel preference — both are excellent choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kawai ES120 better than the Roland FP-30X?
They are very close in quality. The ES120 has let-off simulation in the RHC action and a warmer SK-EX sound. The FP-30X has the PHA-4 Standard action (generally considered more authentic) and SuperNATURAL sound. Both include Bluetooth MIDI/audio. If you prefer warmer piano tone, Kawai ES120. If you prefer Roland's brighter, more dynamic sound, FP-30X. Play both if possible before deciding.
Does the Kawai ES120 have Bluetooth MIDI?
Yes — unlike some competitors in this price range (notably Yamaha P-125A which has Bluetooth audio only), the ES120 includes full Bluetooth MIDI and audio. This allows wireless connection to piano learning apps without cables.