We compare CX-102, RP-107 and YDP-146

Sound: 

Kawai CX-102 features beautiful samples from Shigeru Kawai’s flagship concert grand piano, the SK-EX. The piano has been used in several prestigious international piano competitions, such as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein competitions.

Kawai has recorded all 88 notes individually to achieve the most accurate reproduction of each note’s unique harmonic qualities. This makes the samples as close to the acoustic grand piano as possible. The piano’s sound engine is called Harmonic Imaging.

Roland RP-107 features Roland’s 'SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling' technology. Unlike many others, Roland doesn’t rely solely on traditional samples from acoustic pianos.

Instead, Roland has taken a different approach by using advanced digital modeling technology that recreates the piano sound’s tone generation in real time. It’s so precise that your expression and touch are accurately captured as you play, adapting the tone to your performance — resulting in a rich and expressive piano sound.

Yamaha YDP-146 brings the rich, natural sound of a concert grand piano into your home with the renowned Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano voice. Its VRM Lite technology recreates the resonance of an acoustic grand piano, providing a more realistic playing experience.

The CFX Grand Piano sound captures the power and tonal character of Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand. In addition, you get nine other built-in instrument voices, including electric pianos, organs, vibraphones, and strings.

Touch:

Kawai CX-102 features Kawai’s 'Responsive Hammer Compact' key action. The weight of the keys has been appropriately adjusted so that they are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the upper register, just like on an acoustic piano. The 'Triple Sensor Key Detection' mechanism ensures there are no issues with rapid note repetition. This provides a much more authentic playing feel and allows for more nuanced performance.

Roland RP-107 uses Roland’s own 'PHA-4' key action, which inherits Roland’s Progressive Hammer Action technology and ivory-feel texture, also found in Roland’s premium digital pianos. The highly responsive touch of the PHA-4 keyboard makes it possible to master the tonal variations and natural dynamics of the SuperNATURAL Piano to perfection.

Yamaha YDP-146 is equipped with Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action, faithfully simulating the feel of a grand piano with heavier keys in the lower register and lighter keys in the upper register. Additionally, improved sensors also accommodate grace notes, trills, and other intricate forms of expression.

Design:

Kawai CX-102 is available in Black and White. The piano features a minimalist design with gently curved edges, giving it a softer and more refined appearance. It is also the tallest of the three pianos and generally has a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing design.

Roland RP-107 is available only in Black. The instrument has a simple, modern design. The back panel is lower than the other two models, making it feel less bulky. The cabinet has a matte finish instead of a traditional wood texture.

Yamaha YDP-146 is available in: Rosewood, Black og White. Its clean, understated design is characterized by soft curves that create an elegant and harmonious appearance. Rounded corners and other safety-oriented design features make it suitable for users of all ages. The design combines safety with sophisticated aesthetics, allowing it to fit seamlessly into any home interior—a hallmark of Yamaha’s digital pianos.

The specifications of the three models: