Does the Yamaha P-525 have real wooden keys?

Yes — the P-525 features GrandTouch-S action with real wooden white keys. This is unusual for a slab-style portable piano. Wood responds differently than plastic to humidity and temperature, giving the keys a subtle give and gravity that is difficult to replicate with synthetic materials. For classical pianists accustomed to acoustic instruments, the wooden key feel is a meaningful upgrade over the Kawai's plastic RHIII action.

Which sounds better in a room, the Yamaha P-525 or Kawai ES920?

The Kawai ES920 edges ahead in a room listening test for many players. Its built-in Onkyo speaker system produces a warmer, more rounded low-end, and the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX samples have an organic quality that sounds particularly natural at moderate volumes. The Yamaha P-525's speakers are excellent and louder, but the Kawai's sound has a subtle richness that consistently impresses in direct comparison.

Is the Kawai ES920 significantly lighter than the Yamaha P-525?

Yes — the ES920 weighs 17 kg (37.5 lbs) versus the P-525's 22 kg (48.5 lbs). That 5 kg (11 lb) difference is meaningful for gigging musicians. The P-525's extra weight comes directly from its wooden key action. For players who move their piano frequently, the Kawai is the substantially easier instrument to transport.

Is the Yamaha P-525 worth the higher price compared to the ES920?

It depends on your priorities. If wooden key action is important to you, the P-525 is the only portable instrument in this class that offers it — and that alone justifies the price premium for the right player. If you prioritize tone, lighter weight, and an OLED display, the Kawai ES920 is a better value. Both are exceptional instruments; the choice is genuinely about personal preference.

Yamaha P525 vs Kawai ES920: The Premium Portable Showdown (2026)

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Yamaha P525 vs Kawai ES920: The Premium Portable Showdown (2026) | SynthSquid