The CN201 is a cabinet-style digital piano built around Kawai's Responsive Hammer III keyboard action, which is designed to recreate the touch of a Kawai grand piano. Its main piano sounds come from Progressive Harmonic Imaging sampling of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand and the EX grand.

Audio is handled by a redesigned motherboard, a new speaker system and a new power adapter, with a 40W stereo amplification system feeding two speakers. Alongside the piano voices there are other instrument sounds, built-in lesson songs and a recorder for playing back performances, all reached from the control panel on the cheek block.

Built-in Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio let the piano connect wirelessly to phones and tablets, either to run apps or to stream music. The cabinet has curved legs, minimalist toe blocks, a flat fascia and a tall upper board. At just over 40 cm deep, it fits apartments and narrow spaces. Finishes are Satin White, Satin Black and Rosewood.