Kawai ES7chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The keyboard action draws consistent praise, even years after purchase. Multiple commenters single out the action as a highlight, with one saying after eight years and a round of local store comparisons the ES7 still felt better than the Yamaha P-515 or Roland FP-90x. Another calls the action 'awesome' and the best in its price range, while a buyer specifically chose the ES7 over the FP7F for this reason, calling comparisons to that model 'a joke.'

Sound quality and tweakability are strong selling points, though not flawless. Users describe the grand piano samples as rich and full, with one owner calling tweakability 'unlimited' and the speaker system 'very good.' Another preferred Kawai's grand piano and electric piano sounds over Roland's. However, one detailed comparison notes the ES7 uses looped samples rather than modelled sound like Roland's SN engine, and criticizes the electric piano sounds and a specific harpsichord voice as weak.

Key contact failures are a recurring hardware weak point, sometimes unresolved by official repair. Several commenters describe keys sticking or making ticking noises due to failing contacts, with two thanking a DIY repair video for saving their instrument after multiple keys stopped working properly. One user reports their unit was sent to Kawai in Germany for repair but the company claimed nothing was wrong, leaving the ticking noise unresolved and souring them on the brand.