Who is this choice for?

Practising in a shared space

If you want to practise without the speakers dominating the room, look for a headphone socket and adjustable volume. Check the connection on the exact model.

Working on timing and dynamics

A metronome can help you keep a steady tempo; touch-sensitive keys are useful if you want to practise varying your touch. Yamaha and Korg list these features for the PSR-E383 and Liano respectively.

Deciding how many keys you need

Compare the space saved by a 61-key model with the range of an 88-key instrument. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383; Korg specifies 88 keys for the Liano.

What should you look for when buying?

61-key keyboard

Choose this if: your exercises fit within its range and you have limited width available.

Bear in mind: it has a smaller range than an 88-key instrument.

88-key instrument

Choose this if: you play parts with notes further apart and have enough space.

Bear in mind: Korg Netherlands lists the Korg Liano as 1.282 mm wide; remember to measure the space needed for the player and setup too.

Priority What to look for Who it's most relevant to
Practising quietly and safely Check the headphone socket on the exact version and start with the volume low. Headphones won't eliminate the mechanical sound of the keys. If I practise in a shared space, I want to limit the sound from the speakers without turning the listening volume up unnecessarily. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Tempo and touch Check whether the model has touch-sensitive keys and a metronome; if possible, try playing the same chord pattern with different levels of touch. If you use broken chords to practise keeping a steady tempo and varying your touch, these features are key considerations. Around 29% of consumers prioritise timing and touch.
Fitting into your practice space Measure the space for the instrument, the player and the stand. Yamaha specifies a width of 941 mm for the PSR-E383; Korg Netherlands lists 1.282 mm for the Liano. If space is limited, I want to know whether the whole setup will fit and whether I can put the instrument away after practising. Around 21% of consumers consider space their first priority.
Enough keys for the range you need Compare the lowest and highest notes you need to play at the same time with the number of keys on the instrument. When my exercises combine low and high notes, I want to know whether they fit within the range without having to change the part. Around 14% of consumers prioritise having a wider range of keys.

Things not to overlook when buying

  • Assuming that 88 keys automatically means a weighted piano keyboard

    The number of keys alone doesn't tell you what type of keyboard it has. Korg describes the Liano's keyboard as a touch-sensitive LS keyboard.

    Check the keyboard type separately if the playing response matters more to you than the range alone.

  • Measuring only the width of the instrument

    You'll also need space for the player and the full setup. Korg states that the stand for the Liano is sold separately.

    Mark out the available space and check which items are included with the exact version.

    Allow for a separate stand or another suitable setup if you still need one.

  • Assuming that headphones make practice completely silent

    Headphones limit the sound from the speakers, but not the mechanical sound of the keys. The World Health Organization points out that both sound level and listening duration matter for safe listening.

    Check the connection, keep the volume low and, if necessary, discuss any audible key noise with others in the room.

Brands to consider

The models mentioned offer different key ranges and features; the brand names aren't recommendations for their entire ranges.

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a 61-key portable keyboard for anyone looking for touch sensitivity in a compact setup.

  • Yamaha lists touch sensitivity, a metronome and a headphone socket for the PSR-E383.
  • The specified width is 941 mm; check that the instrument will fit with the rest of your setup.

Casio

The CT-S1 is a 61-key model for anyone who values straightforward operation.

  • Casio describes how to use the metronome on the CT-S1.
  • Check the headphone socket and use the adapter specified for the exact version.

Korg

The Liano is an 88-key option if a wider range matters more to you than having the most compact setup possible.

  • Korg specifies a touch-sensitive LS keyboard, a metronome and a headphone socket.
  • Korg Netherlands lists a width of 1.282 mm and states that the stand is sold separately.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is a 61-key model for anyone who wants to explore different sounds as well as chord patterns.

  • Roland lists more than 1,000 sounds for the GO:KEYS 3.
  • The number of sounds alone doesn't tell you whether it's suitable for practising timing, touch or with headphones.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a metronome useful for practising chord patterns?

Yes, a metronome can help you keep a steady tempo. Korg specifies tempo and time signature settings for the Liano; Casio describes metronome practice for the CT-S1.

How can I avoid using the wrong adapter?

Use the adapter specified for the exact version. In the CT-S1 quick start guide, Casio warns users to use only the specified adapter; also check which version you're buying.

Which additional items should I check before ordering online?

Check whether a stand, headphones and the required adapter are included with the version you've chosen. Korg states that the stand for the Liano is sold separately.

How can I be considerate of my neighbours while practising?

Check the rules that apply to your home or practice space, rather than assuming there's one playing-time rule for every location. The Dutch government advises neighbours experiencing noise problems to try agreeing on arrangements together first, and then lists the landlord, local council or residents' association among the possible points of contact.

What are my rights when buying online?

According to the Dutch government, in many cases you have 14 days to change your mind after buying online. This applies to the cooling-off period; if a product is faulty, contact the seller to find a solution. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.