Players looking to develop their piano technique
You practise broken chords with even timing and controlled touch, and want to judge the keyboard itself. Yamaha and Roland list 88-key keyboards for the models in question.
Who is this choice important for?
Players mindful of housemates or neighbours
You want to practise in the spare room without relying solely on the built-in speakers. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10, while the Dutch government recommends agreeing arrangements about noise.
People using a shared spare room
You need to fit the playing area into the room or be able to move the piano, so both the instrument and the complete set-up matter. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; Yamaha and Korg also describe versions with separate set-up components.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, compare the touch on the exact models and play the same pattern on each. Then check that the listening options, available space and pedal set-up suit your room and the pieces you practise.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and timing | Play the same slow and fast pattern on the exact models, then compare the key response and consistency. According to their manufacturers, the Yamaha P-145BT and Roland FP-10 both have 88 keys, but a specification won’t tell you which keyboard you’ll find more comfortable to play. | If I want to practise controlling each note, I need to judge differences in touch for myself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise control over touch. |
| Listening with headphones | Check the connection on the piano and make sure it suits your headphones. Using headphones doesn’t guarantee that key or pedal noise will be inaudible. | If housemates or neighbours don’t want to hear sound from the speakers, I look for a suitable headphone connection and agree arrangements if needed. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and portability | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand, music rest, bench and room to move. The listed dimensions of the instrument don’t cover the complete playing area. | If the spare room needs to remain available for other activities, I want to know how much space the full set-up will take up. Around 20% of consumers prioritise floor or storage space. |
| Pedal and set-up | Check what’s included with each version and whether it’s compatible with the pedal function you want. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145BT; Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three-pedal unit. | If my practice involves using pedals, I want to know in advance whether the version I’ve chosen is suitable. Around 20% of consumers prioritise pedal use or a complete fixed set-up. |
Common pitfalls
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Measuring only the depth of the piano
The listed dimensions of the instrument don’t automatically include space for the music rest, bench and player. As a result, the complete set-up may take up more room than you expect when choosing a piano.
Measure the whole playing area before choosing a model for a small spare room.
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Assuming an optional pedal means a three-pedal set is included
According to Yamaha, the P-145BT has an optional three-pedal unit, while Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three-pedal unit. What’s included therefore varies by version.
Compare the offer contents with the manufacturer’s accessory compatibility information.
A suitable stand or pedal may need to be purchased separately.
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Assuming headphones solve every noise problem
Using headphones gives you another way to listen, but it doesn’t prove that other people won’t hear the keys or pedals.
Test the set-up in the room and agree arrangements with housemates or neighbours if needed. The Dutch government recommends agreeing arrangements first if noise is causing a disturbance.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The portable P-145BT is worth comparing if you’re looking for an instrument focused on piano playing.
- Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145BT.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. The keyboard specification won’t tell you which feel is right for you.
Roland
The portable FP-10 is worth considering if you want to compare keyboard response and headphone use.
- Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- The DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling is optional. Try the keyboard yourself to see how it feels.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if the depth of the instrument is a key factor.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for this model.
- That measurement doesn’t include the complete playing area with stand, music rest, bench and room to move.
Korg
The B2+ and B2+SP offer versions you can compare: a standalone piano or a set with a stand and three pedals.
- Korg specifies an 88-key NH keyboard and a PHONES connection for the B2+.
- According to Korg, the B2+SP includes a stand and three-pedal unit; check which version you’re looking at.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are portable 61-key models for practising in a spare room. If you’re specifically looking for an 88-key keyboard to work on your piano technique, bear in mind that the versions below have 61 keys.
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Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black
A portable 61-key option to consider if you want a headphone connection and a metronome.
The keyboard has 61 keys; compare this with the 88 keys listed for the models discussed for piano technique.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
A 61-key option to consider if you want a metronome and headphone connection for practice.
The keyboard has 61 keys; compare this with the 88 keys listed for the models discussed for piano technique.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a piano with 88 weighted keys to play broken chords?
If you want to work on your piano technique and compare differences in touch, 88-key keyboards are useful points of comparison. Play your patterns on the exact models yourself: a specification won’t tell you which keyboard feels comfortable to you.
Can I practise with headphones at any time without discussing it with anyone?
With compatible models, headphones let you listen without using the speakers, but they don’t guarantee that people nearby won’t hear anything. The Dutch government recommends agreeing arrangements with neighbours first if noise is causing a disturbance; there is no general time when playing the piano is permitted everywhere.
What should I check before setting up the piano?
Measure the complete playing area and check which stand and pedals come with the version you’ve chosen. Follow the manual for the exact model when connecting the power supply; Yamaha specifies the required voltage and the supplied or specified mains adaptor for the P-145BT.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online product purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. You’re also covered by the legal guarantee if, under normal use, the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect; the seller is responsible for this.