Jazz student with a piano-focused approach
You practise voicings, dynamics and perhaps an independent bass line with both hands. So pay attention to the keyboard’s range and type; Yamaha, Roland and Korg all describe models with 88 keys.
Who is this suitable for?
Player who wants accompaniment
You enjoy learning melodies and chords with a built-in rhythm or automatic accompaniment, as long as your arrangement fits the range of the more compact keyboard. Yamaha describes Styles as automatic accompaniment, while Casio lists rhythm patterns for the CT-S400.
Housemate with limited space
You want to be able to set up or put away your instrument in a shared room, while respecting agreements about practice times and noise. Measure the space available and discuss practical arrangements with your housemates.
What should you consider when choosing?
Your choice mainly comes down to the sound while practising, the range and touch you need, whether you want accompaniment, and where you’ll put the instrument.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising at home with housemates | Check for a headphone socket and agree on practice times. Bear in mind that key or contact noise may still be audible. | If I want to practise while others are at home, I want to hear the electronic sound through suitable headphones. Around 36% of consumers put quietness first. |
| Range and piano-style touch | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement with the number of keys. Also check whether the keyboard is weighted or touch-sensitive. | If I play chords and a low bass part at the same time, I want to know whether my arrangement fits the keyboard and whether its touch suits my piano practice goals. Around 29% of consumers prioritise range and touch. |
| Rhythm and accompaniment | Check which styles or rhythms the model offers and whether you can set the accompaniment to your preferred tempo. | If I want to practise melodies and chords with a built-in rhythm, I’m looking for features that suit the way I practise. Around 21% of consumers put accompaniment first. |
| Setting up and storage | Measure the space available and check whether you have a suitable, stable surface or stand. | If I need to set up or put away the instrument in a shared room, I want to know whether there’ll still be enough space to play. Around 14% of consumers prioritise storage and placement. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted piano keys
Touch-sensitive and weighted describe different features. The Yamaha PSR-E383 is described as touch-sensitive; Korg specifies an NH-weighted keyboard for the B2.
Choose according to the touch you want to practise and check the keyboard specifications for the exact model.
If piano-style touch later becomes your main requirement, you may eventually need a different instrument.
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Assuming headphones guarantee completely silent practice
A headphone socket determines where the electronic sound is played, but it doesn’t automatically eliminate audible key or contact noise, and it doesn’t replace household agreements.
Check the socket, try out the setup if possible, and agree on practice times with your housemates.
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Assuming a stand, pedal or accompaniment is always included
The model and included accessories vary. Korg says the B2 comes with a damper pedal, but its stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Automatic Styles are documented for the Yamaha PSR-E383.
Compare the features and box contents of the exact model before choosing.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or PU-2 pedal unit separately for the B2.
Brands to compare when making your choice
Yamaha
The models reviewed represent two options: the PSR-E383, with 61 touch-sensitive keys and Styles, and the P-145, with an 88-key keyboard.
- Yamaha describes the Styles on the PSR-E383 as automatic accompaniment.
- The PSR-E383 isn’t a substitute for an 88-key keyboard. Don’t assume the P-145 has the same accompaniment features without checking.
Casio
The Casiotone CT-S400 reviewed here is a compact keyboard with rhythm patterns and automatic accompaniment.
- Casio lists 200 rhythm patterns and says it can be set up with or without a stand or table.
- Check the key range, connections and what else you’ll need for the exact model.
Roland
The FP-10 is Roland’s digital piano reviewed here, with 88 keys and headphone use.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and says you can play through the speakers or headphones.
- Bluetooth availability may vary by country of purchase. Claims about how authentic the keyboard feels come from Roland.
Korg
The B2 reviewed here is an 88-key digital piano with an NH-weighted keyboard, metronome and PHONES socket.
- Korg says the B2 comes with a damper pedal.
- The stand is sold separately; Korg lists the optional PU-2 for half-pedalling. This information doesn’t automatically apply to the B2N or B2+.
Joybuy products for practising on a compact keyboard
These product picks focus on keyboards with 61 keys. Check that the range suits your arrangement and that the stated features and accessories work for your practice space.
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MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys, black
A good fit for an arrangement that stays within 61 keys and gives you the chance to try out different rhythms.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Consider this model if you’re looking for a 61-key setup with a metronome and recording function.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
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Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
This set could be a good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard that comes with a stand and stool.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, a three-level learning mode, LCD and USB-MIDI.
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Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
This model is an option if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with a dedicated practice setup.
The product name lists 500 tones, a three-level learning mode, two speakers and an LCD screen.
Frequently asked questions
Are 61 keys enough to learn a jazz standard?
It depends on your arrangement. Compare the lowest bass note and highest melody note you want to play at the same time with the instrument’s range. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383; the P-145 and B2 reviewed here have 88 keys. The number of keys alone doesn’t guarantee that every playing style will fit.
What do I need to practise with headphones and a pedal?
For the exact model, check the connections, plug size, box contents, and whether a pedal and stand are compatible. Korg specifies a PHONES socket and an included damper pedal for the B2; the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately.
Who can help if a piano I bought online develops a fault?
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the product must meet what you can reasonably expect. The Dutch government says you should contact the seller if there’s a problem. A manufacturer’s warranty is an extra benefit and doesn’t replace your legal rights.
Can I return a keyboard bought online if I don’t like the touch?
For eligible distance purchases from a business, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to the exceptions outlined by the Dutch government. Check the terms and who the seller is before buying; this doesn’t automatically apply to a purchase from a private seller.
Can I practise at any time in a shared home if I use headphones?
No. Having headphones doesn’t in itself determine when it’s appropriate to practise. The Dutch government says there are no general nationwide legal noise limits for noise between neighbours, although local rules may apply. If necessary, ask your local council which rules apply and agree with your housemates about practice times and audible noise.