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I've been taking piano lessons for a couple months and wanted to replace the crappy keyboard that I've been using to practice.

The Casio PX130 and PX330 have been the most appealing. But, I've heard that there is an issue with the keys making a clacking sound? Is this a common and ubiquitous problem? Are the PX130/330 good choices for a beginner?

The predecessor to the PX-130/330, the PX-120/320 was reported by some to have this key issue. The 130/330 is very new, and to the best of my knowledge, nobody has reported this yet. There also seems to be some additional felt to help prevent it from happening. But, there's still a possibility that it might be a problem for some people in the future when these new pianos get more wear.

Even so, the PX-130 and PX-330 are generally regarded as the best choices for people on a minimal budget who want a decent instrument. Another possibility is the Korg SP-250. This has an excellent sound and action, but no recording and only 60 polyphony. The Yamaha P-155 is also a great choice, but is substantially more than the Korg or Casio.

If at all possible, you should try these instruments yourself before you choose one.

All digital pianos have some
keyboard "thump." The 130 or 330
would be more than adequate for
any kind of playing. These
are grand piano-like instruments,
with sound sampled from a concert
grand and an action modeled
after a concert grand action.
You could not really outgrow
either, because you can't
outgrow a grand piano.

Many Casio DP's have this key clack issue and it surely seems certain Casio knows this based on complaints/feedback they have received. Based on comments from customers, some Casio authorized warranty centers tell customers the clacking is normal and refuse to do anything about it. The new models do have a strip of felt on the overhang that covers the back of the keybed. It seems likely this has been added to address the noise that is generated as the keys return to their rests. I have a PX-575 that developed this noisy clacking within a few months after I bought it. It started with the E above middle C and progressively got worse as other keys also became noisy. (Despite this and the low polyphony, I like this piano a lot for its sounds, rhythms and accompaniment).
The PX 130/330 I have played feel great in comparison and the keys are quiet. In my opinion, the keybeds feel more solid and are definately more responsive. It is difficult to say however, if the issue has been fully addressed.

I think the keys are a bit noisier on the Casio than on the YPG 635, but when the volumes up or I'm using headphones I really don't notice.

I can give you the perspective of a first time digital piano owner. I just bought the PX-330 and am very happy with it. There is no key clacking and the feel of the keys is very nice. As some have noted, the feel is a bit on the heavy side but it is smooth and I got used to it very quickly.

I don't see it as a "starter piano" at all but maybe my perspective will change over time and I will see a good reason to spend more on another DP. Right now I don't.

BTW, I bought the PX-330 because I wanted the extra connections you have with it. As I understand, the PX-130 is the same as far as the keyboard and piano sounds. I'm not certain about that.

One place where these are limited is in the built in amp and speakers. This is to be expected in such a light keyboard. I use headphones just about all the time even when I don't need to be quiet. The sound is a lot better through the headphones.

I got a Yamaha DGX-630.

Nice feel and sound, no key noise.

Try several Before you buy

Agree with Gyro and Nikalette:
The clacking noise will be there with different degrees, but to me is not an issue:
* You don't feel it with earphones
* If you are using an amplifier you don't notice it.
* The only way to notice is practicing in your apartment at 2am with low volume: you are tired of having the earphones on (after 4 hours) and you want to play without them not bothering the neighbohr!
There you go: clacking noise demistified in a short paragraph! :-)