Kawai ES110 vs Korg XE20SP
Quick Verdict
Choose the Kawai ES110 if you want a portable digital piano with Kawai's 88-key sampled grand, a smooth RHC action, and Bluetooth MIDI at a clearance price. Choose the Korg XE20SP if you want an arranger piano with over 700 voices, 280 accompaniment styles, a furniture stand and three pedals included. The ES110 has a higher piano sound score and a lighter build, but the XE20SP adds massive feature depth and a complete home setup. If you mainly play piano and value touch and tone, get the ES110 only at a clear discount. If you want styles and arranger functions, the XE20SP is the better value.
| Spec | Kawai ES110 | Korg XE20SP |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) | Natural Weighted Hammer (NH) per Korg |
| Sound Engine | Harmonic Imaging with 88-key sampling | Korg ensemble piano engine |
| Voices | 19 | Over 700 per Korg |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | Not published in listing |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo | Built-in stereo |
| Bluetooth | MIDI | Not published in listing |
| USB | No USB; 5-pin MIDI | USB MIDI per Korg |
| Pedals | F-10H pedal included; F-350 triple pedal optional | 3-pedal unit with the furniture stand |
| Weight | Not published reliably; listing figure may include packaging | 25.1 lb (11.4 kg) per listing |
| Form Factor | Portable slab | Ensemble piano with furniture stand |
Key Action
The Kawai ES110 uses the Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action, which scores 24 out of 30 in the comparison. The RHC action is described in the listing as smooth and even in touch. It is the original version of the action later redesigned for the ES120. This action is designed for a realistic piano feel in a portable slab.
The Korg XE20SP uses Korg's Natural Weighted Hammer (NH) action, which scores 23 out of 30. The NH action is considered an entry-level hammer action according to the cons. It provides a weighted feel but is a step below more advanced Korg actions. The listing does not describe any specific refinements beyond the NH designation.
The one-point difference in action scores suggests the Kawai ES110 has a slight advantage for pure piano touch. The RHC action is repeatedly praised for its smooth, even response, while the NH action on the XE20SP is seen as adequate but entry level. If key action is the top priority, the ES110 has the edge.
Piano Sound and Speakers
The Kawai ES110 receives a piano sound score of 23 out of 25, one of the highest in its class. It uses Kawai's Harmonic Imaging sound engine with 88-key sampling, meaning each key of an acoustic grand was sampled individually. The listing highlights the 88-key sampled grand as a key reason to buy the ES110 at a discontinued-model price. Polyphony is 192 notes, which is generous for sustained passages.
The Korg XE20SP receives a piano sound score of 20 out of 25. It uses Korg's ensemble piano engine and includes Korg's grand piano samples. The listing does not publish polyphony for the XE20SP, so direct comparison on that spec is not possible from the supplied data. The XE20SP has over 700 voices, which may dilute focus on the core piano sound compared to the ES110's 19 dedicated voices.
Both models have built-in stereo speakers, but the listing does not provide wattage or driver details. The Kawai ES110's higher piano sound score suggests its 88-key sampling engine is rated more favorably for pure piano tone. The Korg XE20SP's sound engine is designed to support arranger styles and many instruments, so its piano sample may be slightly less detailed according to the score.
Features and Modes
The Kawai ES110 has a features score of 9 out of 15, reflecting its focus as a dedicated digital piano. It offers 19 voices, which covers essential piano, electric piano, and a few other sounds. The ES110 includes Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connection to apps, but does not have Bluetooth audio. It also lacks a USB port, using 5-pin MIDI for wired connections.
The Korg XE20SP has a features score of 14 out of 15, one of its strongest areas. It provides over 700 voices and 280 accompaniment styles, making it a full arranger piano. The XE20SP includes USB MIDI per Korg, which allows connection to computers and mobile devices. The listing does not publish Bluetooth information for the XE20SP, so wireless capability is unknown from the supplied data.
The difference in features is stark. The XE20SP is designed for players who want backing styles and a huge sound palette, while the ES110 is for those who mainly need a realistic piano voice. The ES110's 192-note polyphony supports complex piano pieces, but the XE20SP's polyphony is not listed, which limits direct comparison on that point.
Build, Design and Portability
The Kawai ES110 earns a perfect build and portability score of 10 out of 10. It is a portable slab digital piano, though the exact weight is not published reliably in the listing. The ES110 is described as having a light build, which makes it easy to carry to gigs or rehearsals. The listing notes that the weight figure may include packaging, so actual instrument weight is unclear.
The Korg XE20SP scores 9 out of 10 for build and portability. It is an ensemble piano with a furniture stand included in the SP package, making it less portable but more home-oriented. The listing states the weight as 25.1 lb (11.4 kg), though it does not clarify if that includes the stand or just the keyboard unit. The XE20SP is designed to stay in one place as a furniture-style instrument.
If portability is critical, the Kawai ES110 is the better choice because it is a slab without a fixed stand. The XE20SP's furniture stand and three-pedal unit add stability but make it a permanent home keyboard. The ES110's lighter, compact design is one of its key advantages, even if the exact weight is not specified.
Connectivity
Both models score 6 out of 10 for connectivity, but they offer different ports and wireless options. The Kawai ES110 includes Bluetooth MIDI, which allows wireless connection to music apps on tablets and phones. It also has 5-pin MIDI ports for traditional hardware connections, but no USB port. The ES110 has line outputs, according to the pros, for connecting to external amplification or recording gear.
