Kawai ES-120 vs Roland FP-30X
The two most-recommended mid-range portables: $899 for the ES-120 against $749 for the FP-30X. Roland leads on polyphony and voice count (256 and 56 against 192 and 25) and its PHA-4 is the reference action of the class; Kawai counters with a 12 kg body and 20 W of amplification.
| Kawai ES-120 | Roland FP-30X | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) | PHA-4 Standard |
| Polyphony | 192 | 256 |
| Sounds / presets | 25 | 56 |
| Sequencer | 3-song MIDI recorder | — |
| Speakers | 20 W | 22 W |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| USB audio | No | Yes |
| Weight | 12 kg | 14.8 kg |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Status | current | current |
| Keys | 88 | 88 |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Roland FP-30X if budget is the priority — it is about $150 cheaper (approx.).
- Choose the Kawai ES-120 if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (12 kg vs 14.8 kg).
- Choose the Roland FP-30X if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (192 vs 256).
- Choose the Roland FP-30X if you want more variety of built-in voices (25 vs 56).
- Choose the Roland FP-30X if you practise out loud without an amp (20 W vs 22 W).
Kawai ES-120
The ES-120 suits players who value a light, warm-sounding portable: 12 kg against 14.8 kg, with graded RHC action, 20 W of speakers and a 3-song MIDI recorder.
Roland FP-30X
The FP-30X is the specification leader: 256-note polyphony, 56 sounds, PHA-4 Standard action, Bluetooth and USB audio - 2.8 kg heavier, but $150 cheaper.
Full spec sheets: Kawai ES-120 · Roland FP-30X. Rows with a highlighted background differ.