Players who share their home
If you practise while other people are at home, weigh up headphone use against the sound of the keys. Roland Netherlands and Kawai Netherlands describe headphone sockets on their models.
Who is this advice for?
Pianists working on their touch
If you want to practise broken chords at different speeds and with varying degrees of touch, it’s important to try the keyboard for yourself and see how it responds. Yamaha Netherlands and Roland Netherlands describe the keyboard actions on their models.
Players with limited space
If you share a room or desk, check the space needed for the complete setup, not just the piano itself. Yamaha Netherlands, Kawai Netherlands and Casio Netherlands describe features worth considering when comparing portable models.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the feel of the keyboard and how you’ll practise with headphones, then check that the complete setup and the pedal you want will fit in your space.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with others at home | Check the headphone socket and play a fast pattern to hear what other people can still hear. Headphones do not eliminate the sound of the keys being pressed. | If I practise while other people are at home, I want to be able to play through headphones while also checking whether the keys are still audible. Around 34% of consumers say quiet practice is their main concern. |
| Touch and key repetition | Try the same pattern slowly, quickly, quietly and loudly on the exact model. Yamaha Netherlands and Roland Netherlands specify 88-key keyboards for the models they mention. | If I want to practise even broken chords and contrasts between quiet and loud playing, I want to assess the keyboard’s response for myself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise control over touch. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space for playing and storage, including the stand, stool and legroom. Casio Netherlands lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK; this is not the measurement for the complete setup. | If the piano needs to fit in a shared room or be put away after playing, I want to make sure the whole setup will fit. Around 20% of consumers say limited space is their main concern. |
| Pedal and setup | Check which pedal is included with the model and which upgrades are compatible. Casio Netherlands lists an SP-3 for the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha and Kawai describe optional three-pedal accessories for specific models. | If using a pedal is a regular part of my practice, I want to know whether the pedal I need can be used straight away or has to be chosen separately. Around 13% of consumers prioritise pedal playing. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming a headphone socket makes a piano completely silent
Headphones let you hear the piano sound itself, but they don’t tell you how much noise the physical action of the keys makes in your home. Kawai describes key cushioning for the ES120, but this specification is not a measured noise level for a shared home.
Try playing fast broken chords in the setup you have in mind, and agree suitable practice times with the people you live with.
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Measuring only the piano itself
A stand, stool and other components also take up space, even if the piano itself is shallow.
Before choosing, measure the full space you have for playing and storage, including room for your legs.
A suitable stand and seat may also be needed for your setup.
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Assuming a three-pedal unit is included as standard
Yamaha and Kawai describe three-pedal accessories as options for specific models.
Check exactly what is included with the version you’re buying and whether the pedal unit you want is compatible.
You may need a compatible pedal unit and possibly a suitable stand.
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with wireless headphone use
Yamaha describes Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT as a way to play audio from a device through the piano’s speakers. This is not the same as support for wireless headphones.
Check separately which headphone socket the model has and how it works.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P series is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable 88-key piano.
- Yamaha Netherlands specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard with several touch sensitivity settings for the P-145BT. The optional LP-5A three-pedal unit is model-specific.
- Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT is designed to play audio through the piano’s speakers; don’t assume this means it supports wireless headphones.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable model to consider when comparing keyboard feel and headphone use.
- Roland Netherlands describes the FP-30X as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- Roland’s claims about sound and playing feel are manufacturer claims, not an independent comparison of all Roland pianos.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option to compare if both headphone use and the sound of the keys while playing matter to you.
- Kawai lists key cushioning for the ES120; its international product overview describes two headphone sockets.
- Key cushioning is no measured guarantee that the sound of the keys won’t be audible in a shared home. A stand and pedal accessories may be optional.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if you have limited depth in your practice space.
- Casio Netherlands lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The stated cabinet depth does not automatically include a stand, stool or space to play.
Korg
The B2 is another portable 88-key setup to include in your comparison.
- Korg Netherlands specifies an NH hammer-action keyboard and an included damper pedal.
- The PHONES/LINE OUT socket is a combined connection. For half-pedalling, Korg lists the separate PU-2.
Joybuy products for this practice scenario
The Joybuy options shown are digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys and a headphone socket. Check that the range of keys suits the music and exercises you want to play.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Worth considering if a headphone socket and a portable 61-key model suit your practice space; check that 61 keys are enough for your repertoire.
The product description lists 61 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a headphone socket.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI and a music stand.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Worth considering if a headphone socket and metronome suit your practice setup; check whether 61 keys are enough for your repertoire.
The product information lists 61 keys, a headphone socket and a metronome.
The product name lists a recording function, MIDI controller, speakers and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need weighted keys to practise broken chords?
If you want to work on your piano technique, compare weighted keyboards by playing the same pattern at different speeds and with different levels of touch. Yamaha and Roland specify different 88-key keyboard actions; try the model for yourself to see what feels comfortable.
Do headphones make practice inaudible to other people at home?
No. A headphone socket does not prove that the physical sound of the keys will be inaudible. Kawai separately describes key cushioning for the ES120; try the piano in your own space and, if necessary, agree practice times with the people you live with.
What should I look for in a pedal for my piano?
Check which pedal is included with the exact version you’re buying and which accessories are compatible. Casio lists an SP-3 for the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha and Kawai describe separate, model-specific three-pedal options.
What can I do if a piano I bought online is faulty or doesn’t fit?
If a product does not conform to the contract, contact the seller about your statutory guarantee; according to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. Many online consumer purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to conditions and exceptions. Check the details before placing your order.
Can I play the piano at any time while wearing headphones?
Don’t assume that using headphones means you can play at any time. The Dutch government recommends agreeing a solution with your neighbours first if noise is a problem; also check the arrangements and rules that apply to your home.