Start with a digital piano whose headphone socket is compatible with your headphones and which fits in your practice space with the full set-up. Then compare the key action and metronome function for your scale practice. A weighted 88-key keyboard gives you room to practise piano technique across the full range, but it needs plenty of space: Yamaha, for example, lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide. Headphones let you hear the digital piano sound privately, but they won’t necessarily make the sound of the keys or pedals inaudible.
If there are other people at home, you can listen to the digital piano sound through headphones. You may still hear the keys or pedals; the Dutch government advises discussing and agreeing on arrangements together first if noise is causing a disturbance.
When practising scales with both hands, you’ll want to assess the key action and decide whether you also want to practise pieces across the full keyboard. Yamaha, Roland and Korg describe models with a weighted 88-key keyboard.
If you have a small practice space or want to move the piano, both its width and depth matter. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide; Casio gives the CDP-S110 a depth of 232 mm.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who will find this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise while practising | Check the headphone output and socket. If possible, also try the sound of the keys and pedals on the surface where you plan to play. | If other people are at home, I want to listen through headphones without assuming that all the sound of playing will disappear. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reducing noise disturbance. |
| Key action and range | Compare the key action on the exact model and check that the number of keys suits your exercises and any other pieces you want to play. | If I want to practise using both hands and later play other piano pieces too, I want to try the keyboard for myself. Around 27% of consumers prioritise key action and range. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure both the width and depth, and allow room for a stand and your playing position. | If my practice corner is small, I want to know whether the piano will fit with the full set-up. Around 20% of consumers say available space is their main consideration. |
| Metronome and accessories | Check how to operate the metronome and which pedals or stands are actually included. | If I want to practise at a steady tempo, I want to be able to use a metronome and know in advance which parts I’ll need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise practice features and the complete set-up. |
Headphones change how you hear the digital piano sound, but they won’t automatically prevent the physical noise of the keys or pedals.
Try the instrument on the surface where you plan to play, and agree on practice times if other people at home are disturbed. The Dutch government advises discussing and agreeing on arrangements together first when noise affects neighbours.
An 88-key piano can still take up a lot of width, even with a slim cabinet. Casio gives the CDP-S110 a depth of 232 mm, but that alone won’t tell you whether the instrument will fit in your space.
Measure the full playing area, including space for your playing position and a possible stand.
You may need a suitable stand or a different place to play.
Manufacturers distinguish between an included sustain pedal and optional pedal expansions.
Check what comes with the exact version, and only choose an expansion if your exercises require it.
A compatible optional pedal set may mean an extra purchase.
The P-145 is a portable digital piano with an 88-key GHC keyboard. Yamaha lists its width as 1.326 mm.
Roland lists the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, headphone output and metronome.
Casio gives the CDP-S110 a cabinet depth of 232 mm and lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket.
Kawai lists the portable ES120 as having two headphone sockets and a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
Korg lists the B2 as having a weighted 88-key NH keyboard, a metronome and a combined PHONES/LINE OUT socket.
This selection includes two 61-key keyboards. Check whether that range is enough for your minor scales and any other pieces you want to play.
No image available
The product name mentions a headphone socket; check that it’s compatible with your headphones if you want to listen privately.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; 300 sounds; 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI.
Its range is smaller than that of an 88-key keyboard.
No image available
The product information mentions a metronome and headphone socket; check that the socket is compatible with your headphones.
61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; metronome; music stand.
Its range is smaller than that of an 88-key keyboard.
No. Headphones won’t necessarily prevent the sound of the keys or pedals. The Dutch government advises discussing and agreeing on arrangements together first when noise affects neighbours, for example by agreeing on times when music can be played. This doesn’t mean that practising at any time is always appropriate.
You won’t necessarily need an extensive pedal set for practising scales on their own. Check what’s included with the exact version: Casio lists an SP-3 as included with the CDP-S110, while Korg lists a sustain pedal as included with the B2 and a three-pedal unit as optional.
Set the metronome to a tempo you can maintain throughout your practice. Roland lists a built-in metronome on the FP-10; Casio explains that a metronome can help you keep to a steady tempo.
In the Netherlands, purchases made remotely from a business often come with a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch government explains that the seller must provide information about the product and the cooling-off period; check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.
Check that your headphones fit the socket and keep the volume at a comfortable level. Thuisarts advises keeping music at a sensible volume and using the volume limiter if one is available.
