Who is this choice relevant to?

Melody player building their technique

You want to learn to play folk melodies with control over touch and dynamics. So compare the keyboard before weighing up extra sounds.

Home recordist

You want to record parts in software and need to decide whether you need MIDI performance data, the piano’s sound itself, or both.

Quiet home player

You practise in a shared living space, so you’ll want to consider headphone use and how much room the instrument takes up with its stand.

What should you look for?

First, decide how you want to record: MIDI performance data and the piano’s sound require different connection options. Then compare the keyboard and the practical requirements for practising and setting up.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important to?
Key action Compare the keyboard on the exact version. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145; Roland specifies its PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10, and Kawai its Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard for the ES120. If I want to practise playing soft and powerful phrases in folk melodies, I need good control over the key action. Around 33% of consumers give learning to play and playing feel their highest priority.
Recording connection Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, piano sound, or both. Kawai lists separate stereo line outputs for the ES120; Korg describes USB-C for MIDI/audio on the B2+, as well as a PHONES connection that also serves as a line output. If I want to record melodies in music software, the connection needs to suit the sound or performance data I want to capture. Around 27% of consumers put studio connectivity first.
Headphones Check how many headphones you can connect and whether a connection also serves as a line output. Kawai lists two headphone connections on the ES120; on the Korg B2+, PHONES also serves as the line output. If I practise in a shared living space, I want to be able to listen to the piano through headphones. Around 20% of consumers give quiet practice their highest priority.
Space and setup Measure the space for the instrument, stand and player. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; the Korg B2+SP is the version supplied with a stand and three pedals. If space is limited or I’m looking for a complete, permanent setup, I want to know in advance what will fit and which version I need. Around 20% of consumers give space and setup their highest priority.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming USB-MIDI will always record the piano’s sound

    MIDI sends performance data to software; it is not the same as recording the piano’s audio. Before you buy, check which of the two you want to capture and which connections the exact model offers.

    A wired audio connection may require suitable audio cables or recording equipment, depending on your setup.

  • Confusing a piano on its own with a set that includes a stand and three pedals

    Equipment varies across the Korg B2+ range: the B2+SP is the set with a stand and three-pedal unit. Check the full model name and what the offer includes.

    With other versions, a suitable stand or pedals may need to be purchased separately.

  • Assuming a nearby model variant has the same features

    Connections and features can vary between versions. Roland states that Bluetooth availability on the FP-10 depends on the country of purchase, so check the specifications for the model being offered.

Brands to compare

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable option for comparing keyboard feel and studio connections.

  • Kawai says the ES120 has a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, two headphone connections, separate stereo line outputs and Bluetooth MIDI/audio.
  • A stand and three-pedal board are listed as accessories, so check which version and accessories are included with the offer.

Korg

The B2+ range includes a standalone digital piano and the B2+SP version, which comes with a stand and three pedals.

  • Korg lists USB-C for MIDI/audio and a PHONES connection that also serves as a line output.
  • The shared connection may be less flexible if you need to use headphones and a separate audio connection at the same time. The B2+SP accessories are not automatically included with the standalone B2+.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable entry-level model for anyone looking for a piano keyboard to practise on first.

  • Yamaha’s Dutch specifications list 88 GHC keys and 10 sounds for the P-145.
  • Don’t confuse the P-145 with the separately named P-145BT; check the connections on the page for the exact version.

Roland

The portable FP-10 is an option for comparing keyboard feel and headphone use.

  • Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10 and an optional DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling.
  • According to Roland, Bluetooth availability depends on the country of purchase.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if depth is a key constraint when choosing where to place your piano.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for this version.
  • Also measure the space for the stand and player; the cabinet dimensions alone don’t tell you how much room the complete setup will need.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the piano’s sound using USB-MIDI alone?

No. MIDI sends performance data and doesn’t automatically record the piano’s audio. Check that the model and your recording equipment support a suitable audio connection; Kawai lists separate line outputs for the ES120, while Korg specifies USB audio for the B2+.

Does a portable piano come with a stand and three pedals?

It varies by model and version. Korg distinguishes between the standalone B2+ and the B2+SP, which comes with a stand and three-pedal unit. Check what the specific offer includes.

What can I do if a digital piano I bought in the Netherlands turns out to be faulty?

According to the Netherlands Government, if there’s a problem with a product, you should contact the seller. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period; what you could reasonably expect from the product is taken into account when assessing your rights.

Do I have a cooling-off period if I buy a digital piano online?

For online consumer purchases from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, according to the Netherlands Government. Under the same guidance, a purchase from a private individual is not classed as distance selling in this context.