Yamaha PSR-S/PSR-SX Series Comparison: All twenty-one models compared

Updated: 24th September 2024

Yamaha introduced its first S Series arranger workstation keyboard in July 2006, meaning the range is well on its way to its twentieth birthday.

Although we don’t know what the “S” stands for, it’s clear this range was targeted at the more advanced and professional musician.

The first model launched four years after the Tyros, and the S series borrows some features from the Tyros including sound generation and performance features such as Super Articulation Voices and Organ flutes.

Check out PSR-SX deals on Amazon.

The PSR-S500 launched in 2006, followed by the more feature-laden PSR-S700 and PSR-S900 models in 2007.

2008 saw the introduction of the PSR-S550, while the PSR-S710 and PSR-S910 upgraded their S700 and S900 siblings in 2009.

In 2010 came the PSR-S650, with the PSR-S750 and PSR-S950 arriving in 2012.

2015 saw the launch of the PSR-S670, PSR-S770 and PSR-S970.

In 2018 Yamaha launched the PSR-S775 and PSR-S975.

In 2019 Yamaha announced the PSR-S line would be discontinued, superseded by the PSR-SX line of workstations. The PSR-SX700 and PSR-SX900 were launched in August 2019, with the PSR-SX600 arriving in late 2020.

In fall 2024, the PSR-SX720 and PSR-SX920 were introduced, superseding the PSR-SX700 and PSR-SX900 respectively.

In early 2026 Yamaha released an update to its , with a Bluetooth-enabled PSR-SX720+, and in August 2026 the PSR-SX620 launched.

The table below shows the main differences between the 21 models. Scroll/drag left-right to see the whole table.

We’ve only shown the RRP for models currently available, as historic data is proving difficult to find and, in any case, becomes rather meaningless after several years have passed and models are superseded.

Interesting to note the numbering Yamaha has used. The higher the first number after the S, the more feature-laden the keyboard is. The two following numbers show the succession of instruments in that particular class.

For example, the S700 has a greater feature set than the S500. The S710 supersedes the S700.

The SX models follow a similar pattern, with some correlation between the closer numbers from the previous S range.

All nineteen keyboards feature the same 61-key full-size organ/synth style key layout – no other keyboard sizes or weights have been introduced. Yamaha has decided not to add aftertouch to any of the keyboards in the S and SX range. This would add to the cost, and presumably make manufacture of any model with aftertouch more difficult, as they’re simply using the same basic physical layout and structure for each keyboard. There are plenty of additional controllers and switches available for manipulating sounds.

They all have roughly the same form factors, though vary in weight somewhat, and use Yamaha’s AWM sound generation technology.

Polyphony started out at just 32 notes, rising to 128 on the later models.

All but the first keyboard (PSR-S500) have a 16-track sequencer on board.

They all have some type of LCD (non touchscreen) with later models having colour instead of monochrome, and widescreen on the 2018 and PSR-SX models.

As you’d expect, the number of voices and accompaniments has also increased over time.

The flagship PSR-SX900 has a host of ways of controlling music performance, including two live controllers which can be assigned to a whole host of parameters, vocal harmony and vocoder functions, microphone/guitar audio input, arpeggiator, and USB audio playback with time stretch, pitch shift, and vocal cancel functions.

The PSR-S975/PSR-S970 has Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology that simulates the effects of phaser, Wah, compressors, and phasers at circuit level.

The other models feature a subset of these features but are still highly capable instruments.

All PSR-S models have now been discontinued by Yamaha, including the latest PSR-S670, PSR-S770, PSR-S775, PSR-S970 and PSR-S975. They are still available from third-party retailers – there may still be new stock available or alternatively on the second-hand market. 

The S and SX Series of keyboards are significantly cheaper than the Genos, with even the top-of-line PSR-SX900 being around half the price of the 61-key Genos.

Although you don’t get all the features of the Genos, which is Yamaha’s flagship arranger workstation, the S and SX Series of instruments are still worthy music keyboards for both studio and live work.

I’d suggest any of the models post-2010 would also be worth picking up second-hand, so long as they are in good condition. Though they have fewer features, they’re still laden with enough to keep many musicians happy, and can be expanded if desired.

Yamaha PSR-SX620

Yamaha says the PSR-SX620 has a redesigned front panel, putting the most-used features in easy, intuitive reach.

A quick glance at the specs between the SX600 and the SX620 suggest there isn’t a huge difference in the overall specifications. The SX620 is considered the entry level keyboard in this series.

Yamaha PSR-SX720+ Compared to PSR-SX720

Two or so years after the PSR-SX720 launched, Yamaha released the PSR-SX720+, an enhanced keyboard version featuring Bluetooth. We’re working on a full comparison of the three latest models.

Yamaha PSR-SX720 and PSR-SX920

In September 2024, Yamaha introduced the PSR-SX720 and PSR-SX920 models, superseding the PSR-SX700 and PSR-SX900 respectively.