The Korg XE20SP includes USB MIDI per Korg, which is the most common way to connect to a computer for recording or software instruments. The listing does not publish Bluetooth information for the XE20SP, so it is unknown if wireless connectivity is available. The XE20SP does not mention line outputs in the supplied specs, so external audio connections are not confirmed.
For users who want wireless MIDI, the ES110's Bluetooth MIDI is a plus. For users who prefer a simple USB connection, the XE20SP's USB MIDI is more convenient. The ES110's lack of USB means you need a 5-pin MIDI interface or Bluetooth to connect to a computer, which may be a drawback for some.
Setup and Accessories
The Kawai ES110 includes the F-10H pedal in the box, which is a basic sustain pedal. An F-350 triple pedal unit is available as an optional accessory. The ES110 is a portable slab, so setup mainly involves placing it on a keyboard stand or table and plugging in the pedal and power supply. No furniture stand is included.
The Korg XE20SP SP package includes a furniture stand and a 3-pedal unit. This means the XE20SP comes ready to set up as a home piano with three pedals, similar to an acoustic upright. The included stand provides a stable base, and the three pedals support soft, sostenuto, and sustain functions. The listing does not mention any additional included accessories beyond the stand and pedals.
If you want a complete home setup out of the box, the Korg XE20SP saves you from buying a stand and triple pedal separately. The Kawai ES110 requires you to purchase those extras if you need them, though the included single pedal covers basic sustain. The ES110's portable nature means you can use any standard X-frame or table, but the XE20SP's dedicated furniture stand is designed specifically for it.
Daily Use
The Kawai ES110's straightforward interface makes it easy to turn on and play piano immediately. Its 19 voices are accessed with simple buttons, and the lack of arranger functions means less menu diving. The ES110's Bluetooth MIDI allows you to connect to practice apps or sheet music software wirelessly, which can enhance daily practice. However, its older design and declining availability may affect long-term support and replacement parts.
The Korg XE20SP offers a different daily experience, with arranger styles that can provide backing tracks for practice or performance. The over 700 voices give a lot of variety, but the arranger menus may be more complex for a player who only wants piano. The furniture stand and three pedals make it feel like a home piano, and the USB MIDI connection is handy for recording or using educational software.
For daily practice as a pure pianist, the Kawai ES110 may be quicker to use and more focused. For players who enjoy playing with accompaniment or exploring different sounds, the XE20SP offers more entertainment value. The ES110's portability also means you can move it from room to room, while the XE20SP is more likely to stay in a fixed spot.
The Deciding Question
The deciding question is whether you want a dedicated digital piano with excellent touch and tone, or an arranger piano with a huge feature set and a complete home setup. The Kawai ES110 wins on piano sound score, action score, and portability, while the Korg XE20SP wins on features and included accessories. Overall scores are close: ES110 at 80, XE20SP at 79.
The Kawai ES110 is only worth buying at a clear discount to its successor, the ES120, according to the verdict. Its lack of USB, Bluetooth audio, and the redesigned action of the ES120 are notable omissions. If you can find the ES110 at a low clearance price, it delivers Kawai's 88-key sampled grand in a light, portable form.
The Korg XE20SP is a better choice if you want an arranger piano with 280 styles, over 700 voices, and a furniture stand with three pedals included. Its NH action is entry level and its piano sound scores lower, but for home entertainment and accompaniment, it is a complete package. The listing does not publish polyphony or Bluetooth, which are gaps to consider.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Kawai ES110 if you are a pianist who wants authentic Kawai piano tone in a lightweight, portable slab. It suits players who already have a stand and pedal setup, or who prioritize action and sound over arranger features. The ES110 is for buyers who find it clearly cheaper than the ES120 and do not need USB or Bluetooth audio.
Buy the Korg XE20SP if you want an arranger keyboard with Korg's sounds, 280 accompaniment styles, and a complete home setup including furniture stand and three pedals. It is ideal for players who want to play with backing tracks, explore many voices, and have a stable home piano without buying extra accessories.
Avoid the ES110 if you need USB, Bluetooth audio, or the ES120's refinements at a similar price. Avoid the XE20SP if you only play piano and want a better action, or if you prefer a simpler dedicated digital piano. The ES110's line outputs and Bluetooth MIDI suit gigging and studio use, while the XE20SP's arranger features suit home entertainment.
Kawai ES110
Pros
- Kawai's 88-key sampled grand at a discontinued-model price
- RHC action with a smooth, even touch
- Bluetooth MIDI and 192-note polyphony
- Line outputs and a light build
Cons
- Replaced by the ES120, which added Bluetooth audio and a redesigned action
- No USB port; MIDI is 5-pin and Bluetooth only
- Older model with declining availability
Korg XE20SP
Pros
- 280 accompaniment styles on an 88-key hammer-action piano
- Furniture-style stand and three pedals in the SP package
- Built-in speakers and arranger functionality
- Korg's grand piano samples
Cons
- NH entry action
- Polyphony and Bluetooth not stated on the listing
- Arranger menus for a pure pianist
Who Should Buy Each
Kawai ES110
- You found a genuine discount against the ES120
- You like Kawai's sound and will connect apps over Bluetooth MIDI
- You want line outputs and a light piano
Korg XE20SP
- You use accompaniment styles for practice and performance
- You want a complete console-style package with pedals
- Korg's sounds and simplicity appeal
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want a portable slab for gigs and practice | Choose Kawai ES110 |
| If you need arranger styles and many voices | Choose Korg XE20SP |
| If you want the best included pedals and stand | Choose Korg XE20SP |
| If you prefer Kawai's piano tone and smooth action | Choose Kawai ES110 |
| If you need USB MIDI but no arranger | Choose Korg XE20SP |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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