Start with the keyboard range, how the keys respond during soft and fast passages, and the pedalling technique your recital piece requires. Headphones can prevent sound coming from the speakers, but they won’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys and pedals. Also check that the stand, pedals and connections included with the version on offer suit your playing space and practice routine.
Practises regularly while others are at home and wants to listen through headphones, while bearing in mind the sound of the keys and pedals. Kawai describes the ES120 as having two headphone sockets, and its manual also mentions mechanical key noise.
Wants to practise soft passages and fast notes carefully, so pays attention to keyboard range and touch response. Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with 88 keys for the FP-30X; Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P Series.
Needs to allow space for the piano, stand, bench and player. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; you’ll also need to measure the entire playing area.
| Buying concern | What to look for | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Listening without sound from the speakers | Check the headphone socket and what happens to the speakers when you plug in headphones. Also bear in mind the physical sound of the keys and pedals. | I want to practise while my housemates are at home, without assuming that headphones eliminate all sound. Around 29% of consumers prioritise listening without sound from the speakers. |
| Touch response and range | Check that the instrument’s range covers the notes in your piece. If possible, try a soft passage and a fast one on the exact model. | When practising a recital piece, I want to work on passages carefully and see whether the keyboard suits the way I play. Around 29% of consumers prioritise touch response and keyboard range. |
| Pedal control | Work out which pedalling technique your piece requires, then check the pedal’s function and compatibility with the version on offer. | If my piece calls for gradual damping, I want to know whether an on/off pedal will do or whether I need half-pedal control. Around 24% of consumers prioritise pedal control. |
| Space for your setup | Measure the available space and check the dimensions of the piano, stand and any pedal unit. | In a shared home, I want to fit in the piano, bench and playing area without relying on the cabinet dimensions alone. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the space needed for the complete setup. |
Headphones can stop sound coming from the speakers, but they can’t eliminate the physical movement of the keys and pedals.
Try the instrument without sound from the speakers too, and agree practice times with your housemates.
A stand or pedal unit shown in a photo may not be included with the version on offer. Pedal options can also have different functions.
Check what’s included in the bundle, model compatibility and the pedal function your piece requires.
A suitable stand or pedal unit may be a separate accessory.
The cabinet depth doesn’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the stand, bench and player.
Measure the entire playing area before choosing a version.
You may need a separate stand for the setup you want to use.
The portable FP-30X combines an 88-key keyboard with headphone connections.
The portable P-145 and P-225 are worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard.
The portable ES120 is worth considering if headphone listening and a choice of pedal options are important to you.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth a look if cabinet depth is an important factor in your choice.
The B2+ is a portable option with an 88-key keyboard and built-in speakers.
This Joybuy product selection is a 61-key keyboard for practice sessions. Before choosing, check that your recital piece fits within its 61-key range.
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This keyboard piano is only suitable if your recital piece falls within its 61-key range; check the sheet music before choosing.
61 keys.
No. Kawai says the ES120’s built-in speakers stop producing sound when headphones are connected, but mechanical key noise remains a separate consideration. Bear in mind the sound of the pedals too, and agree practice times with your housemates.
That depends on the pedalling technique your piece requires. For the ES120, Kawai distinguishes between the F-1SP on/off pedal and compatible half-pedal options; decide which type of control you want to practise before buying.
Measure the entire playing area and follow the manual for the exact instrument when connecting the power supply. The Kawai ES120 manual specifies a mains socket with the stated voltage and says that the supplied adapter and cable are for this instrument only.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online purchase you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. The seller must also resolve issues if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use, in line with the statutory guarantee; this isn’t automatically limited to a fixed two-year period.
