Keyboard and Touch

The CN201's Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) keyboard mechanism was developed to recreate the touch of Kawai grand pianos. Each key is progressively weighted with metal hammers – heavy in the bass, light in the treble – just like an acoustic piano. This spring-less system ensures the pressed key returns on its own, making playing smoother and more natural.

RHIII maintains its stability even during powerful playing thanks to its reinforced mechanism chassis. Felt-covered rubber cushions significantly reduce key and hammer noise – RHIII is recognized as one of the quietest digital piano keyboards in this area. The Ivory Touch key surface absorbs moisture, increasing finger control without slipping. 88 counterweights enhance balance in pianissimo playing and firmness in forte playing.

The triple-sensor system increases responsiveness when rapidly playing the same key. The let-off simulation digitally reproduces a delicate characteristic of grand piano keyboards – a small "notch" sensation felt when pressing a key very slowly. This feature allows experienced pianists superior control in pianissimo playing.

Sound Quality

The CN201 reproduces the sound of two world-class concert grand pianos simultaneously: the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, known as "Japan's most prestigious piano," and the Kawai EX, chosen by professional pianists in international competitions (Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Rubinstein). Both instruments are reproduced with full 88-key sampling – preserving the unique tone of each note.

Progressive Harmonic Imaging technology records each note separately across a wide dynamic range, making tonal transitions from delicate pianissimo to powerful fortissimo seamless. The CN201 also includes 19 different sounds such as jazz, pop, modern variations, Kawai upright piano sound, electric piano, organ, strings, and choir.

The redesigned motherboard, speakers, and high-quality power adapter by the Kawai engineering team work together to provide crystal-clear sound output with minimal distortion. The 40W stereo speaker system is more than powerful enough to fill a medium-sized room.

Features and Connectivity

The CN201 connects wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, and laptops via Bluetooth® MIDI (v5.0) and Bluetooth® Audio (v5.1) technology. You can listen to the audio of songs and videos directly from the piano, adjust all parameters from your phone with the PianoRemote app, and view sheet music for 370+ pieces on screen with PiaBookPlayer.

The built-in lesson function includes Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer, Chopin waltzes, and the Alfred Basic Piano course. Separate left-hand and right-hand practice, metronome, and tempo adjustment are available. Virtual Technician Smart Mode allows choosing tonal characteristics to suit the pianist's taste with 10 presets, while Advanced Mode enables precise adjustment of 18 parameters via PianoRemote. The OLED display panel provides direct access to all functions – no need for key combinations.

Design

The modern cabinet of the CN201 combines aesthetics with functionality through its curved leg design and minimalist support blocks. The smooth facade and tall top board give the instrument the silhouette of a traditional upright piano. With a depth of just 40.5 cm, this compact instrument is ideal for apartments. The wide, angle-adjustable music rest comfortably accommodates even the largest musical scores. With Premium Rosewood, Premium Satin Black, and Premium Satin White color options, you will find a variant that suits your interior design.

Technical Specifications