Who is this choice relevant to?

Piano technology student

You practise broken chords, focusing on an even touch and dynamics, and want to compare keyboards.

Practising in a shared room

You want to practise through headphones when others are using the room, and you also pay attention to listening volume.

Student with changing practice locations

You may need to set up and put away the piano each time, so you look at its dimensions, weight and included accessories.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Touch and control Compare the touch on the exact model. Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard with adjustable touch response for the P-145; Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10. If I mainly want control over soft and loud notes when playing broken chords, I pay attention to how the keyboard responds to my playing; around 33% of consumers put touch and dynamics first.
Quiet practice Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket, and start at a low volume. The WHO emphasises that both sound level and listening duration matter. If I want to practise in a shared room without others hearing the piano, suitable headphones and mindful listening are important; around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Setting up and storage Measure the complete setup, not just the piano casing. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110; Roland warns that the FP-10 may be unstable if incorrectly positioned on a stand. If I need to move or store the piano after use, I want to know whether the complete setup will fit in the available space; around 20% of consumers prioritise portability.
Pedal and practice features Check the included pedal and any optional extras. Roland lists a built-in metronome for the FP-10 and an optional DP-10 pedal; Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110. If I want to practise pedal technique and get started with the setup I need, I check exactly what’s included with that version; around 20% of consumers put the pedal and complete equipment at the top of their list.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming an included sustain pedal supports half-pedalling

    An included damper pedal and an optional half-pedal solution are not necessarily the same thing. Roland lists an optional DP-10 pedal for the FP-10; Korg lists the PU-2 as an optional extra for the B2+.

    Before buying, check what’s in the box and the exact model number of the pedal you need for your practice.

    You may need to buy a compatible pedal separately to use half-pedalling.

  • Assuming a headphone socket makes listening safe at any volume

    Headphones let you listen without others hearing, but prolonged listening at a high volume can be harmful. According to the WHO, both sound level and exposure time matter.

    Start at a low volume and take listening breaks during longer practice sessions.

  • Measuring only the piano’s dimensions

    The stand and the way the piano is positioned also determine whether the complete setup will fit in the room. Roland warns that positioning the FP-10 incorrectly on a stand can cause instability.

    Measure the full practice area and follow the assembly instructions for your chosen model and stand.

    You may need a suitable stand or other parts for your setup.

Relevant piano brands

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable model for assessing an 88-key keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard with adjustable touch response for the P-145.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Yamaha’s descriptions of the playing feel are not based on independent playing tests.

Roland

According to Roland, the FP-10 combines an 88-key keyboard with a headphone socket and metronome.

  • Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and built-in metronome for the FP-10.
  • The DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling is listed as an optional extra. Roland also warns that incorrect positioning on a stand can cause instability.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a compact option if storage space or portability is a consideration.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, mains or battery power, and an included SP-3 pedal.
  • Descriptions of the playing feel are from the manufacturer, not independent performance measurements.

Korg

According to Korg, the B2+ has an 88-key keyboard and comes with a damper pedal.

  • Korg specifies a PHONES socket and an included damper pedal.
  • The PU-2 pedal unit for half-pedalling is optional and not included.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable model for comparing a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.

  • Kawai lists 88 keys and an F-1SP switch pedal for the ES120.
  • Check which compatible pedal solution you need if you want to practise half-pedalling; descriptions of the playing feel come from the manufacturer.

Joybuy products

These products are 61-key models for anyone looking for a more compact range; they do not have the same range as the 88-key models discussed above.

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

A 61-key model to consider if this range is enough for your practice; it is not an 88-key keyboard.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

A 61-key keyboard for anyone looking for a more compact range; check that it covers the notes you need for your practice.

The product name lists MIDI controller functionality, a recording function, speakers and a music rest.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I practise broken chords with a metronome?

Start at a tempo that lets you play the notes evenly, and increase it gradually once the passage feels under control. Roland confirms that the FP-10 has a built-in metronome; there is no one tempo that suits every model or exercise.

Can I put a digital piano on any stand?

Don’t assume so. Roland lists specific stands for the FP-10 and warns that incorrect assembly can cause instability; follow the instructions for your chosen model and stand.

Is a half-pedal included as standard?

Not necessarily. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, but the half-pedal-compatible PU-2 is optional; Roland also lists the DP-10 pedal for the FP-10 as an optional extra. Check what’s included with the specific version.

Can I try a piano at home before deciding whether to keep it after buying online?

For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the day after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the exceptions and the conditions for unpacking and trying out a product; check how these apply to your purchase.

What can I do if a piano I bought online doesn’t work properly?

For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the seller is your point of contact if the product is faulty. The Dutch Government states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period for every product.