Choose a touch-sensitive compact keyboard if you mainly want to practise melodies and chords using built-in sounds, then put the instrument away afterwards. A digital piano with 88 weighted keys is a better fit for piano parts that need a wider range or a more piano-like touch, but it takes up more space. Headphones let you listen to the electronic sound privately, although the keys and pedals may still be audible.
Wants to practise film music while others are at home, and is considering the right headphone socket, where to set up and when to practise. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing on music and times as a practical way to deal with noise affecting neighbours.
Wants to practise parts with both hands and compare the keyboard’s range and touch with the space available.
Wants to play melodies without a computer and is looking for a choice of built-in instrument sounds or accompaniment.
First choose between a compact keyboard for a variety of sounds and easy storage, or a larger piano keyboard for piano parts and a more piano-like touch.
Best for: practising melodies and chords, switching between sounds and putting the instrument away regularly.
Consider: a 61-key keyboard has a narrower range than an 88-key keyboard; touch-sensitive does not automatically mean weighted.
Best for: practising piano parts and technique if you have enough space and a realistic piano touch matters more than extensive accompaniment features.
Consider: the larger keyboard takes up more space; also check whether the pedal you want to use is included.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly | Check the headphone socket, whether your plug will fit, and how much noise the keys and pedals make in the room. Agree on practice times if needed. | If I practise while my housemates are at home, I want to listen to the electronic sound privately without assuming the instrument will be completely silent. Around 33% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Key range and touch | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement with the keyboard’s range. Distinguish between touch-sensitive and weighted keys. | If I want to play piano parts with both hands, I look for enough range and a touch that suits my practice goals. Around 27% of consumers give range and touch top priority. |
| Storage and portability | Measure the space available, including room for a stand and seating position. Compare the dimensions and weight of the version you’re considering. | If I need to put the instrument away after practising, I want to know whether it will be practical to place and move around my room. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how easy it is to store. |
| Sounds and accompaniment | Listen to the sounds on the exact model and check whether its automatic accompaniment suits the way you want to play the film music. | If I want to try out different film sounds or use accompaniment, I check which features the instrument has. Around 20% of consumers choose sounds or accompaniment as their main consideration. |
Touch sensitivity and the action of a weighted keyboard are different features. Yamaha specifies touch-sensitive keys on the PSR-E383 and a weighted GHC keyboard on the P-145.
Compare the key response and action separately. If you can, play the same passage on both types.
Headphones are designed for listening to the electronic sound, but they won’t eliminate noise from the keys or pedal.
Try the complete set-up in the room, and agree on practice times if the sound carries to others. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing on music and times as a possible way to deal with noise affecting neighbours.
According to Korg, the EK-50 has a 3.5 mm headphone socket. Alesis states that the Recital has a 6.35 mm output and does not include a sustain pedal.
Before buying, check the connections, included accessories and pedal compatibility for the exact version.
The PSR-E383 is an example of a compact keyboard, while the P-145 is a digital piano with 88 weighted keys.
The CT-S300 is a compact option for anyone who wants to move a touch-sensitive keyboard regularly.
The FP-10 is a digital piano for anyone who values an 88-key keyboard and headphone use.
The EK-50 is designed for playing with automatic accompaniment.
The Recital is an example of a keyboard with 88 semi-weighted keys.
These product picks focus on compact 61-key keyboards for melodies, sounds and rhythms.
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Suited to anyone who wants to practise melodies on a compact keyboard; check that the 61-key range suits your arrangements.
61 keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; headphone socket.
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Suited to anyone who wants to practise film music on a compact keyboard; compare the range with the notes you want to play.
61 keys; MIDI controller and recording function; speakers; metronome and music stand.
It depends on the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement, and on the accompaniment you play yourself. Compare those notes with the instrument’s range; a model with 88 keys is an alternative for more extensive piano parts.
Check that your headphones fit the socket, and listen out for the sound of the keys and pedal in the room too. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing together on practical arrangements, such as music and times, to deal with noise affecting neighbours.
Check what’s included with the version you choose and the plug size on your headphones. Alesis states that the Recital does not include a sustain pedal; the right connection size can vary between instruments.
If a product does not meet the agreed requirements, you may be covered by the statutory guarantee; ACM ConsuWijzer states that the seller must resolve the problem free of charge. For online consumer purchases, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period starting from the day after the product is delivered, subject to legal exceptions.
Talk to your housemates about when practising works for everyone. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing on music and times as a possible way to deal with noise affecting neighbours; also check any rules that apply to your home or building.
