Choose a digital piano with 88 keys if you mainly want to learn a piano part across the full range. A 61-key keyboard may be a better fit if you want to explore melodies and built-in sounds. If you mainly use virtual instruments in a DAW, a MIDI controller is an option, but you’ll need a computer and software to produce the sound. Check the exact model’s headphone, pedal and recording connections too.
You want to learn the film theme with both hands, and having enough keys and a suitable feel matters more to you than a long list of accompaniment sounds. Yamaha, Roland and Korg make models with 88 keys, but their key actions differ.
You want to practise a melody and experiment with built-in piano, string and other instrument sounds without first setting up a DAW. Yamaha and Roland make keyboards with built-in sounds; check that the exact model also has the practice features you’re looking for.
You already make music on a computer and want to play in notes or control virtual instruments. Novation describes the Launchkey 61 MK4 as a DAW controller; check that it works with your computer, software and preferred audio setup.
Choose this if: you want to practise straight away and try different instrument sounds without having to open studio software each time.
Bear in mind: a 61-key keyboard can feel limiting if you want to play low accompaniment and a high melody at the same time; having lots of sounds doesn’t guarantee a specific film-style orchestration.
Choose this if: the piano part, full keyboard range and playing feel are your priorities.
Bear in mind: the instrument takes up space, and 88 keys alone tell you nothing about the action or weight of the keys.
Choose this if: you mainly want to play the theme in as MIDI and create the sounds and arrangement in software.
Bear in mind: a controller isn’t necessarily the right choice for playing independently using built-in sounds and speakers; check that it’s compatible with your studio setup.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing feel and keyboard range | Compare the number of keys and the action separately. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145; Korg describes the Liano as having 88 touch-sensitive LS keys. | If I want to learn a piano part with both hands, I’ll consider both the range and the response. Around 33% of consumers prioritise playing the piano. |
| Built-in sounds and practice features | Check which sounds, lesson features and accompaniments the exact model offers. Yamaha lists lesson features for the PSR-E383; Roland describes sounds and accompaniment for the GO:KEYS 3. Also check whether the film theme you want is included. | If you want to practise with instrument sounds straight away, choose a model that suits your needs. Around 27% of consumers prioritise built-in sounds. |
| Recording and DAW control | Check separately for USB-MIDI and USB audio if you want to record both notes and instrument sound. Yamaha lists both for the PSR-E383; Korg describes audio recording via a computer for the Liano. | If I want to record my playing in a DAW or control software instruments, I’ll check the connections I need and compatibility. Around 20% of consumers prioritise DAW recording. |
| Positioning and quiet practice | Measure the space you have and check the headphone connection, pedal and included accessories. Korg specifies the Liano’s dimensions as 1.282 × 290 × 73 mm; Yamaha gives the P-145’s width as 1.326 mm. | If you have limited space at home or want to keep speaker volume down, consider the dimensions and headphone option. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space and quiet practice. |
The number of keys and the action are separate features. Korg describes the Liano as having a touch-sensitive LS keyboard, while Yamaha lists GHC keys for the P-145.
Compare the action on the exact model and, if possible, try it out to see how it feels.
MIDI control and recording the instrument’s audible sound are not the same thing. Yamaha lists USB audio and MIDI for the PSR-E383; for other models, check which functions the connection supports.
Look separately for USB-MIDI and USB audio in the model specifications, and check that your recording software works with them.
Novation describes the Launchkey 61 MK4 as a DAW controller. For this setup, check that your computer, software instruments and audio equipment are available and suitable.
If you want to play without a computer, check before buying that the instrument has its own sounds and the audio setup you need.
Korg says that the stand for the Liano is sold separately. Roland lists the DP-10 pedal as optional for the FP-10 and notes that Bluetooth availability may vary by country of purchase.
Check the version, what’s in the box and compatible accessories before choosing a model. You may need to buy a suitable accessory separately.
The PSR-E383 is a portable keyboard with built-in sounds; the P-145 is designed for piano playing, with 88 keys.
The GO:KEYS 3 is designed for sounds and accompaniment; the FP-10 is geared towards piano playing across a full keyboard.
The Liano is a slim digital piano for anyone looking for 88 keys with a different playing feel from a weighted piano keyboard.
The Launchkey 61 MK4 is designed for anyone who wants to control a DAW and software sounds.
The Casiotone CT-S1 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a straightforward keyboard with built-in instrument sounds.
A 61-key keyboard may suit a melody or simpler arrangement; for a piano part that uses the full range, you could also compare an instrument with 88 keys. Check the sheet music or part you want to learn before choosing the number of keys.
Don’t assume that simply having USB means you can do both. Yamaha lists USB audio and MIDI for the PSR-E383, while Korg describes MIDI use and recording the Liano’s instrument sound as audio via a computer. Check these functions separately for other models and your recording software.
Not necessarily: Novation describes the Launchkey 61 MK4 as a DAW controller, not a standalone instrument with built-in sounds. Check that your computer, DAW, software instruments and audio setup suit the way you want to work.
Don’t assume that playing a piece at home automatically gives you permission to share a protected work. The Dutch government distinguishes between a private copy for personal use and making a work available to the public; arrange the necessary rights before publishing protected music or film material.
For many eligible online purchases from a business, the Dutch government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period; terms and exceptions may apply. If a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution. The Dutch government notes that there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period for all products.
