Pianists refining their voicings
You want to practise chord voicings, dynamics and pedal technique on a piano keyboard. Keyboard specifications from brands including Yamaha and Roland can help you compare models, but try the action for yourself.
Who is this for?
Quiet home practice
You practise at home, where sound from the speakers might disturb others, and want to check that the headphone socket is suitable. Roland and Kawai list multiple connection options on certain models.
Players short on space
You use the guest room for other things too, so you need to fit in the instrument, stand, bench and playing space. Compare the stated dimensions of models such as those from Yamaha and Casio.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with the keyboard and the space you’ll need. Then consider how you want to practise and which connections will be useful.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and voicings | Compare the keyboard range and try the action with your own voicings and pedal technique. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-225; Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys for the FP-30X. | When I practise jazz voicings with both hands, I want enough range and an action that suits my technique; around 36% of consumers give this their top priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the type of headphone socket and whether one or two listeners can connect at the same time. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Kawai lists two sockets for the ES120. | When I want to practise at home with headphones, I check that the socket is compatible with my headphones; around 29% of consumers prioritise practising without speakers. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the space for the instrument, stand and bench separately. Yamaha lists cabinet dimensions of 1.326 × 272 mm for the P-225; Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100. | If I also need the guest room for other things, I want to know whether the whole playing setup will fit; around 21% of consumers say space is their deciding priority. |
| Sounds and connections | Check which sounds and connections you’ll actually use. Kawai lists electric piano sounds and Bluetooth Audio/MIDI for the ES120. | If I want to use electric piano sounds as well as piano sounds, or connect to other equipment, those options matter; around 14% of consumers put sounds and connections at the top of their list. |
Common pitfalls
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Measuring only the cabinet depth
The instrument’s dimensions don’t tell you how much space the complete playing setup will take up.
Measure the space you plan to use for the stand and bench too, and leave room to sit and play.
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Assuming headphones make a piano completely silent
Headphones let you listen without using the built-in speakers, but they won’t automatically eliminate audible key or mechanical noise.
Try the setup in the space where you plan to use it, and if noise continues to be a problem, discuss it with any neighbours concerned.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable option if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard in a relatively slim cabinet.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys, a maximum polyphony of 192 notes and cabinet dimensions of 1.326 × 272 mm.
- These manufacturer specifications can’t tell you which playing feel suits your technique, so try the keyboard for yourself.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if piano playing and listening through two pairs of headphones are both important to you.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- Check which stand and pedals are included with the version you choose. Roland’s description of the playing feel is a manufacturer claim, so try the keyboard for yourself where possible.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is an option to consider if cabinet depth is a key factor.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm and 88 hammer-action keys.
- The cabinet dimensions don’t include the complete playing setup. Casio’s description of the key action is a manufacturer claim.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option to compare if you want piano and electric piano sounds, headphone sockets and app connectivity.
- Kawai lists a weighted Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, two headphone sockets, electric piano sounds and Bluetooth Audio/MIDI.
- Check the connections and which accessories are included with the version you choose.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy models shown have 61 keys. Compare this range with an 88-key keyboard if you want to practise voicings across the full piano range.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could suit you if a smaller keyboard range is enough for your practice. For voicings that need the full piano range, it offers fewer keys than an 88-key keyboard.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; headphone socket; sustain, metronome, recording and playback functions.
300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; built-in speakers.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
Could suit you if you’re looking for practice features and a headphone socket, and 61 keys are enough for the pieces you play.
61 keys; weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard; headphone socket; sustain and metronome.
MIDI controller; recording function; built-in speakers.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones enough to practise without making any audible noise?
Not always. Headphones let you listen without using the built-in speakers, but key or mechanical noise may still be audible. Try the setup where you plan to practise. The Dutch Government advises discussing noise concerns with your neighbours first.
How can I avoid ending up with an awkward setup for a portable piano?
Measure the space for the instrument, stand and bench separately. Also check which pedal and stand are included with the exact version: Roland lists several options for the FP-30X, and Kawai lists accessories for the ES120.
What are my rights if a piano I bought online disappoints me or breaks down too soon?
For a typical product bought online, you’ll usually have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, subject to legal exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer explains how this cooling-off period works. This is separate from your warranty: if a product used normally doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution free of charge.