Start with a keyboard that lets you comfortably control soft and loud notes, as well as fast passages. Then compare the headphone connection, the space you’ll need and the pedals you’ll actually use. A portable piano keeps your setup flexible, while a compatible stand can help you create a dedicated playing space. Manufacturer specifications describe features, but they can’t tell you which keyboard will feel most comfortable to play.
You want to practise dynamics, repeated notes and articulation at home. So compare the keyboards and, if possible, try the models for yourself. Yamaha Netherlands, Roland Netherlands and Thomann Netherlands describe features or things to consider, but their advice can’t replace your own assessment of the key action.
You practise when you don’t want sound from the speakers and need a headphone connection. Roland Netherlands lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X, while Korg lists a combined PHONES/LINE OUT for the B2. Check which connection suits the way you like to listen.
You want to be able to rearrange your space or connect a digital piano to a computer. Kawai Netherlands and Korg describe connection options for specific models; also check which stand and pedal accessories you’ll need for your preferred setup.
For playing a classical sonatina in a home studio, the key feel, the ability to practise quietly, the complete playing setup and any studio connections are the main things to consider.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and key action | Play the same soft, loud and fast passage on the pianos you’re considering. A description of the keyboard type won’t tell you how it feels under your fingers. | When I’m learning a sonatina, I want to judge the differences in key action and articulation for myself. Around 36% of consumers give keyboard feel their highest buying priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the type and number of headphone connections, and whether you want to listen alone or with someone else. If possible, try your headphones with the instrument. | If you practise when you don’t want sound from the speakers, it helps to have a connection that suits your listening setup. Around 29% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Space and setup | Measure the entire playing area, including the stand, bench and room to move. Check that the stand is compatible with the exact model. | If my home studio has limited space or I want to move the piano, I need to know how much room the complete setup takes up. Space is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Connecting to equipment | Decide whether you want to use MIDI note data or the piano’s audible sound. Then check which connections and any additional equipment you’ll need. | Consumers who want to use studio software benefit from connections that suit the way they plan to use it. Around 14% give studio connectivity their highest priority. |
The piano’s dimensions don’t tell you how much room the complete setup, including the stand and bench, will take up.
Measure the setup with the stand and bench, and check which parts are included with the exact version you’re buying.
You may need to buy a compatible stand or pedal unit separately.
Available pedal functions vary by model and may depend on a specific accessory. For example, Korg says half-pedalling on the B2 requires the optional PU-2.
Check which pedal function you need for each model, and which accessory supports it.
You may need to buy a compatible pedal unit separately to access an additional pedal function.
The ES120 lists MIDI and audio connections separately. Having one type of connection doesn’t confirm that it also transfers the other type of data.
Decide whether you want to capture the notes you play or the sound of the piano, then check which connection is suitable.
You may need additional connection or recording equipment for the recording setup you want.
The P-145 is a compact entry-level model for anyone looking for a portable piano keyboard.
The FP-30X is a portable option if both keyboard feel and quiet practice matter to you.
The ES120 is a portable piano that can be expanded with compatible accessories.
The PX-S1100 is worth considering if the depth available for your setup is a key constraint.
The B2 is an option for comparing a weighted keyboard with a straightforward connection layout.
Not necessarily; it depends on your teaching materials and the pedal function you use. Yamaha and Kawai list optional three-pedal extensions for the P-145 and ES120 respectively. For half-pedalling on the Korg B2, Korg specifies the PU-2, which is sold separately.
It depends on whether you want to record MIDI performance data or audio. Kawai lists USB-MIDI for the ES120; that connection alone doesn’t confirm that you can record digital audio. Check the manual and equipment you’ll need for your piano and recording method.
Thomann’s buying guide says that a digital piano does away with the cost of having a piano technician tune it. This doesn’t mean that electronic components or accessories will never need maintenance.
ACM ConsuWijzer states that online purchases come with a statutory cooling-off period, which ends 14 days after the product is delivered, subject to exceptions. Your statutory guarantee for a faulty product is separate from any manufacturer’s guarantee. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, if a fault occurs during normal use, the seller must put it right free of charge under the law.
The Dutch Government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE marking. Check the marking and the exact version, including the power supply provided; a brand or model name alone doesn’t confirm this.
