Quiet home player
You share your living space and want to practise with headphones, but you’re also mindful of the noise from the keys and pedal. Yamaha Support and Roland describe these potential mechanical noises.
Who is this buying guide for?
Pianist focused on voicings
You want to practise two-handed chords, dynamics and sustain on a piano-focused keyboard. Compare the feel of the exact model and look beyond the number of keys.
Pianist with limited space
You need to fit the piano, stand and seat into a small room. Compare the dimensions of the exact model and allow space for the complete setup.
What should you look for?
Start with a keyboard and pedal function that suit the voicings you want to play. Then check how you can set up and practise with the piano, without assuming that headphones will block out all the noise.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise for housemates | Check the headphone socket and listen for key and pedal noise where you plan to play. If needed, agree practice times with your housemates. | If I practise in a shared home, I want to hear the electronic sound through headphones without assuming the keys and pedal are silent. Around 36% of consumers say noise for housemates is their main buying concern. |
| Key feel and range | Compare the exact keyboard type and try the same chords and soft touches on the models you’re considering. | For two-handed voicings, I want to assess the range and response to soft touches, not just the number of keys. Around 29% of consumers give key feel and chord range top priority. |
| Space for your setup | Measure the space, including the stand, music rest and chair, and compare the dimensions of the exact model. | In a small room, I want to fit the piano, stand, music rest and chair without looking only at the casing. Around 21% of consumers name limited setup space as their main buying concern. |
| Pedal and connections | Check what’s included in the box, the pedal function and the connections you need. | If I want to practise using sustain, I want to know in advance whether the pedal and connections suit the way I play. Around 14% of consumers give a specific pedal or connection requirement top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming headphones block out all the noise
Headphones let you listen to the electronic piano sound, but the keys and pedal can still make mechanical noise or cause vibrations. How noticeable this is depends on your setup.
Check the noise where you plan to play and agree practice times with your housemates. Make sure any vibration-damping setup is stable.
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Comparing only the dimensions of the casing
The stand, music rest, chair and access to the connections also affect how comfortably you can use the piano.
Measure the complete setup and check which parts are included with the exact model.
Depending on the model, you may need to buy a stand or other setup equipment separately.
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Assuming an included damper pedal offers half-pedalling
A damper pedal and the half-pedalling function you want aren’t necessarily the same thing. Korg says the PU-2 pedal unit, which is sold separately, supports half-pedalling with the B2.
Before buying, check the pedal function, compatibility and what’s included with the exact model.
For half-pedalling with the Korg B2, Korg lists the PU-2 as a separate accessory.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P series includes portable models such as the P-225 and P-145BT; check the features of the specific model.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and a compact casing for the P-225. The three-pedal unit is listed as an option.
- Yamaha’s claims about playing feel come from the manufacturer and aren’t an independent comparison. A compact casing doesn’t mean the key action is silent.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable model to compare if you’re considering a PHA-4 keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
- Roland warns that the hammer action and pedal can cause physical noise or vibrations. How noticeable this is depends on your home and setup.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth comparing if the depth of the casing is a key consideration.
- Casio gives the PX-S1100 a casing depth of 232 mm.
- Casio’s description of it as the slimmest model is a manufacturer claim based on its own comparison from July 2021, not a current overall ranking. Try the key feel, too.
Korg
The B2 is a straightforward model with weighted keys and a headphone output.
- Korg lists 88 weighted NH keys, a headphone output and an included damper pedal for the B2.
- For half-pedalling, Korg lists the PU-2, which is sold separately. Korg says the B2N has a lighter keyboard, so don’t assume it has the same features as the B2.
Joybuy product picks
These Joybuy product picks are 61-key models with a headphone socket. Compare their more limited key range with the 88-key keyboards mentioned for jazz voicings.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The headphone socket and weighted keyboard make it suitable for practising with headphones and comparing key feel.
The product name lists 61 keys, a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket. This is a shorter range than the 88 keys specified by Yamaha for the P-225, Roland for the FP-30X and Korg for the B2; consider whether it’s enough for the voicings you want to practise.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The listed headphone port may suit headphone practice; check whether the other features fit the way you want to practise.
The product name lists 61 keys, MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. This is a shorter range than the 88 keys specified by Yamaha for the P-225, Roland for the FP-30X and Korg for the B2; consider whether it’s enough for the voicings you want to practise.
Frequently asked questions
Is playing with headphones quiet for housemates?
Not completely: you hear the electronic piano sound through the headphones, but the keys and pedal can still cause mechanical noise or vibrations. Yamaha Support describes audible key noise when using headphones; Roland also mentions potential pedal noise and vibrations. Try the setup where you plan to play and agree practice times with your housemates.
What should I check before setting up the piano?
Measure the space, including the stand, music rest and chair, and make sure the setup is stable. Roland mentions a stable vibration-damping mat or isolators as a possible way to reduce vibrations; this doesn’t guarantee that sound transmission will stop.
Do I need to buy a pedal separately?
It depends on the model, version and pedal function you need. Korg says the B2 comes with a damper pedal, but lists the PU-2 for half-pedalling as a separate purchase. Check what’s included with the version you choose.
What if a piano I bought online isn’t suitable or is faulty?
According to the Dutch government, online purchases from a business are often covered by a 14-day cooling-off period; exceptions and the circumstances of the purchase may apply. If the product breaks or doesn’t meet the terms of the agreement, contact the seller for a solution, not just the manufacturer.