For a piano-like touch and exercises across the full keyboard, a digital piano with weighted keys is the obvious choice. If your exercises fit within a smaller range, or you want to put the instrument away after playing, a compact keyboard may be enough. For either option, check the headphone socket, the space available and the exact model. Headphones won’t automatically mask the sound of the keys or pedal in the room.
You want to practise regularly and need a suitable headphone socket, while also considering audible key or pedal noise and household arrangements. The Juridisch Loket advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try to reach an agreement first.
You’re practising touch and movement across a wider range, so you’re comparing an 88-key weighted keyboard with a lighter keyboard action. Yamaha, Korg and Roland describe different key actions and models with 88 keys.
You want to put the instrument away after practising, so compare the dimensions, weight and key range of the exact models. Casio and Korg publish these details for the CT-S300 and B2+ respectively.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Which consumers does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising in a shared living space | Check the socket on the exact model and make sure your headphones are compatible. Try the set-up where you plan to use it. | If I want to listen without using the speakers, I also consider how much noise the keys and pedal make for housemates. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Touch and key range | Compare the notes in your exercises with the keyboard and try out its feel. The Yamaha PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys; the Korg B2+ has an 88-key NH keyboard. | For piano exercises, I want to know whether the feel and range suit my practice goals. Around 29% of consumers give touch and range top priority. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space for the instrument, music rest and stool. Casio lists the CT-S300 at 930 × 256 × 73 mm and 3,3 kg; Korg lists the B2+ at 1312 × 336 × 117 mm and 11,4 kg without the music rest. | If I want to put the instrument away after every session, the space it needs is an important factor for me. Around 21% of consumers prioritise easy storage. |
| Getting started independently | Check what’s included in the offer. Yamaha lists built-in sounds, a metronome, adapter and music rest for the PSR-E283; Korg lists an adapter, music rest and damper pedal for the B2+, but lists the stand separately. | I want to be able to start practising without setting up extra equipment first, so I check what’s included. Around 14% of consumers make being able to get started easily on their own their main priority. |
These terms don’t mean the same thing. The Yamaha PSR-E383 is described as touch-sensitive, while the Korg B2+ has an 88-key NH keyboard. Check which type of key action suits your exercises.
Choose based on the movement and range you want to practise, and try the feel of the keys if you can.
A headphone socket lets you listen without using the speakers, but it doesn’t mean that the keys or pedal will be inaudible in a shared home.
Check the socket, try the set-up where you plan to use it and, if needed, agree suitable practice times with your housemates.
For the Korg B2+, the manufacturer lists an adapter, music rest and damper pedal; the stand is listed separately.
Check what’s actually included with the exact model.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or headphones separately, so check what’s included before setting up your practice space.
Yamaha offers both portable keyboards and piano-focused models to compare.
The CT-S300 is a compact, touch-sensitive keyboard for anyone who plans to move their instrument regularly.
The B2+ is a piano-focused option with an 88-key NH keyboard and a PHONES socket, according to Korg.
According to Roland, the FP-10 is a piano-focused model with an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and headphone playback.
These are compact 61-key instruments for finger exercises that fit within that range.
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If your exercises fit within 61 keys and you want to listen through headphones, the product description lists a headphone socket.
The product description mentions weighted, touch-sensitive keys and USB-MIDI.
Headphones don’t prevent housemates from hearing the keys or pedal.
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If your finger exercises fit on 61 keys and you want to use a metronome while practising, the product description lists this feature.
The description lists a headphone socket, built-in speakers and a music stand.
Headphones don’t prevent housemates from hearing the keys or pedal.
No. Headphones prevent sound from coming through the speakers, but they don’t automatically make key or pedal noise inaudible. The Juridisch Loket advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try to reach an agreement first; if needed, agree practice times with your housemates too.
Check the socket on the exact model and make sure it’s compatible with your headphones. Also measure the space for the instrument, music rest and stool. Korg lists an adapter, music rest and damper pedal for the B2+, but lists the stand separately.
Keep an eye on both the volume and how long you listen for. The World Health Organization points out that both sound level and duration of exposure affect the risk to your hearing.
For many distance purchases, you have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. You’re also entitled to a product that meets acceptable standards; there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. Check the terms that apply to your purchase and contact the seller if there’s a fault.
