Do the CDP-S160 and P-145 both work with Simply Piano?

Yes — both are fully compatible with Simply Piano via USB MIDI. Connect a USB cable from the keyboard to your iPad or iPhone (using a USB-to-Lightning or USB-C adapter) and Simply Piano detects them automatically. The app experience is identical on both instruments.

Does Simply Piano work better with Bluetooth or USB on these keyboards?

Neither keyboard has Bluetooth MIDI, so the question doesn't apply here — USB is your only option on both. In general, wired USB is actually the more reliable Simply Piano connection: zero latency, no pairing needed, no dropout risk. Bluetooth MIDI works well too, but USB is more stable for timing-sensitive lessons.

Which is better for building real piano technique, the CDP-S160 or P-145?

Both have genuine 88-key weighted actions, which is the essential requirement for building proper technique. The Yamaha P-145's GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) is slightly faster and lighter than the Casio CDP-S160's Scaled Hammer Action II. Neither has escapement. For technique development, either is a solid foundation — the key difference is sound quality, where the P-145 is more motivating to play as you progress.

Is 64-note polyphony enough for Simply Piano lessons?

Yes, comfortably. 64-note polyphony means the instrument can produce 64 notes simultaneously. Simply Piano lessons rarely exceed 10–15 simultaneous notes in the first year or two of learning. You'd need to be playing advanced repertoire with heavy pedaling before 64-note polyphony becomes a limitation.

Does the CDP-S160's battery power help for Simply Piano practice?

Indirectly yes — if your practice space doesn't always have a convenient outlet, battery power lets you set up anywhere without cable management. That said, you still need a USB connection to your tablet for Simply Piano, so you're not entirely wire-free. It's most useful for players who move their setup between rooms or practice away from home.

Can I record Simply Piano practice on the CDP-S160?

The CDP-S160 has a built-in 1-track recorder that captures what you play to internal memory — completely separate from the Simply Piano app. This is useful for self-review: record a practice run, play it back, hear your mistakes. The P-145 has no onboard recording; you'd need to use the Simply Piano replay feature or record through a DAW over USB.

Which keyboard is easier to set up with Simply Piano?

Both are equally simple. Plug in a USB cable, open Simply Piano, and the app finds the keyboard immediately. No drivers, no Bluetooth pairing, no setup menus. The CDP-S160 and P-145 are plug-and-play with the Simply Piano app on iPad and iPhone.

Casio CDP-S160 vs Yamaha P-145 for Simply Piano (2026)

Published May 9, 2026•Last Updated May 9, 2026

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Simply Piano learners choosing between two entry-level 88-key digital pianos — the $549 Casio CDP-S160 and the $499 Yamaha P-145.

Why This

Both connect to Simply Piano via USB. We break down which is the better learning piano for app-based practice, including key action, sound quality, and real-world portability.

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