The Casio Key Lighting Keyboard LK-100 is as fun as it is practical. It's an ideal learning tool for young pianists and a fun way to experience music.

The keyboard has 61 full-size keys. We love the keys' optional light-up function, and our young testers enjoy being able to immediately "play" the keyboard. It is fun to watch novice players build confidence as they follow the keys as they light. The lighted keys help beginners become familiar with the timing of the notes that follow one of the 100 built-in tunes from the keyboard's song bank. A songbook (included) allows kids to view the printed musical notes for each song. The tempo of the songs can be slowed as children learn to follow the keys, which is a nice feature. The key lighting feature can be turned off as desired. This is particularly important for advanced players who wish to use the instrument as a traditional keyboard.

We like the Casio Key Lighting Keyboard's high-tech look. A large LCD screen indicates function and song title. There is a tempo control, a volume slider, rhythm buttons and other controls. The Casio Key Lighting Keyboard's song bank is a fun feature. The keyboard has 100 popular songs stored and they can be heard at the push of a button. Songs include holiday favorites like Jingle Bells, as well as a peppy rendition of Happy Birthday to You and a variety of classical songs. Younger kids will be thrilled to hear a theme song from the Finding Nemo movie.

This feature-rich keyboard includes 50 built-in auto-accompaniment patterns (kids will feel like rock stars!). Additionally, users can choose a chord and the keyboard will automatically produce a matching bass, chord and rhythm. Advanced players will find it easy to change keys, and a microphone jack makes it a breeze to sing along with tunes. (Microphone is not included).

The Casio Key Lighting Keyboard has plenty of bells and whistles to immediately attract children. It's fun. It lights up. It plays music. The best part, however, is that the attraction doesn't end there. This is a well-built musical instrument on which children can really learn to play music.


Pros: Lighted keys guide novice players, plenty of features for advanced players
Cons: Learning curve