Scale practice
You want to practise minor scales in different keys at a steady tempo and learn to vary your touch, without having to connect a computer first. Yamaha and Medeli describe practice features on their keyboards.
Who is this buying guide for?
Practising quietly at home
You share your home or want to practise at different times. A suitable headphone socket and arrangements for managing audible playing noise matter to you. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing arrangements together if noise could disturb your neighbours.
Piano student
You also practise piano pieces and want a full-size keyboard with weighted keys. You can set aside more permanent space for it; Korg specifies that the B2+ has 88 weighted NH keys.
What should you look for when buying?
Compact 61-key keyboard
Suitable for: practising minor scales independently, keeping time and working on playing with different dynamics, especially if you want to be able to put the instrument away. Yamaha, Casio and Medeli describe models with touch-sensitive keys.
Trade-off: a shorter keyboard with keyboard-style action is not the same as a piano keyboard with 88 weighted keys.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Suitable for: anyone who wants to practise piano technique and pieces with a wider range as well as scales. Korg specifies that the B2+ has 88 NH keys.
Trade-off: according to Korg, the B2+ is 1.312 mm wide and weighs 11,4 kg without the music rest. Measure the space and access route to your attic.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch response and accurate practice | Check the touch sensitivity and metronome on the exact model, and whether its key type suits your learning goals. | If I want to practise scales evenly and hear differences in dynamics, these are the features I focus on. Around 30% of consumers say touch response and accurate practice are their top priority. |
| Reducing audible practice noise | Check the model’s socket and plug size; try the set-up in your own space and agree practice times if needed. | If I practise at home at different times, I want to be able to avoid the built-in speakers without assuming that the sound of the keys will be inaudible. Around 30% of consumers say reducing audible practice noise is their top priority. |
| Space and storage | Measure the available width, depth and storage space, including room for the player and any stand. | If I want to put the instrument away after practising, the complete set-up needs to fit in my attic. Around 20% of consumers say space and storage are their top priority. |
| Key range for piano study | Compare the range of your learning materials and, if needed, ask your teacher which type of key action is right for your piano studies. | If I want to practise piano pieces with a wider range as well as scales, I look for a full-size keyboard with weighted keys. Around 20% of consumers say a full piano range is their top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming headphones guarantee completely silent practice
Headphones let you listen without using the built-in speakers, but they do not tell you how audible the physical sound of the keys or other contact noise will be in the building.
Check the connection and assess the sound in your own space. Agree practice times if necessary.
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Assuming touch-sensitive keys are the same as weighted piano keys
Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as having organ-style keys with touch response. Korg specifies a weighted NH keyboard for the B2+; these are different types of key action.
Choose the key type to suit your goal: scale practice on a compact keyboard or piano technique on weighted keys.
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Measuring only the width of the instrument
The stated dimensions of an instrument do not tell you how much space the complete playing set-up will take up. Models can also vary in size and weight.
Measure the depth, seating space, storage space and access route to the attic too. Check which stand and accessories are included with that version.
A suitable stand may need extra space, so check that your set-up can accommodate it.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
According to Yamaha Netherlands / Belgium / Luxembourg, the PSR-E383 is a portable keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys and learning features.
- Yamaha specifies a metronome and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for this model.
- The keys are organ-style, not the same as weighted NH keys. Check which accessories are included with each offer.
Casio
According to Casio, the CT-S300 is a compact keyboard with touch response.
- Casio specifies dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and a weight of 3,3 kg. The model specifications also list 61 keys, a metronome and PHONES/OUTPUT.
- A compact size does not mean the keys feel like those on a weighted piano keyboard.
Medeli
According to Medeli, the MK61 is a keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys, a metronome and a headphone socket.
- Medeli specifies dimensions of 916 × 305 × 92 mm and a weight of 3,5 kg; a power supply and music rest are listed as included.
- Check what is included in the specific package and make sure the key type suits your goal.
Korg
According to Korg, the B2+ is a digital piano with 88 NH keys.
- Korg specifies a PHONES socket and a width of 1.312 mm.
- The stated weight is 11,4 kg without the music rest. Measure the available space and access route to the attic.
Joybuy products
This selection from Joybuy includes a 61-key digital piano and a 61-key electronic keyboard.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Suitable for anyone who wants to practise minor scales on 61 keys and is looking for a weighted keyboard.
61 keys; weighted keyboard.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
Suitable for anyone who wants to practise minor scales across a compact range and use a metronome.
61 keys; metronome; music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 keys to practise minor scales?
Not for basic scale practice: the keyboards covered here have 61 keys. If you also practise piano pieces or technique across a wider range, compare your learning materials with an 88-key model such as the Korg B2+ and ask your teacher which type of key action you need.
How can you set up a practical practice space in the attic?
Measure the space and access route before choosing an instrument or stand. Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket and which plug it takes. Yamaha, Casio and Medeli specify a metronome for the models mentioned; consult the manual for instructions on using your version.
What if the keyboard does not fit or breaks soon after you buy it online?
For an ordinary online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from delivery; check which exceptions apply. This is separate from your statutory guarantee rights: if a product does not meet the standard you could reasonably expect when used normally, the seller is responsible for providing a suitable solution. ACM ConsuWijzer explains these consumer rights.