A compact keyboard with touch-sensitive keys is a better fit if easy storage and portability are your priorities. A digital piano with 88 keys and hammer action is more suited to practising minor scales as part of piano technique. Whichever you choose, check that it will fit your space, how you can practise with headphones, and which practice features and power options are included with that specific model. Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but they don’t guarantee that other people nearby won’t hear you playing.
You want to practise scales regularly without filling the room with sound from the speakers. Check for a headphone socket and bear in mind that your playing could still disturb your neighbours. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10; according to the Dutch Government, local council rules on neighbour disturbance can vary.
You have little permanent space and are comparing the dimensions and weight of a compact keyboard with those of a slim digital piano. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a portable keyboard; Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
You practise minor scales as part of your piano technique and could benefit from a full-size keyboard with hammer action. Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10; Casio specifies a Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II for the CDP-S110.
First decide whether you want a compact instrument or need to practise piano technique. Then measure your playing and storage space, and finally check the connections and practice features of the specific model.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should give this more weight? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with as little disturbance as possible | Check the headphone socket, the correct plug and any arrangements for your practice space. The Dutch Government says local council rules on neighbour disturbance may be set out in the APV (General Local Regulations). | If I practise in a shared space, I want to listen through headphones without assuming that all the sound of my playing will disappear. Around 36% of consumers prioritise practising with minimal disturbance. |
| Size and ease of storage | Measure the available width and depth of your playing and storage space. Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm; Korg says the Liano has 88 keys. | If I have to put my instrument away after every session, I want to know whether it will fit in the space I have. Around 29% of consumers prioritise ease of storage. |
| Keyboard for piano technique | If needed, ask your teacher whether you need 88 keys and hammer action. Yamaha lists the PSR-E383 as having 61 touch-sensitive keys; Roland lists the FP-10 as having 88 keys and PHA-4 Standard action. | If I practise scales for piano lessons, I want the keyboard to suit my learning goals. Around 21% of consumers prioritise piano technique. |
| Practising at a steady tempo on your own | Check whether the specific model has a metronome and how to set the tempo and time signature. Roland lists a built-in metronome for the FP-10. | If I want to practise in time without an extra device, I look for a metronome that’s easy to set. Around 14% of consumers prioritise practising at a steady tempo on their own. |
The compact keyboards reviewed are described as touch-sensitive; Roland and Casio list hammer action for the FP-10 and CDP-S110 respectively. These keyboard types are not the same and may suit piano technique differently.
Before buying, decide whether you’ll be practising keyboard playing or piano technique. If needed, discuss the type of keyboard you want with your teacher.
If your piano lessons later require a different type of keyboard, you may need another instrument.
Even a slim 88-key piano takes up width. Korg lists the Liano as having 88 keys and a width of 128,2 cm.
Measure both the width and depth of your playing and storage space, and allow for the room you’ll need while playing.
Also check whether you need a suitable place to store it or a stand, which may be sold separately. Korg says the stand for the Liano is sold separately.
Headphones prevent sound from coming through the speakers, but they don’t automatically make every sound of your playing inaudible or tell you what local rules apply. The Dutch Government says local council rules on neighbour disturbance may be set out in the APV (General Local Regulations).
Check the connection and, if you share a home or practice space, discuss what arrangements apply.
Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a portable keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys, aimed at people starting out with keyboard playing.
This comparison includes both Casio’s compact CT-S300 and its 88-key digital piano, the CDP-S110.
Korg positions the Liano as a slim, 88-key digital piano for anyone looking to combine a full range with portability.
Roland describes the FP-10 as an 88-key digital piano with a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, making it a suitable option if piano technique is important to you.
Not for every individual scale exercise. It depends on the range required and your learning goals: Bax Music’s Dutch buying guide, reviewed for this article, recommends an 88-key digital piano with hammer action for piano lessons. Ask your teacher which keys and level of touch sensitivity you need for your exercises.
Measure the available playing and storage space, then compare it with the dimensions of the specific instrument. Also check whether a stand and the power supply suitable for your model are included; Korg says the stand for the Liano is sold separately.
No. You can’t assume that just because there’s a headphone socket. The Dutch Government says local council rules on neighbour disturbance may be set out in the APV (General Local Regulations). Discuss any potential disturbance and, if necessary, check the rules and arrangements that apply where you live.
For eligible online distance purchases, the Dutch Government says you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check whether any exceptions apply and who the seller is. In the Netherlands, products that don’t meet what you’re entitled to expect are covered by the statutory guarantee, but there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period for all products.
