Casio19878-bit / ~9.4kHzRack / Module Sampler$Budget($50–250)
Casio SK-5
Lo-fi producers wanting the cheapest, crunchiest real sampling keyboard for extremely short one-shot chops.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
No MIDI on the Casio SK-5? Here's how to bridge it
Free tool — see exactly what kind of converter connects it to a modern MIDI setup.
Strengths
- Genuinely one of the cheapest real sampling keyboards ever made, a true budget entry point into hardware sampling
- Its extremely crunchy, lo-fi 8-bit character became a genuine cult favorite among lo-fi and experimental producers
- Compact, battery-powered, and instantly fun, with essentially zero learning curve
Trade-offs
- Barely over 1 second of total sample time, sharply limiting it to extremely short one-shots
- No MIDI at all, meaning it can't be triggered or synced from any external gear
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | SK-5 |
| Era | 1987 |
| Typical Price Tier | Budget ($50–250) |
| Sample Rate / Bit Depth | 8-bit / ~9.4kHz |
| Max Sample Time | ~1.4s |
| Sequencer Tracks | None |
| Pads | None |
| Storage | Internal RAM (no disk drive) |
| MIDI Equipped | No |
| Onboard Filter/Effects | No |
| Polyphony | 4 voices |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Casio SK-5.
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This deckCasio SK-5
Match36
Audio Fidelity20
Flexibility25
Ease of Use85
Tonal Neutrality12
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Maintenance & Supplies
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