Practising in a shared home
Wants to practise scales while housemates are around and tell the difference between sound from the speakers and the noise made by the keys themselves.
Who is this important for?
Beginner developing their touch
Looking for a key response that feels comfortable when practising scales repeatedly, plus a metronome for working on a steady tempo.
Practising with limited space
Needs to fit the piano and playing area into a small space, or move the instrument after practising.
What to consider when buying
Start by distinguishing between sound from the speakers and the mechanical noise of the keys. Then compare the feel of the keys, the space you need and the practice aids you’ll actually use.
The percentages below give an indicative breakdown of priorities for this type of practice; they are not market shares.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who would prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise for others | Check the headphone socket and try it with your own headphones. Ask someone to listen from a distance while you play scales; the key action may still be audible. | If there are housemates nearby, I mainly want to avoid disturbing them while I practise. Around 40% of consumers give keeping noise to others low top priority. |
| Touch and repetition | Play the same scale softly, slowly and faster on the keyboards you’re considering. Compare how the keys respond when played repeatedly. | When practising scales, I want to play and repeat notes evenly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise control over touch and repetition. |
| Space and set-up | Measure the space, including the stand and room for a seat. Casio lists the PX-S1100 as having a casing depth of 232 mm; this measurement doesn’t tell you how much space the complete set-up needs. | If my practice space is limited, I want to know whether the piano and playing position will fit. Around 17% of consumers name available space as their top priority. |
| Practice aids and accessories | Try the metronome controls and check which stand, pedals and headphones are included with the version you choose. | I want to be able to keep time and know in advance what else I’ll need. Around 10% of consumers prioritise practice aids and a complete set-up. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Assuming headphones guarantee silent practice
Headphones keep the sound from the speakers private, but other people may still hear the physical key action.
Use headphones to play the same scales you want to practise at home, and ask someone to listen from a distance.
-
Assuming Bluetooth means you can use wireless headphones
Bluetooth for MIDI control or audio input doesn’t automatically mean the piano’s sound can be sent to wireless headphones.
Check whether the exact model can send audio to your wireless headphones. Otherwise, rely on the confirmed wired connection.
-
Assuming a stand or pedal is included
The practice set-up shown in a picture may not match what’s included with the version you choose. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional.
Check the contents of each version and which stands and pedals are compatible.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable entry-level option to compare if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard, headphone connectivity and a metronome.
- Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard and built-in metronome for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Check the exact version, and try the key action and mechanical noise for yourself.
Roland
The portable FP-10 is an option to compare if key response and practising with headphones matter to you.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, headphone use and a built-in metronome for the FP-10.
- Try the keyboard for yourself and check the connections and version before choosing.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option for comparing key action, metronome and recording features with other models.
- Kawai describes the ES120 as having a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, metronome and recorder.
- Kawai notes that a keyboard action can make a natural, percussive sound. This doesn’t tell you how much noise you’ll hear in your home, so test it for yourself.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth comparing if the available depth is a key factor when setting up your practice space.
- Casio gives the PX-S1100’s casing depth as 232 mm.
- Casio’s comparison from July 2021 is based on its own research and doesn’t prove that this is currently the slimmest model. Also check the key action and headphone connection on the exact version.
Joybuy products
These product choices are worth considering when comparing headphone use, key action and practising scales.
Image unavailable
61-key electronic keyboard, black
The listed headphone socket makes this model worth considering for private practice; check the connection and test how much mechanical key noise remains audible.
The product name lists 61 keys, a metronome, recording function, speakers, a music stand and MIDI controller function.
Image unavailable
MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black
The listed headphone socket and weighted keys make this model worth considering for comparing private practice and key action; assess the mechanical key noise separately.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, headphone socket, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD, USB-MIDI and speakers.
Frequently asked questions
Is practising with headphones silent for someone in the same room?
Not entirely. Headphones stop the electronic piano sound coming through the speakers, but the key action may still be audible. Kawai notes that a keyboard action can make a natural, percussive sound; test it where you plan to practise.
How do I use a metronome when practising scales?
Start at a tempo where you can play the notes evenly, and only increase it once you can maintain that control. Yamaha lists a built-in metronome for the P-145, and Kawai lists one for the ES120; also compare how easy each is for you to use.
How can I make practising with headphones comfortable for my hearing?
Start at a low listening volume and take breaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that sound level, listening time and how often you’re exposed to loud sound all contribute to the risk of hearing damage. A volume setting on the piano isn’t, by itself, a measurement of the sound level at your ear.
What should I check about pedals and a stand?
Check what’s included with each version and which accessories are compatible. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional, so don’t automatically assume that a complete set-up shown in a picture comes with the piano.
What are my rights when buying online from a business in the Netherlands?
For distance purchases, the Dutch government says that in many cases you have a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions may apply. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for a solution. The Dutch government states that statutory guarantees in the Netherlands do not have a fixed legal term of two years.