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A lot of people look at the Yamaha CK61 and the Yamaha PSR-SX700 and think: “They look… basically the same?” Same number of keys. Lots of buttons. Bright screens. And the price isn’t miles apart either. So why does choosing between them feel more confusing than it should?
And honestly, you’re not alone. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve watched wander over to these two keyboards with that same puzzled expression – as if the difference should be obvious from the front panel, when in reality, the differences are more philosophical than visual. It’s not how they look; it’s what they’re made for.
Let me walk you through it the same way I would if you were standing in the showroom with me.
This is the bit most people miss.
The Yamaha PSR-SX700 is an arranger keyboard.
And the Yamaha CK61 is a stage keyboard.
Those words don’t mean much if you’re not already deep into the keyboard world, so here’s the simplest, human way to explain it:
The Yamaha PSR-SX700 is like a musical cashpoint machine.
You walk up, press a few big, friendly buttons on the gorgeous colour touchscreen, and instantly it gives you what you came for – a full band to play with, in the right style, at the right tempo, ready to go.
Absolutely beginner-friendly.
No computer required.
No fiddling.
No fuss.
Meanwhile…
The Yamaha CK61 is built for the hands-on player – someone who wants to shape sound in the moment. Someone who loves twisting knobs, adjusting effects, blending layers, and creating something that feels uniquely theirs. It’s the sort of keyboard you’d happily take on stage, plug into a PA, and feel at home with.
Two different approaches.
Two different musical “personalities.”
Neither is better – they just solve different problems.
One of the biggest misunderstandings is this:
People look at the Yamaha CK61 and assume it doesn’t have speakers.
And they look at the Yamaha PSR-SX700 and assume it must be the more “complete” keyboard because the speakers are right there, big and obvious.
But the truth is more nuanced:
And that alone tells you a lot.
The CK61 assumes you’ll be plugging into something bigger – a PA, an amp, an audio interface.
The PSR-SX700 assumes you’ll play right here, at home, and want it to sound rich without extra gear.
Two philosophies.
Two types of players.
The CK61 is beautifully tactile.
Everything about it is designed to encourage creativity:
You pick a sound.
You shape it.
You add effects.
You blend it.
You tweak live while performing.
You save your creation.
You’re not choosing from “presets” as much as you’re building your own sound sandwich – something uniquely you.
If you’re in a band, or you’re the type who loves crafting a signature sound, the Yamaha CK61 gives you that playground.
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The PSR-SX700 is all about making music feel easy, expressive, and fun – especially if you’re playing at home for yourself or for others.
And the touchscreen…
Oh, the touchscreen.
It’s a thing of beauty.
Big. Clear. Colourful.
Friendly language.
Menus that make sense instantly.
It feels like using a cashpoint:
Tap a song → the whole keyboard sets itself up
Tap a style → full band, fully arranged
Tap a voice → perfect instrument ready to play
Within seconds, you can put together a little performance for yourself, without needing:
Everything is self-contained, stable, and beginner-friendly.
If you like the idea of sitting down, choosing a song, and having the keyboard genuinely help you play it, the PSR-SX720 shines.
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And this is important.
You can absolutely use the Yamaha CK61 at home.
You can absolutely gig with the Yamaha PSR-SX700.
Both have fantastic sounds.
Both can handle live or home use.
Both can inspire.
But if you take a moment to think about:
“What problem am I trying to solve?”
…the choice becomes much clearer.
One will feel tailor-made for you.
I’m not going to do a hard verdict here because the whole point is that they’re different tools for different players.
But here’s the simplest way to decide:
And whichever one you go for, you’ll make great music.
Promise.
If you’ve got questions – about these, or anything else – drop them in the comments or get in touch. Always happy to help.
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These items are sold on behalf of Yamaha, and are sent to us on a per-order basis, typically within 5-7 working days, unless an ETA is otherwise stated.
We'll contact you the moment your purchase arrives with us to organise delivery, based on your selected option.
Example products: Yamaha DGX670, Yamaha P-525, Yamaha YDP-S55, Yamaha Clavinova.
These items must be sent with a heavy-goods courier (typically APC or FedEx). On occasion, depending on which is fastest, we will drop-ship directly from Yamaha to your address via Dachser.
Tracking will be provided by the haulier, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
*If you have included the optional £180 "Yamaha Premium Service" home delivery & setup option offered on selected products, we will contact you regarding arrangements after purchase.
**The Yamaha CSP Series, Yamaha CVP905 & CVP909, Yamaha CLP875, 885 & 895GP, and Yamaha NU1Xa are all sold on behalf of Yamaha and arrive with us on a per-order basis. As soon as your piano has arrived, we will contact you to organise the appropriate dispatch method. ETA for stock is shown on the product page for those items.
***If you have included the optional £99 home delivery & setup option offered on selected products, we will send your details direct to the installation team, who will contact you within 48 hours to make arrangements.
Depending on which option is most appropriate, we will either contact you to discuss a bespoke ePianos delivery surcharge for goods we can’t package for a 3rd party courier, or otherwise dispatch goods via FedEx or APC.
If a courier is used, tracking will be provided by them directly, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
Example products: Yamaha PSR-SX920, Yamaha P-225, Yamaha NP-15.
These items will be sent via courier (typically APC or FedEx). On occasion, depending on which is fastest, we will drop-ship directly from Yamaha to your address via UPS or Parcelforce.
Tracking will be provided by the courier, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
Smaller items, such as books, discs, etc, will be dispatched via Royal Mail second class.
After purchase, you can download the file either from the order confirmation page or the "Downloads" tab in "My Account".
If you have selected the option to receive a pre-loaded USB stick, then this will be dispatched via Royal Mail.
We will contact you regarding any pre-ordered items, and let you know when they arrive so as to arrange delivery with you at a convenient time.
Used items can also be purchased using either of the following options (minimum loan amount of £250 after deposit):
Total amount payable: £893.32
Available finance options are displayed at checkout. Alternatively, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss the options, or email a finance application to you. Find out more by clicking here
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We are closed on all bank holidays, therefore the processing of sales and deliveries will be delayed.
For orders of any stock displaying a 7-10 day lead time, we will contact you as soon as the item arrives with us to schedule a delivery with you.
Occasionally, there may be availability issues with our suppliers, in which case we'll get in touch with you to see if you're happy to wait, or if you'd like to cancel the order and receive a full refund.
This is a special order "agency" item, and comes to us directly from Yamaha on a per-order basis.
It typically takes 7-10 days for this item to arrive with us, whereupon we'll contact you to discuss the arrangement of delivery.
For any pre-orders, we will contact you as soon as the item arrives with us to schedule a delivery with you, and update you with an ETA.
Occasionally, there may be availability issues with our suppliers, in which case we'll get in touch with you to see if you're happy to wait, or if you'd like to cancel the order and receive a full refund.
*Cashback amount varies product to product, as indicated.
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