Who are these instruments for?

Pianist refining their voicings

You want to practise two-handed chord voicings, touch and sustain on an instrument you can play on its own. Roland and Yamaha describe models with 88 keys; the feel varies from one keyboard to another.

Home producer with a DAW

You want to record chords as MIDI and use software sounds. Novation makes it clear that the Launchkey 88’s MIDI control data does not contain sound itself.

Player in a shared home

You want to practise with headphones. Check the connection on your chosen model, and bear in mind that headphones won’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys.

What should you look for when choosing?

Digital piano

A good fit if: you want to practise on piano-style keys, including without a computer.

Bear in mind: touch and connections vary by model. Try the keyboard and check that the stand and pedal suit your setup.

Stage piano

A good fit if: you often want to switch between piano and electric piano sounds while practising. Korg lists several electric piano sounds for the SV-2, which comes in 73- or 88-key versions.

Bear in mind: check the exact version and your listening setup. Korg distinguishes the SV-2S, which has an internal speaker system, from the SV-2.

MIDI controller

A good fit if: you mainly want to record voicings in a DAW and already work with software instruments. Novation lists 88 semi-weighted keys and DAW controls for the Launchkey 88.

Bear in mind: a controller sends MIDI data, not sound. You’ll need a software instrument set up and an audio output.

Consideration What should you check? Which consumers is this important for?
Touch and playing range Try the touch and check the number and type of keys on the exact version. According to their manufacturers, the Roland FP-30X and Yamaha P-225 have 88 keys; that doesn’t tell you which keyboard feel will suit you. If I play two-handed voicings, I want enough range and a touch that suits my technique. Around 33% of consumers prioritise piano-like touch and playing range.
Recording and DAW Decide whether you want to record MIDI, audio or both, and check the connections and computer compatibility. MIDI contains performance information, not the sound of the instrument. If you want to edit chords later, you’ll benefit from a suitable MIDI and audio setup. Around 27% of consumers make DAW integration and recording their top priority.
Quiet practice Check the model’s headphone connection and try it out to see how much noise the keys themselves make. In a shared home, I want to listen through headphones without relying on them to eliminate key noise. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Choice of sounds Listen to the sounds you want to use and check how to select them. If you’re considering a stage piano, also check the exact version and speaker setup. If I want to switch between piano and electric piano sounds during a session, I look at both the sounds and the controls. Around 20% of consumers name sound choice as their main consideration.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller makes sound on its own

    MIDI contains control data, not sound. The Novation Launchkey 88 therefore needs a software instrument set up and an audio output to produce sound.

    Choose an instrument with its own sound source if you want to practise without a computer. Choose a controller if a software setup is part of your plan.

    For this setup, you’ll also need to arrange a computer, a software instrument and a suitable audio output.

  • Confusing a stage piano version with speakers for one without them

    Korg distinguishes the SV-2S, with an internal speaker system, from the SV-2.

    Check the full version name and think about how you want to listen to the instrument, for example through headphones or external speakers.

    If you choose a version without an internal speaker system, you’ll need to plan a separate listening setup.

  • Assuming the piano comes with the pedal you want

    What’s included and which pedals are available vary by model. Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal as included with the CDP-S110; Roland describes more advanced pedal options as accessories.

    Check what’s included and whether the pedal is suitable for the function you want to use.

    You may need a suitable pedal or stand for the pedal function you want or for a permanent setup.

Brands to consider

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for practising on its own.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • Check which pedal option and setup suit your needs. Claims of superior touch are made by the manufacturer and are not based on an independent comparison.

Yamaha

The P-225 is designed for piano practice, while the CK series offers a separate option with a wider choice of sounds.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and a split function for the P-225. For the CK series, the brand describes features including electric piano sounds.
  • Features of the CK series don’t automatically apply to the P-225. Compare the specifications of the exact model.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a compact digital piano option for anyone looking for an instrument that can be played on its own.

  • For this model, Casio lists electric piano sounds, an included SP-3 sustain pedal, USB Type B and PHONES/OUTPUT.
  • The specifications won’t tell you whether the touch suits your preferences; try the keyboard for yourself.

Korg

The SV-2 range is worth considering if electric piano sounds are important when you practise.

  • Korg lists SV-2 versions with 73 or 88 keys, electric piano sounds and favourites.
  • Note the difference between the SV-2 and the SV-2S, which has an internal speaker system. Treat sound claims as statements made by the manufacturer.

Kawai

According to Kawai, the ES120 is a portable, piano-focused option with MIDI and audio connections.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, Bluetooth MIDI/audio and separate line outputs.
  • Claims of an authentic playing experience are made by the manufacturer. Try the keyboard to see if it suits you.

Novation

The Launchkey 88 is a MIDI controller for anyone who mainly uses software instruments in a DAW.

  • Novation lists 88 semi-weighted keys and controls for DAW use.
  • The controller doesn’t produce piano sound on its own; you’ll need software and an audio output.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a MIDI keyboard enough to practise jazz voicings without a computer?

Not if you expect the Novation Launchkey itself to make piano sounds: MIDI control data contains no sound. Use a software instrument set up with an audio output, or choose an instrument with its own sound source.

How do I connect a keyboard instrument for recording?

First decide whether you want to record editable MIDI notes, the sound of the instrument or both. Kawai describes USB-MIDI to a computer for the ES120 and lists separate line outputs. Check the connections and any additional equipment required for the exact model.

What should I check when buying a second-hand instrument?

Switch the instrument on and test every key, output and the pedal. According to the Dutch Government, the legal guarantee also applies to second-hand purchases from a seller. What you can reasonably expect depends, among other things, on the item’s age and price, and the information you were given.

Do I have a cooling-off period when buying online, and is there a fixed two-year guarantee?

For distance purchases from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period; the rules mentioned do not apply to online purchases from a private seller. According to the Dutch Government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period: you’re entitled to a product that meets reasonable expectations.

What should I check for electrical safety when buying an imported instrument?

The Dutch Government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry the applicable CE marking. If you’re looking at an offer from outside the EU, also check the seller, product information and safety instructions. A Dutch-language online shop alone doesn’t tell you where the seller is based.