Who is this guide for?

Pianists working on their touch

You practise minor scales and focus on an even key response and good timing. Roland describes the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard; Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard and a metronome for the B2+.

Home-studio recordists

You want to record keyboard parts or piano sound, so you check MIDI, audio outputs and compatibility with your equipment. Kawai describes the ES120 as having USB-MIDI and separate stereo line-outs; Korg lists USB-C and a combined headphone/line-out for the B2+.

Quiet home players

You practise with headphones or have limited space, so you consider the connections, dimensions and practical set-up. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10; Casio gives the CDP-S110BK an instrument depth of 232 mm.

What should you look for when buying?

First compare the keyboard and metronome against your practice routine. Then decide which recording connections you need, and finally measure the space available for the instrument and accessories.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Touch and practising evenly Compare the key action at different playing speeds and check whether the exact model has a metronome. When I practise scales, I want to find a key response that suits my technique. Around 31% of consumers in this choice breakdown prioritise key action.
Connecting to recording equipment Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, piano sound or both. Then check the connections, cables and compatibility with your equipment. If I want to record keyboard parts or sound, I check which connection my studio needs. Around 25% of consumers in this choice breakdown prioritise recording connections.
Quiet practice at home Check the headphone socket and the type of plug you need, and think about where the instrument and stand will go. If I want to practise at home with as little piano sound as possible coming from the speakers, I look for headphone use. Around 25% of consumers in this choice breakdown prioritise quiet practice.
Space and complete set-up Measure the space available and check whether the exact configuration includes the stand and pedals you want. I want the piano and the accessories I need to fit in my home studio. Around 19% of consumers in this choice breakdown prioritise the space available.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with a recorded audio track

    MIDI performance data and audible piano sound are different signals. Kawai describes the ES120 as having USB-MIDI and separate stereo line-outs.

    Before you buy, decide whether you want to record performance data, audio or both, and check that your recording equipment works with the connection you’ve chosen.

    Brands to compare

    Roland

    The FP-10 is worth comparing if you mainly practise scales with a metronome and headphones.

    • Roland lists the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, a metronome and headphone use.
    • Roland says Bluetooth availability depends on the country of purchase. Check the specific configuration rather than assuming this feature is included based on the model name.

    Kawai

    The ES120 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable piano with MIDI and separate audio connections.

    • Kawai lists two headphone sockets and separate stereo line-outs.
    • The stand and three-pedal unit are optional; check what’s included with the configuration on offer.

    Korg

    According to Korg, the B2+ combines an 88-key keyboard with USB-C; the B2+SP is a configuration with a stand and three-pedal unit.

    • Korg lists a metronome and a combined headphone/line-out for the B2+.
    • The standalone B2+ isn’t specified as including a stand or extended pedal unit. Check what’s included with the exact configuration.

    Yamaha

    The P-145 is an entry-level portable option from the P series to add to your comparison.

    • Yamaha lists an 88-key keyboard for the P-145.
    • The LP-5A three-pedal console is optional. Check the configuration and included accessories.

    Casio

    The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if the instrument’s depth is important to you.

    • Casio lists 88 keys, a depth of 232 mm, a USB Type-B connection and an included SP-3 damper pedal.
    • The dimensions won’t tell you whether the key action suits your playing preferences; try the keyboard yourself if you can.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a specific built-in scale mode to practise minor scales?

Not necessarily. If you practise independently, key response and a metronome are useful features you can assess straight away. Check any lesson or app feature separately if you want to use one; a feature being listed doesn’t prove that an app assesses your playing.

Can you automatically record piano sound through a USB connection?

No. Don’t assume so just because USB is available. Kawai describes the ES120 as having USB-MIDI for performance data, as well as separate stereo line-outs; check which signals your recording software needs.

Which stand and pedals should you allow for when setting up?

It depends on the configuration. Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, and the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit separately. According to Korg, the B2+SP comes with a stand and three pedals.

What are your rights when buying online and if a product is faulty?

For distance purchases, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Government of the Netherlands; check the terms of your specific purchase. The Government of the Netherlands says there is no fixed statutory two-year guarantee period: what you can expect from a product depends on the product and the circumstances. If there’s a problem, contact the seller.