Here’s an overview of the extra or expanded features found on these new models, compared to their predecessors. Full specs are available below:

• Joysticks are now assignable
• PSR-SX920 includes AEM tone generation
• New articulation voices including Super Articulation 2 (PSR-SX920 only) and Super Articulation +
• Expansion Voice storage increased
• More DSP modes (PSR-SX920 only)
• More featured styles
• Smart chord accompaniment mode
• Multi pad banks increased

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Yamaha PSR-SX920 vs PSR-SX720 vs PSR-SX600

Here is the complete specification list from Yamaha for these three PSR-SX models.

Yamaha PSR-SX600 vs PSR-SX700 vs PSR-SX900

Let’s take a look at the first three models in Yamaha’s updated PSR-SX line, which supersedes the PSR-S series of arranger workstations.

The PSR-SX600 can be considered the entry level model in this range, despite being launched a year after both the SX700 and SX900. It is very slightly smaller and weighs about 7lbs less than the other two.

While all models have a 61-key organ style keyboard with touch sensitivity, but no aftertouch, the 700 and 900 boast Yamaha’s newer FSB technology which has a heavier initial key resistance and greater key travel, allowing for more nuanced expression and playing comfort.

The 600 features pitch bend and modulation wheels, while the 700 and 900 instead have a joystick controller offering greater performance control.

The number of voices, accompaniments, effects and some other features increase in number and variation from the 600 through to the 900.

The SX900 is the only model to feature built-in vocal harmony including 54 harmony and 20 synth vocoder variations, as well as a chord looper in the accompaniment section plus a sub-scale tuning setting for creating alternative tunings.

All models have quick and multitrack recording modes, with the 700 and 900 also adding step recording functionality. The SX600 only has 20MB of internal memory, while the SX700 has 1GB and the SX900, 4GB. All can use some form of external USB storage to expand this.

It’s also worth noting that, while MIDI is still very much a part of these keyboards, the SX600 does not feature dedicated MIDI IN and OUT ports, preferring to let the USB interface handle this. The SX700 and SX900 both have a pair of standard MIDI ports as well as USB functionality.

The power of the amplifier and size of speakers increases with model, with the SX900 featuring domed speakers which Yamaha claims improves audio quality significantly.

The RRP of the PSR-SX600 ($1,399) is half that of the PSR-SX900 ($2,799), with the PSR-SX700 leaning towards the lower end of the price range ($1,999).

Yamaha PSR-S975 vs PSR-S970

The PSR-S975 is Yamaha’s 2018 flagship S Series model and builds on the PSR-S970, which was released in 2015.

The PSR-S970 is still available new from Yamaha and dealers, so let’s take a look at whether the PSR-S975 is a significant upgrade, and hence whether you should go for the newer model or buy the older S970.

Aesthetics and Dimensions

How an instrument looks may not be the determining factor in a purchase decision, but it’s not unimportant.

The PSR-S970 has a metallic dark grey body, while the PSR-S975 is suited in black.

Size-wise, the instruments are identical, at 39.45″W x 5.93″H x 17.2″D (100.2cm x 14.8cm x 43.7cm) and weighing 25.57lbs (11.6kg).

Keyboard

Both instruments feature the regular 61 keys (5 octaves) in the organ style (unweighted).

There’s no aftertouch on either keyboard. The touch response can be set to five different modes: Hard1, Hard2, Medium, Soft1, Soft2.

Controllers

Both models come with a pitch bend and modulation wheel, plus two assignable control knobs.

Sound & Polyphony

Both keyboards use Yamaha’s AWM Stereo Sampling tone generation technology, with a maximum 128 notes of polyphony.

Both models are XG, GS, GM and GM2 compatible.

Accompaniments

Effects

Expansion

The PSR-S970 has 512MB of expansion memory for voices. The PSR-S975 has 768MB.

Both instruments have 128MB expansion for audio styles.

Other

Both instruments have a number of other features which don’t vary between the two.

This includes:

• 16 track recording up to 300K per song
• Multi-pads: 188 banks x 4 pads
• Built-in lessons: Follow Lights, Any Key, Karao-Key, Your Tempo
• Performance Assistant Technology (PAT)
• Style Creator/Recommender
• Lyrics Display
• Audio recorder 80 mins. per song
• Internal Memory: 13MB

Concluding, we can see the two instruments are very similar. Look, feel and sound technology are the same. What you’re getting in the new model is more sounds, styles and effects.

The question is whether you need that additional content. Of course, sounds and accompaniments make or break an arranger workstation, so yup could argue it’s worth getting the latest model to benefit from those.

Then again, do you really use all the sounds provided on a keyboard? The basic instruments most composers require are in both instruments, and if you want more it’s possible to use the keyboard to control additional hardware or DAW software.

Check out PSR-SX deals on Amazon.