Who is this guide for?

Student practising technique

You play arpeggios repeatedly and want to assess the touch, dynamics and key repetition for yourself. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai describe the keyboard features of their specified models.

Student in a shared room

You want to practise without using the piano’s speakers, so you’re looking at headphone sockets and a comfortable listening volume. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; VeiligheidNL recommends well-fitting headphones so you don’t have to turn the volume up as high.

Student who puts the piano away

You need to move or store the instrument, so you’re comparing its weight, cabinet size and the stand you’ll need. Kawai lists the weight of the ES120, while Casio gives the cabinet depth of the PX-S1100.

What should you look for?

Start with the keyboard and the way you practise. Then compare the arrangements for sound, storage space and the parts you’ll need.

The priorities below are about choosing a digital piano for practising arpeggios in a shared music room.

Point to consider What should you check? Who should give this more weight?
Touch and repeated arpeggios Compare the keyboard type and touch settings. Play the same passage softly and loudly, and notice how the keys return. If your main focus is practising technique and controlling fast passages, prioritise how the keyboard feels to play; around 36% of consumers give touch and arpeggio practice top priority.
Quiet practice and listening Check the number and type of headphone outputs, and listen for mechanical key noise in the room too. If you don’t want to use the speakers and need to be considerate of others in the room, the headphone setup matters more; around 29% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Moving and storage Measure the available space and check the weight of the exact model, allowing room for the stand, stool, cables and sheet music. If you need to put the piano away or take it with you after use, its size and weight will determine whether the setup works for you; around 21% of consumers give moving and storage top priority.
Practice routine and parts Check whether the piano has the metronome function you want, and whether the stand and pedal are compatible and included with that version. If practising with a tempo and having a complete setup matter to you, check what’s in the box before buying; around 14% of consumers put practice functions and essential parts first.

Common points to consider

  • Using headphones doesn’t make the piano completely silent

    You won’t be using the piano’s speakers, but the keys will still make a sound when you press them.

    Try the instrument in a quiet room and check the rules on noise in your music room.

  • The cabinet dimensions don’t tell you how much playing space you’ll need

    The stated depth is for the piano cabinet; you may also need space for cables, sheet music, a stool and a stand.

    Measure the whole setup and check which parts are included with the version you’ve chosen.

  • An optional three-pedal unit isn’t automatically included

    Kawai lists the F-351 for the ES120 as optional; Roland lists separate pedal options for the FP-30X.

    Before choosing, check the exact version, pedal connection, compatibility and box contents.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable option to compare if you’re looking for a compact instrument with a GHC keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists 88 keys and adjustable touch sensitivity for the P-145.
  • Yamaha describes it as an entry-level model, but that doesn’t automatically make its keyboard suitable for every student.

Roland

The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to practise on an 88-key keyboard or listen with another person through headphones.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
  • Check separately which stand and pedals are included with the version you’ve chosen. A positive review of the keyboard on the product page is a manufacturer claim.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable option to compare if you’ll practise in one place but also need to transport it occasionally.

  • Kawai lists a weight of 12,5 kg and a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
  • The manufacturer says it has reduced key noise, but this isn’t a comparative sound measurement. The stand and three-pedal unit are optional.

Casio

The PX-S1100 is worth comparing if you have limited depth available.

  • Casio gives the PX-S1100 a cabinet depth of 232 mm.
  • Casio’s claim that this is the slimmest model is based on its own research from July 2021. It isn’t a current independent ranking or an assessment of how the keyboard feels to play.

Joybuy products

The Joybuy options shown are 61-key keyboards for practising arpeggios. Check that the number of keys and features on the specific version suit your repertoire and setup.

MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys

The product name specifies a weighted keyboard; check whether 61 keys are suitable for the music you practise.

The product name also mentions 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, black, 61 keys

Electronic keyboard, black, 61 keys

The product name specifies 61 keys; check that this range suits your repertoire and the way you practise arpeggios.

The product name mentions a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do you use a metronome when practising arpeggios?

Start at a tempo that lets you play the notes evenly, and only increase it when you can do so comfortably. Before buying, check whether the piano you’re considering has a metronome function and how it works.

Are headphones enough to avoid disturbing others in the room?

With headphones, you won’t use the piano’s speakers, but the sound of the keys may still be audible. VeiligheidNL recommends well-fitting headphones so you don’t have to turn the listening volume up as high; this isn’t a noise standard for music rooms.

Does a portable piano come with a stand and pedals?

It depends on the model and version. Kawai lists the HML-2 stand and F-351 three-pedal unit for the ES120 as optional; Roland lists separate stand and pedal options for the FP-30X. Check the contents of the version you’re considering.

What rights do you have when buying a digital piano online in the Netherlands?

For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, subject to applicable exceptions. The seller must also resolve issues with a faulty product under statutory guarantee rules; these rights aren’t limited to a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. ACM ConsuWijzer explains these rules.

Are there product safety requirements for digital pianos?

European product safety requirements apply to electrical and electronic devices. Ondernemersplein, the Dutch government’s business portal, explains CE marking and the EU declaration of conformity. A CE mark in an advert does not, by itself, verify an individual offer.