A headphone socket is useful if you want to hear the piano’s amplified sound privately; speakers set to a low volume may be enough if room noise is not a concern. You may still hear the keys moving mechanically, even when using headphones. You do not necessarily need 88 keys to play a short melody, but if you also want to learn piano technique or pieces for both hands, compare the range and feel of the keys on these models.
You want to practise without housemates hearing the piano’s amplified sound. Check that the model you are considering has a headphone socket, and bear in mind that the keys may still make a mechanical noise; Kawai describes this as a natural sound from the key mechanism.
You are starting with a folk melody, but may also want to practise playing with different dynamics and playing parts for both hands. Compare the range and feel of the keys, and try them out yourself where possible.
You want to be able to put the instrument away after playing, or have limited space to practise. Measure the piano itself, but also leave room for a stand, a seat and space to play.
Start by thinking about how you want to practise, then check that the keyboard and setup suit your learning goals and available space.
| Buying concern | What should you check? | Which consumers does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly and privately | Check that the exact model has a headphone socket and that your headphones will fit it. You may still hear the keys moving mechanically, as Kawai explains. | If I practise while housemates are nearby, I want to hear the amplified sound privately, without expecting the instrument to be completely silent. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Progressing on the keyboard | Compare the number of keys and the key mechanism. Yamaha, Roland and Korg list 88 keys for the P-145, FP-10 and B2+ respectively. | If I want to practise piano technique or parts for both hands as well as a short melody, I look at the range and feel of the keys. Around 29% of consumers prioritise these learning goals. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available width and depth, and allow room to sit. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide; Korg lists the B2+ as 1.312 mm wide, excluding the music rest. | If I have limited space to practise, I want to know in advance whether the instrument, stand and seat will all fit. Around 21% of consumers start by considering the space available. |
| Parts you need | Check what comes with the exact model. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110; Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2+. Roland lists the DP-10 for half-pedalling as an optional extra. | If I want to start practising straight away with the parts I need, I check what is actually included and what is optional. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a complete setup. |
Headphones can keep the amplified piano sound private, but the physical movement of the keys may still be audible in a quiet or shared room. Kawai explains that key mechanisms can make their own noise as you play.
Do not just assess the audio output: if you can, listen to the sound of the keys in the room where you plan to practise.
The pedals supplied or available as optional extras vary by model and version. This means your planned setup may still need a suitable part.
Check what is included and make sure the pedal and stand are compatible before choosing a version.
A piano may be shallow but still take up a lot of width. Even with a more compact case, you will need room to sit and play.
Measure the available width and depth where you plan to put the instrument.
The P-145 is a portable option to compare if you are looking for a piano-focused keyboard.
The FP-10 is a portable piano to compare if you want to practise through speakers or headphones.
The CDP-S110 is a portable option to compare if a shallow case and a basic sustain pedal are important to you.
The B2+ is a portable option to compare for its connections and included parts.
These Joybuy products are for anyone who wants to practise a folk melody using headphones on a 61-key keyboard.
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An option if you want to practise a melody with headphones and are looking for a 61-key keyboard.
The product title lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket. The product description also mentions a metronome, sustain and a recording function.
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An option if you want to practise a melody with headphones and are looking for a 61-key keyboard.
The product description lists a headphone socket, MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
No. Headphones can keep the amplified piano sound private, but the keys can still make mechanical noise. If possible, listen to the sound of the keys in a similar room too.
Not necessarily if you only want to play a short melody. If you also want to learn piano technique or parts for both hands, compare the range and feel of the keys on 88-key models such as the Yamaha P-145, Roland FP-10 and Korg B2+, according to their manufacturers.
It depends on the model and version. Casio lists an SP-3 included with the CDP-S110, and Korg lists a damper pedal included with the B2+; Roland lists the DP-10 for half-pedalling with the FP-10 as an option. Check what is included with the exact model.
Start at a low volume and only turn it up if needed. The World Health Organization recommends keeping the volume of personal audio devices below 60% of the maximum. This general listening advice does not guarantee that every piano and headphone combination is safe at that setting.
For an online distance purchase from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. You are also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; if something is faulty, contact the seller.
