For finger exercises in a spare room, a keyboard that suits your playing style is a sensible place to start; try the exact model yourself if you can. Then compare headphone use, the space needed for the full set-up and which pedals are included. A portable piano can be moved, but you’ll still need room for a stand and bench. Headphones block the sound from the speakers, but may not eliminate the mechanical noise of the keys.
If you’re practising finger control and repeated notes, the keyboard’s response matters more than extra sounds. Roland, Yamaha and Korg describe the keyboard action for each model, but those specifications can’t tell you which feel will suit you best.
If you want to practise while other people are at home, using headphones can help, but bear in mind that key or contact noise may still be audible. Roland, Casio and Korg mention headphone connections or use for the models listed.
If you also use the spare room for guests, you’ll need to fit in or move the complete playing set-up. Casio, Yamaha and Korg provide model-specific information on dimensions and accessories, so remember to measure your chosen stand and seating area too.
Start with the feel of the keys and the option to practise with headphones. Then measure the full playing area and check which practice features and pedals are included with the version you’re considering.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and key repetition | Try soft notes, scales and repeated notes on the exact model. A description of the keyboard action is no substitute for judging the feel for yourself. | If I’m practising finger control and repeated notes, I want to know how the keyboard responds to my touch; about 36% of consumers say key feel is their top buying priority. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the type of connection and whether your headphones are compatible. At home, try it out to see whether any remaining key or contact noise is acceptable. | I want to practise with headphones while others are at home, without assuming that all sound will disappear; about 29% of consumers say quiet practice is their top priority. |
| Space and portability | Measure the piano, your chosen stand and the space for a bench. Check the dimensions of the exact version, not just the body. | If the spare room also needs to be available for guests, I want to be able to fit in the complete playing area; about 21% of consumers say space is their top buying priority. |
| Practice aids and pedals | Check whether the model has a metronome and which pedal is included. Half-pedal support may require a separate accessory. | For tempo and pedal practice, I want to know in advance which features and accessories I’ll need; about 14% of consumers say practice aids are their top priority. |
The body isn’t the complete set-up. The stated dimensions of the Korg B2+ don’t include the music rest, and the STB1 stand is sold separately.
Before buying, measure the piano with its music rest, stand and bench, and allow enough room to sit comfortably.
You may need to buy a separate stand for the B2+; remember to leave room for a bench too.
Roland lists the DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling as an optional extra for the FP-10. Korg sells the PU-2 pedal unit for the B2+ separately.
If you want to practise half-pedalling, check compatibility and what’s included with the exact model.
According to the Dutch Government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period for all products in the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, the retailer is your point of contact.
Keep the product and purchase details, and check what extra rights any additional warranty actually offers.
The FP-10 is a portable model worth comparing if you’re looking for 88 keys, headphone use and a metronome.
The portable P-145 and the fixed YDP-145 offer different ways to set up a practice space.
The portable CDP-S110 is worth considering if a shallow body and flexible placement are important to you.
The B2+ is a portable option to compare if connections and accessories matter for your practice set-up.
The products below are portable 61-key models with features for practising with headphones or a metronome. Check that the smaller range of keys suits the finger exercises you want to do.
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This could suit you if you want to practise with headphones and work on your timing, and if 61 keys are enough for the exercises you do.
The product name lists a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket, a metronome and a music rest.
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Worth a look if you want to practise timing with a metronome and practise privately with headphones.
The product name lists a music rest and recording function; the product description mentions a headphone socket and piano-style key layout. It is listed as having 61 keys.
Headphones keep the amplified piano sound out of the room, but mechanical key noises or vibrations may still be audible. Roland mentions headphone use for the FP-10; Casio lists a PHONES/OUTPUT connection for the CDP-S110, and Korg lists a combined headphone/line-out connection for the B2+. Try the set-up where you plan to practise.
Measure more than just the piano: include your chosen stand, music rest, bench and the space you need to sit comfortably. For example, the stated dimensions of the Korg B2+ don’t include the music rest, and the STB1 stand is a separate accessory.
No. Check what’s included with the exact version. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110, and Korg lists a damper pedal included with the B2+; the PU-2 unit for half-pedal support is available separately.
According to the Dutch Government, the retailer is your point of contact if a product is faulty. There is no fixed statutory warranty period for all products in the Netherlands; what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product and the information provided when it was sold.
