Start by choosing a keyboard type and key action that suit your finger exercises. Then check whether you can connect headphones and whether the full set-up will fit in your loft. A portable digital piano can save space, but headphones won’t eliminate the audible noise of the keys, and you may need to buy a separate stand or pedal.
You practise your touch, dynamics or rapid repeated notes and want to assess how the keyboard responds. Roland describes the FP-10 as having a PHA-4 Standard keyboard that responds to rapid repetitions; Yamaha and Casio describe keyboards with 88 keys and scaled hammer-action keys respectively.
You practise in the loft, where noise may affect other people. The headphone socket and the mechanical noise of the keys are separate things to consider; Kawai describes cushioning that reduces noise when keys are released.
You’ll need to allow room for the instrument, stand and your seat beneath or beside a sloping roof. Casio and Yamaha provide dimensions for their models; also check how much space the music rest and other components take up.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | Try soft, firm and rapidly repeated keystrokes. Compare the keyboard type on the exact model and check which pedal suits your exercises. | If I’m practising finger technique and dynamics, I want the keys to respond comfortably to my playing style. Around 33% of consumers give key action their highest priority. |
| Noise at home | Check the headphone socket and, if possible, listen with someone in an adjoining room to the sound of the keys. | If other people are in different rooms, I want to play with headphones and know whether the keys’ mechanism will still be audible. Around 27% of consumers put reducing noise disturbance first. |
| Loft space | Measure the space and compare the width, depth and available height, including the stand, music rest and bench you plan to use. | If space beneath the sloping roof is limited, I want to know whether the entire playing area will fit, not just the piano. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Complete set-up | Check which components are included with the version you’re considering, whether a stand will fit and whether the pedal you want is optional. | If I need a practical, stable set-up, I want to know in advance which components I still need to arrange and what the purchase terms are. Around 20% of consumers give the complete set-up and terms their highest priority. |
You can listen through headphones without using the speakers, but that doesn’t mean the sound of the keys’ mechanism will be inaudible in another room.
Assess the set-up in places where noise could be a nuisance and, if needed, agree arrangements with housemates or neighbours.
The music rest can affect how much depth you need. Yamaha gives different depth measurements for the P-145 with and without the music rest.
Measure the entire playing area beneath the roof before choosing a model or stand.
Pedal options vary by model. Roland lists the DP-10 as optional for half-pedalling; Yamaha describes the LP-5A pedal unit as optional.
Compare the components included with the exact version against the pedal technique you want to practise.
A compatible optional pedal or pedal unit may be an additional purchase.
The FP-10 is worth considering if you want to assess rapid repeated notes and playing with headphones.
The portable P-145 gives you a point of comparison for an 88-key GHC keyboard and the space required for the set-up.
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a shallow cabinet and hammer-action keys are both important to you.
The ES120 is worth comparing if you’re interested in a weighted keyboard and the noise made by the keys’ mechanism.
This selection features 61-key instruments for practising at home. Check the keyboard type, connections and included components for each model.
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The description lists weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a headphone socket for practising.
The title lists 61 keys. The description also mentions USB-MIDI.
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The description lists a metronome and headphone socket for practising.
The title lists 61 keys. The description also mentions a recording function, USB-MIDI and a music rest.
Not necessarily. Roland and Casio describe headphone use for the models mentioned; Kawai discusses the noise made by the keys’ mechanism separately. So also check what can still be heard in adjoining rooms.
Use a stand that the manual says is compatible with the exact model, and follow the assembly instructions. Roland warns that incorrect placement of the FP-10 could make it unstable.
Check the headphone socket, pedal compatibility and which components are included with the version you’ve chosen. Yamaha lists the three-pedal LP-5A and Roland the DP-10 as optional components; don’t assume every version comes with the same items.
For a distance contract with a business, the Dutch government says you generally have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions apply. If a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution; the manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.
There is no single practice time that applies to every home. The Dutch government recommends discussing arrangements with neighbours first if noise is causing a disturbance; also take into account any rules that apply to your home.
