Who is this choice relevant to?

Player in a shared home

Wants to practise a jazz standard using headphones and is also mindful of the sound of the keys in the room. Roland, Casio and Korg list headphone connectivity for the FP-10, CDP-S110BK and B2+ respectively.

Pianist practising voicings

Wants to control chords, bass notes and dynamics with both hands, and so compares the feel of the keys and the sustain controls on different keyboards. Yamaha, Roland, Casio and Korg describe models with 88 keys.

Player with limited space

Is looking for an instrument that produces sound on its own and can be moved, but wants to know in advance what’s included in terms of the stand and pedals. Casio describes the CDP-S110BK as slim, while Yamaha calls the P-145 compact.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket and plug size. If possible, also try out how audible the keys and pedal are in the room. If I want to practise without using the speakers, I consider both headphone use and the sound of the keys in the room. Around 36% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority.
Key feel and chord voicings Compare the feel of the keys on the exact models you’re considering, ideally trying soft and repeated notes. Also check that the number of keys suits the bass notes and voicings you want to play. If I’m practising two-handed voicings and dynamics, I want to know how the keyboard responds to my touch. Around 29% of consumers put control over key response first.
Sounds and sustain Listen to the sounds you want to use and check which pedal is included. Casio lists ten tones and an SP-3 sustain pedal included with the CDP-S110BK; Roland lists the DP-10 pedal for the FP-10 as optional. If I want to practise a jazz standard using different piano sounds and sustain, I check which sounds and pedal functions will work for me. Around 21% of consumers make sound and sustain their top priority.
Space and set-up Measure the space where the piano will go. Casio gives the CDP-S110BK’s depth as 232 mm; for the Korg B2+, check whether the STB1 stand is included with the version you’re considering. If I need to store the piano away or have limited space, I want to know whether it will fit and what I need to set it up at home. Around 14% of consumers make a compact set-up their top priority.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a headphone socket makes the piano completely silent

    The socket determines how you listen to the amplified piano sound, but it doesn’t mean the mechanical noise of the keys will be inaudible in your home.

    Try the keys and pedal while someone else listens in the room, too.

  • Assuming a stand or advanced pedal is always included

    The STB1 stand and PU-2 half-pedalling unit are optional for the Korg B2+. Yamaha also lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional.

    Compare what’s included in each bundle and check that the pedals you want are compatible with the version you’re considering.

  • Using the number of sounds as a measure of how the keys feel

    The number of sounds doesn’t tell you how a keyboard feels to play. For a jazz standard, a light touch, chord voicings and the sustain controls you want are important, too.

    If possible, play the same short passage on the models you’re considering and compare the feel of the keys and the sounds you actually want to use.

Brands to compare

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable option to compare if you’re looking for a standalone instrument with 88 keys and headphone connectivity.

  • Roland lists the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and electric piano sounds.
  • Roland lists the DP-10 pedal as optional for half-pedalling.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if its shallow depth, built-in piano and electric piano sounds, and basic pedal suit your needs.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, ten tones, an SP-3 sustain pedal included and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket.
  • Decide for yourself whether the keys feel right for you; Casio provides the description of the hammer action.

Korg

The B2+ is an option with an 88-key NH keyboard and a combined headphone/line output.

  • Korg lists a damper pedal included and a combined PHONES/Line Out socket.
  • The STB1 stand and PU-2 half-pedalling unit are sold separately. Check the connections if you want to use external audio equipment.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a compact option in the P series for anyone wanting to compare the 88-key GHC keyboard.

  • Yamaha describes the P-145’s GHC keyboard as having 88 keys.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is listed as optional. Check the headphone socket and what’s included with the version you’re considering.

Joybuy products

These Joybuy products are 61-key models for players who are happy with a more limited range when practising a jazz standard. Check which headphone and pedal functions are available for each model.

MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

The headphone socket makes this model worth considering if you want to practise with headphones; with 61 keys, its range is more limited than that of an 88-key keyboard.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music stand.

The more limited range may restrict space for low bass notes and higher voicings.

View at Joybuy
Black electronic keyboard, 61 keys, with MIDI and recording function

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

This model is suitable for keyboard practice if 61 keys are enough for the bass notes and chord voicings you want to play.

The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

With 61 keys, its range is more limited than that of an 88-key keyboard, which may restrict space for low bass notes and higher voicings.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise in complete silence?

No, don’t expect complete silence: headphones let you hear the piano sound, but check the noise from the keys and pedal at home, too. Keep the volume comfortable; Korg warns against listening at high volume for extended periods in the B2+ manual.

Which accessories should I check before setting up the piano?

Check what’s included with the version and bundle you choose. Korg lists an adapter and damper pedal in the box with the B2+, while the STB1 stand and PU-2 unit are optional; Yamaha also lists the LP-5A unit for the P-145 as optional.

How does the warranty work when buying in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, you have a statutory guarantee in addition to any manufacturer’s or seller’s guarantee. If a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must offer an appropriate solution; there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period for every digital piano.

Can I return a digital piano bought online if I’m disappointed with how the keys feel?

For an online consumer purchase in the Netherlands, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have a statutory cancellation period of up to 14 days after delivery. Check which exceptions apply and what the returns conditions are for your order.