If you want to practise piano technique, dynamics and playing parts with both hands, compare portable digital pianos with 88 weighted keys. If saving space or being able to move the instrument matters more, and you mainly play melodies and chords, a more compact keyboard could suit you better. In either case, check for a headphone socket, a pedal connection and enough room for the complete instrument.
You want to learn a jazz standard, including its melody and chord voicings, and are particularly interested in playing with both hands and practising your touch. Yamaha’s guide to weighted keys discusses the choice in the context of learning to play the piano.
You want to practise without always using the built-in speakers. Check that the specific model has a headphone socket; headphones won’t eliminate the mechanical sound of the keys. KORG lists one for the B2+.
You want to be able to move the instrument after practising and weigh up whether a shorter keyboard suits what you want to learn. Casio describes the CT-S1-76BK as a 76-key model; also measure the space needed for the complete set-up.
A good fit if: you want to learn the jazz standard as a piano piece and work on your touch and chord voicings across a full-width keyboard. Yamaha and KORG list 88 keys and a weighted keyboard for the P-145 and B2+, respectively.
Keep in mind: the space required and which accessories come with each version. KORG gives the B2+ a width of 1,312 mm; check what’s included with each model.
A good fit if: saving space or portability comes first, and you want to explore electric piano and organ sounds as well as piano tones. Casio lists 76 keys and 61 tones for the CT-S1-76BK.
Keep in mind: it has a smaller range than the 88-key models considered here. Check that your learning materials fit within that range and that the key action suits your learning goals.
Start with the kind of playing you want to learn. Then measure the space available and check the connections and accessories included with the specific model.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Piano technique and range | Compare the number of keys and the key action with your learning materials; try playing a passage yourself if possible. | I want to practise parts with both hands and work on my piano technique. Around 33% of consumers put this learning goal first. |
| Practising without much speaker noise | Check the headphone socket, the compatible plug and what happens to the speakers when you connect headphones. | I share my living space and want to practise without always listening through the speakers. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Positioning and moving the instrument | Measure the space for the instrument, music rest and any stand; compare the dimensions of the specific model. | I want to fit the instrument into my space and move it if needed, without making my practice area impractical. Around 20% of consumers give space and portability top priority. |
| Choice of sounds | Listen to the sounds you want to use and check how to switch between them. | I want to try electric piano or organ sounds as well as piano tones. Sound variety is the main buying consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Casio lists 76 keys and 61 tones for the CT-S1-76BK. These are different features and don’t tell you the same thing about the keyboard’s range.
Check the number of keys and the number of sounds separately for the specific model.
You’ll also need to allow for the depth, music rest and any stand to make sure the set-up fits in your practice area.
Measure the full space and compare it with the dimensions and included accessories of the model you’re considering.
The PU-2 pedal unit for half-pedalling is sold separately for the KORG B2+.
The Casio model considered here has 76 keys; according to their manufacturers, the Yamaha P-145 and KORG B2+ considered here have 88 keys and a weighted keyboard. That difference may matter if range or piano technique is one of your learning goals.
First decide whether you mainly want to explore melodies and a variety of sounds, or practise on a full piano keyboard.
The P-145 is a portable, piano-focused digital piano for anyone comparing 88-key models. Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard for the P-145.
According to KORG, the B2+ is a digital piano with 88 NH keys, a headphone socket and a pedal connection.
Casio describes the CT-S1-76BK as a portable keyboard with 76 keys and 61 tones.
These Joybuy products are designed for practising on an electronic keyboard instrument. Most importantly, compare their range with what you want to learn.
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With 61 keys, this model may suit you if your learning materials fit within that range. Check the range before choosing it for practising a jazz standard with both hands.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, a headphone socket and a music stand.
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With 61 keys, this is an option to compare if your learning materials fit within that range. Check this if you want to practise parts with both hands.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Not for every melody or chord voicing. If you also want to practise piano technique and parts with both hands across a full piano keyboard, compare the 88-key models considered here. Check the range of your learning materials before choosing a 76-key model.
Measure the space for the instrument, music rest and any stand. Check which power supply and pedal are included with the specific model. KORG lists an included adapter and damper pedal for the B2+; the PU-2 pedal unit is sold separately.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, although exceptions apply. You’re also entitled to a legal guarantee if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use; the retailer is your point of contact. This is not the same as a fixed guarantee period for all keyboards.
The European Commission lists electrical and electronic equipment as a product category that may be subject to CE rules. The EU requirements that apply to a specific model and its included power supply need to be determined for each product. According to the Commission, a CE marking is a manufacturer’s declaration, not a certificate issued by a central EU authority.
