Alesis Recital or STRICH SDP-120: which 88-key piano wins?

Display

Neither instrument has a display screen in the way a workstation keyboard or arranger might, so there’s no screen quality to compare. In practical terms, that means your buying decision should focus on the playing experience, onboard sounds, speakers, and connectivity rather than a visual interface. Winner: tie, because neither product is built around a display-led workflow.

Performance

This is the biggest difference. The Alesis Recital uses semi-weighted keys, which are lighter and easier for beginners, but less convincing if you want a true acoustic piano feel. The STRICH SDP-120 uses hammer-action keys, which is the more serious choice for pianists building proper technique, especially for dynamics, finger strength, and transition to acoustic instruments. If you’re learning classical pieces, graded exercises, or want a more authentic response under the fingers, STRICH wins here. If you prefer a lighter action for pop, synth-led parts, or easier extended practice sessions, Alesis is less fatiguing. Winner: STRICH.

Build quality and design

The Alesis Recital benefits from being a long-established product with 13,907 reviews and a 4.6/5 rating, which strongly suggests dependable day-to-day ownership. Its design is straightforward and proven, and the built-in speakers and piano lessons make it immediately approachable. The STRICH feels more ambitious on paper, with full-size 88 keys, hammer-action, a sustain pedal included, and 2x15W built-in speakers, which implies a more performance-focused package. However, with only 423 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating, it has less market proof than the Alesis. On pure confidence and track record, Alesis wins; on spec-led design ambition, STRICH looks stronger. Overall winner: Alesis for build confidence, with a note that STRICH has the more premium-feeling spec sheet.

Battery life

Neither product is marketed as a battery-powered portable keyboard here, so battery life is not a real buying factor. Both are best treated as mains-powered home instruments rather than busking or outdoor rehearsal solutions. Winner: tie.

Price and value for money

The Alesis Recital is £219.99, while the STRICH SDP-120 is £229.99, so Alesis is £10 cheaper. That small difference matters because Alesis also brings the strongest trust signal: a much larger review count and a higher average rating. But value is not just about price; STRICH includes hammer-action keys, a sustain pedal, 2x15W speakers, and USB-MIDI/wireless connectivity, which are meaningful extras if you’ll use them. If you want the best pound-for-pound beginner-to-intermediate home piano, Alesis wins on proven value. If you want more advanced-feeling features for only £10 more, STRICH is also compelling. Winner: Alesis, narrowly.

Game library/features

Neither is a “game library” product, so that category doesn’t apply in the usual sense. In keyboard terms, the relevant features are the onboard lessons on the Alesis and the USB-MIDI plus wireless connect support on the STRICH. The Alesis is better for guided practice straight out of the box, especially for absolute beginners who want built-in learning tools. The STRICH is better for modern music-making, DAW integration, MIDI control, and potentially wireless workflows. Winner: tie overall, because the winner depends on whether you prioritise lessons or connectivity.

Overall user experience

The Alesis Recital is the safer, more proven purchase. It has semi-weighted keys, built-in speakers, piano lessons, a 4.6/5 rating from 13,907 reviews, and it costs less. That combination makes it especially attractive for beginners, parents buying for a learner, and anyone who wants a reliable home digital piano without overthinking it. The STRICH SDP-120 is the more serious-feeling instrument in playing terms, thanks to hammer-action keys, included sustain pedal, 2x15W speakers, and USB-MIDI/wireless support. It is the better pick if the feel of the action matters most and you want to connect to software, apps, or a computer setup. Overall, Alesis wins for confidence, value, and beginner friendliness, while STRICH wins for realism and connectivity.

Overall summary: buy the Alesis Recital if you want the safest all-round choice with a lighter action, excellent user validation, and built-in lessons at the lower price. Buy the STRICH SDP-120 if you care more about hammer-action feel, stronger onboard speakers, and modern MIDI connectivity for recording or app-based practice.