Roland CY-5 Cymbal – And Why Drummers Are Choosing Our Alternatives

The Roland CY-5 is a well-known splash-size electronic cymbal, often used as a hi-hat, splash, or auxiliary pad in compact setups. It’s known for its reliability and decent triggering, but many drummers are looking for better feel, design, or price-performance alternatives

At World Drummers, we offer two standout alternatives to the CY-5 — both dual-zone, highly responsive, and compatible with all major drum modules

Why Drummers Replace the Roland CY-5

While the CY-5 is functional, many drummers switch for one or more of these reasons

– Limited size and playing surface
– Stiff rubber feel compared to silicone or soft rubber
– No 360-degree choke support
– Unnatural rebound for some playing styles
– High cost relative to performance

If you're building or upgrading your electronic drum kit, finding a cymbal that improves playability while staying compatible with your module is key

Option 1: 10" Black Knight Dual-Zone Splash Cymbal

The 10" Black Knight Dual-Zone Cymbal is a compact yet powerful replacement for the CY-5

Key features

– Soft rubber surface for quieter playing and better rebound
– Dual-zone triggering (bow and edge)
– 360-degree choke support
– Perfect for use as splash, aux crash, or even small hi-hat
– Fully compatible with Roland, Alesis, 2Box and more

A great choice for drummers who want a compact pad with a more natural feel and quieter performance

Option 2: 12" Phantom Dual-Zone Electronic Cymbal

Looking for something slightly larger and more expressive?

The 12" Phantom Dual-Zone Cymbal offers extended playing area, enhanced dynamics and premium construction

Highlights

– High-quality silicone playing surface for realistic rebound
– Dual-zone triggering with 360-degree choke
– Sleek black design with center-mounted output
– Compatible with all standard electronic drum modules
– Ideal as a crash, FX cymbal or side ride

This model is perfect for players looking to step up from the CY-5 into a cymbal with more nuance and versatility

Real-World Demo and Comparison

Watch how these cymbals perform in a real electronic drum setup
Watch the Cymbal Comparison Video

The video shows responsiveness, choke function, and mounting compatibility — all in a real use case

Compatibility and Installation

Both cymbals mount on standard electronic cymbal arms using ¼" TRS cables
They support dual-zone functionality out of the box and require no special settings on most modules
Full compatibility with Roland TD-series, Alesis, Pearl e/Merge, ATV and more

The Roland CY-5 is a popular cymbal, but it has clear limitations. Our Black Knight and Phantom dual-zone cymbals offer better feel, more features, and broader compatibility — at a price that makes sense

Explore your options today

10" Black Knight Dual-Zone Splash
12" Phantom Dual-Zone Cymbal