If you play the accompaniment patterns yourself, a metronome may be all you need; built-in drum rhythms are useful if you also want to play along with a rhythmic backing. Casio and Yamaha list a headphone socket for the models mentioned, while Kawai specifies 100 drum rhythms for the ES120. Headphones won’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys, so compare the action too and check which accessories are included with the version you’re considering.
You want to practise patterns without sending the piano sound into the room through the speakers. Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket, and listen to the physical sound of the keys where you plan to practise. Casio and Yamaha list a headphone socket for the CDP-S110BK and P-45 respectively.
You want to play chord changes and left-hand patterns in time. Decide whether a metronome is enough or whether you’d prefer to play along with drum rhythms: Kawai lists 100 drum rhythms for the ES120.
You’re looking for a full-size piano keyboard that fits in your practice space. Compare the dimensions and try the action on the version you want to buy; Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK.
Suitable if: you play the accompaniment yourself and mainly need a steady beat. Casio and Yamaha list a metronome for the CDP-S110BK and P-45 respectively.
Trade-off: a metronome keeps time, but doesn’t add a full rhythmic pattern.
Suitable if: you want to practise playing along with a rhythmic backing. Kawai lists 100 drum rhythms for the ES120.
Trade-off: drum rhythms aren’t the same as automatic chord accompaniment. Kawai lists a compatible stand and triple pedal unit as optional accessories for the ES120.
Suitable if: you play yourself and also want to exchange MIDI data with music software. The Roland FP-10 manual describes MIDI transfer via USB.
Trade-off: connecting to a computer doesn’t provide built-in automatic accompaniment; you’ll need additional equipment and software to use it.
Headphones keep the piano sound from coming through the speakers, but they won’t necessarily stop you hearing the keys. So as well as comparing the features, try the action where you plan to practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the type of headphone socket and try the sound of the keys where you practise. | If I practise in a shared home, I want to be able to turn off the speakers without assuming the keys will be silent. Around 31% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Keeping time | Check whether the model has a metronome, drum rhythms or automatic chord accompaniment. | When I practise timing, I want to know whether I only need a steady beat or want to play along with a rhythmic pattern. Around 25% of consumers give keeping time top priority. |
| Action and keyboard range | Try soft repeated notes and chord changes on the exact keyboard, and check the number of keys. | If I want to practise patterns across the piano keyboard, I care more about the range and action than extra rhythms or a compact design. Around 25% of consumers start with the action and keyboard range. |
| Space and accessories | Measure your practice space and check the dimensions, pedal and any stand. | For my practice space, I want to know whether the piano will fit and whether the setup I need is complete. Around 19% of consumers focus mainly on placement and the accessories they need. |
The number of keys varies by model. A shorter keyboard won’t offer the same range as the 88 keys specified for the models mentioned by Casio, Yamaha and Kawai.
Check the number of keys and try the action if you want to practise patterns across a full-size piano keyboard.
The drum rhythms Kawai lists for the ES120 provide rhythmic backing; they don’t mean that the instrument plays chords for you.
Decide whether you’re looking for a metronome, a drum pattern or automatically played chord parts, then check for that specific feature.
Kawai lists an optional stand and triple pedal unit for the ES120.
Compare what’s included with the version you choose against the stand and pedals you need. You may need to buy a compatible stand or a more advanced pedal unit separately.
The CDP-S110BK is a compact, standalone piano for anyone looking for a metronome and headphone socket.
The P-45 is a straightforward option for playing your own accompaniment patterns, with a metronome and a full-size keyboard.
The ES120 is worth considering if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard with a metronome and built-in drum rhythms.
The FP-10 is worth considering if you play the accompaniment yourself and may also want to use MIDI with music software.
These Joybuy products are 61-key models with features for practising rhythm. Check that this keyboard range suits the patterns you want to play.
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The listed rhythms and headphone socket make this a good fit for practising with rhythmic backing.
61 keys; 300 rhythms and 300 tones. The product description lists a headphone socket and automatic bass chords. This keyboard doesn’t have the 88-key range of the Casio, Yamaha and Kawai models mentioned.
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The listed metronome, rhythms and headphone socket are useful if you want to keep time and practise with rhythmic backing.
61 keys; the product name lists a metronome and recording function. The product description lists 300 rhythms and a headphone socket. This keyboard doesn’t have the 88-key range of the Casio, Yamaha and Kawai models mentioned.
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The listed rhythms and headphone socket make this a good option for practising with rhythmic backing and listening through headphones.
61 keys; the product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, USB MIDI, a stand, a bench and a music rest. The product description lists a headphone socket. This keyboard doesn’t have the 88-key range of the Casio, Yamaha and Kawai models mentioned.
No, don’t expect complete silence: headphones keep the piano sound from coming through the speakers, but the keys can still make physical noise. Kawai describes key cushioning for the ES120, but doesn’t provide comparative sound measurements. Try the action where you plan to practise.
Not if you play the accompaniment yourself: a metronome will give you a steady beat. If you want to play along with rhythmic backing, look for drum rhythms such as the 100 Kawai lists for the ES120. Check for automatic chord accompaniment separately; drum rhythms don’t prove that this feature is included.
Measure the space available and check the power supply, pedal, stand and headphone plug against the version you’ve chosen. Use the adapter intended for the instrument; the Kawai manual states that the adapter supplied is intended for this instrument only.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s guarantee: if a product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is responsible for resolving the issue.
Wearing headphones doesn’t automatically mean you’re allowed to practise at home at any time. The Dutch government states that rules on nuisance to neighbours can vary by municipality, and many municipalities have provisions on this in their APV. Also take house rules and audible key noise into account.
