Who is this choice relevant to?

Pianist who uses both registers

Practises voicings with a separate bass part and wants to retain the full piano range and a piano-like touch. The Yamaha P-145 and Roland FP-10 are examples of models with 88 keys.

Player with limited space

Needs to be able to set up and store the instrument in a small space. A shorter keyboard may be suitable if your exercises stay within its range; Casio lists the CT-S1 as having 61 keys.

Player who wants to avoid disturbing others

Practises in a shared or noise-sensitive space and wants to check in advance that the headphone connection on the chosen model suits their set-up. Roland lists headphone playback for the FP-10, while Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120.

What should you look for when choosing?

When practising jazz voicings in a small space, your choice mainly comes down to the range and touch you need, the space available and how you want to listen.

Compact keyboard with 61 keys

Choose this if: space is your main constraint and your exercises fit within the shorter keyboard.

Trade-off: the lowest bass note and highest chord note in your exercises may not fit on this keyboard at the same time. Casio lists piano, electric piano and organ sounds for the CT-S1.

Digital piano with 88 keys and hammer action

Choose this if: the full range and a piano-like touch matter more than a compact casing.

Trade-off: allow space for the full width and check whether your preferred pedal or stand is included. Roland lists the DP-10 pedal as optional; Kawai lists standard and three-pedal accessories as options.

Lightweight digital piano with 88 keys

Choose this if: you want the full keyboard range and expect to move the instrument regularly.

Trade-off: a light keyboard is not the same as hammer action. Korg lists the Liano as 1282 mm wide and weighing 6,0 kg, excluding batteries and music rest.

What to consider What should you check? Who should prioritise this?
Range and touch Check the number of keys and the type of keyboard. If possible, try playing your lowest bass note and highest chord note at the same time. I want to use both registers in my voicings, so I pay attention to range and touch; around 36% of consumers give these factors top priority.
Space and portability Measure the available width and depth, and allow for the music rest, stand and playing position. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1326 mm wide and 272 mm deep. If my playing space is tight, I want to know whether the instrument and the complete set-up will fit; around 29% of consumers prioritise the space available.
Headphones Check the type of connection and whether your headphones or a suitable adaptor will work. Roland lists headphone playback for the FP-10; Kawai lists two sockets for the ES120. I want to practise without using the speakers when other people are nearby; around 21% of consumers make private listening their top consideration.
Sounds and pedal Compare the listed sounds with what you want to practise and check whether the pedal you want is included. Casio lists piano, electric piano and organ sounds for the CT-S1; Roland lists an optional DP-10 pedal. I want to try different sounds or practise with a pedal, so I check the model and accessories; around 14% of consumers give sound choice or pedal use top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a compact casing means the keyboard will suit you

    An instrument may fit the space available, but its range may not be wide enough for two-handed voicings. A piano with 88 keys can still take up a lot of width, even if the instrument is lightweight.

    Measure your playing space and check that the lowest and highest notes in your exercises fit on the keyboard at the same time.

  • Assuming your preferred pedal or stand is included

    Roland lists the DP-10 pedal as optional, while Kawai lists standard and three-pedal accessories separately.

    Compare the contents of the package for your chosen model with the pedal function and set-up you want to use.

  • Mistaking a lightweight keyboard for hammer action

    Korg describes the Liano as having a lightweight LS keyboard; the Yamaha and Roland models mentioned have different piano-focused keyboard mechanisms.

    Check the specified keyboard type and, if possible, try your own touch and voicings on the instrument.

Relevant brands to compare

Casio

The CT-S1 is worth considering if you’re looking for a compact keyboard with piano, electric piano and organ sounds.

  • Casio lists the CT-S1 as having 61 keys and the sound types mentioned above.
  • The CDP-S110 is a different model; Casio lists it as having a scaled hammer-action mechanism. Don’t assume this feature applies to the CT-S1.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a digital piano with 88 keys and a GHC keyboard, according to Yamaha’s model specifications.

  • Yamaha lists it as 1326 mm wide and 272 mm deep.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional; check which accessories are included with your chosen model.

Roland

According to Roland, the FP-10 has 88 keys and a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, with sound played through its built-in speakers or headphones.

  • The playback options listed let you choose between speakers and headphones.
  • Roland lists the DP-10 pedal as optional and notes that Bluetooth availability may vary by country.

Kawai

According to Kawai, the ES120 combines a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard with two headphone sockets.

  • The two headphone sockets could be useful if two people want to listen at the same time.
  • Kawai lists standard and three-pedal accessories as options and notes that specifications may vary by market.

Korg

The Liano is a lightweight digital piano with 88 touch-sensitive keys and an LS keyboard.

  • Korg lists its weight as 6,0 kg, excluding batteries and music rest.
  • Its listed width is 1282 mm; the lightweight keyboard does not have hammer action.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a compact keyboard enough for my jazz voicings?

That depends on the range of your exercises. Before buying, play your lowest bass note and highest chord note at the same time across the full range of the keyboard you’re considering. Casio lists the CT-S1 as having 61 keys, while the digital pianos mentioned have 88 keys.

What should I measure for a small practice space?

Measure the available width and depth, and allow for the music rest, stand and playing position. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1326 mm wide and 272 mm deep; Korg lists the Liano as 1282 mm wide.

How can I check the pedal and headphone connections?

Check the connections and included accessories for the exact model you want to buy. Roland lists headphone playback and an optional DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling; Kawai lists two headphone sockets and optional standard and three-pedal accessories.

What if my digital piano doesn’t work properly after I buy it?

When you buy as a consumer in the Netherlands, the product you receive must be in good working order; there is no fixed statutory warranty period. According to the Dutch government, the seller is your point of contact if something is wrong. An additional warranty does not replace your statutory rights.

Can I return an instrument bought online without giving a reason?

For eligible online consumer purchases, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions, so check the returns information before you buy. This online right to cancel does not automatically apply to purchases made in a physical shop.