Voicing player refining their touch
You want to control soft, two-handed chord voicings and dynamics. So try the keyboard and pedal response, not just the demo sounds.
Who is this buying guide for?
Player in a shared home
You mainly want to practise with headphones. Check the connection on the exact model and bear in mind that the keys themselves can make a noise.
Player with limited space
You’re looking for a piano that fits in your practice area or can be moved after use. Compare the dimensions and weight of the complete setup.
What should you look for when buying?
Portable piano with headphones
A good fit if: you want to practise independently and be able to move the instrument. Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120.
Bear in mind: check whether a stand and pedals are included with each version. Using headphones doesn’t automatically prevent you from hearing the mechanical noise of the keys.
Yamaha P Series for a small practice area
A good fit if: you’re looking for a compact, weighted keyboard. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for both the P-145 and P-225; the P-225 also features Stereophonic Optimizer for headphone use.
Bear in mind: the P-145 has a more basic set of features. Compare the pedal accessories and try both keyboards; extra features only matter if you’ll use them.
Cabinet piano for a permanent setup, with pedals
A good fit if: you can leave the piano in one place and want integrated pedals. Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, three pedals and two headphone sockets for the LP-380U.
Bear in mind: according to Korg, the LP-380U weighs 37 kg including the stand, making it less convenient to move.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Soft touch | Try your own chord voicings softly and at different dynamic levels; check the keyboard type on the exact version. | If I’m practising jazz voicings with soft dynamics, I want to control the touch of each note. Around 36% of consumers say touch control is their top priority. |
| Headphones | Check how many headphone outputs there are and try your own headphones at a comfortable, low volume. | In a shared living space, I want to practise without using the speakers and without unnecessarily disturbing others. Around 29% of consumers prioritise listening through headphones. |
| Space and portability | Measure the complete setup and compare the weight of the version you’ve chosen, including the stand. | If my practice area is small or I want to move the piano, I want to know in advance whether the complete setup will fit. Around 21% of consumers say space and portability are their top priorities. |
| Pedals and connections | Check which pedals are included, which additional units are compatible and whether the connections suit the way you record. | If pedal work or digital processing is part of my practice, I want to know which features I can use straight away. Around 14% of consumers choose this as their main consideration. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing a headphone output with completely silent practice
Headphones are for the audio signal; the physical sound of the keys may still be audible in the room.
Try the piano at your usual playing level in a similar room, and listen to the sound of the keys themselves.
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Assuming the stand and pedals shown in the product photo are included
What’s included varies by model and version. Kawai Netherlands lists the HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit for the ES120 as optional.
Check what’s in the box and the compatibility of the version you’ve chosen before placing your order.
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Treating a specification or manufacturer’s description as a personal keyboard test
A keyboard type or description can’t tell you how comfortable you’ll find playing soft voicings and transitions.
Try your own chord voicings and vary your touch if you can.
Brands to compare
Roland
According to Roland, the FP-30X is a portable option with 88 keys and two headphone outputs.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and connections for separate pedal options.
- How a keyboard feels is personal. Try it and check which components are included in the bundle you choose.
Yamaha
The P Series includes the P-145 and the more fully specified P-225.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for both models. The P-225 also features Stereophonic Optimizer and a higher specified maximum polyphony.
- These specifications don’t determine which keyboard will sound or feel better to each player. Try both models and check the pedal options.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option with piano sounds and headphone sockets.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and a weight of 12.5 kg.
- According to Kawai Netherlands, the HML-2 stand and F-351 pedal unit are optional; check what’s included in the version you’ve chosen.
Korg
The LP-380U is designed for a permanent home setup with integrated pedals.
- Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, three pedals and two headphone sockets.
- The specified weight is 37 kg including the stand, so bear this in mind if you plan to move the piano regularly.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the depth of the casing is important to you.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm and 88 hammer-action keys.
- The dimensions don’t tell you whether the touch will suit your playing style; try the keyboard for yourself if you can.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key instruments with headphone practice options. Check whether the smaller range is enough for the jazz voicings you want to play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The headphone socket and touch-sensitive, weighted keys may suit practice without using the speakers; check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your voicings.
The product name lists USB-MIDI, built-in speakers, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and a music stand.
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Keyboard piano, 61 keys, with MIDI controller
The headphone socket is useful if you want to practise without using the speakers; check whether the 61-key range suits the voicings you play.
The product name lists a recording function, metronome, speakers and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones enough for completely silent practice?
No, don’t expect complete silence: headphones carry the audio signal, but the physical sound of the keys may still be audible in your room. Check the connections on the exact piano and try the setup if you can.
Which pedals should I check when buying?
First, check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen. Kawai Netherlands lists the HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit for the ES120 as optional; Korg specifies three pedals with half-pedal support for the LP-380U.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online consumer purchase you generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind; statutory exceptions may apply. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial manufacturer’s warranty. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
What product safety information should I check for a digital piano?
Ask which product documentation applies to the exact version. RVO explains that applicable requirements depend on the type of product and that some products must comply with several EU rules; a model specification alone doesn’t establish which requirements apply or whether a particular item complies with them.