Quiet home player
You share your home and want to listen through headphones, but you’re also mindful of the sound of the keys and pedals in the room.
Who is this choice for?
Pianist playing a bass part
You practise voicings with a separate low note or bass line and want to check whether both registers fit on the keyboard at the same time.
Player short on space
You use the instrument in a small space or want to put it away after practising. That’s why you’re comparing its key range with the space taken up by the complete set-up.
What should you consider when choosing?
Compact keyboard
A good fit if: your voicings and any left-hand part fit within its shorter range, and you want to put the instrument away regularly.
Consider: its range and key action differ from those of a digital piano with 88 weighted keys.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
A good fit if: you play low notes alongside higher voicings or want to practise a piano-style touch.
Consider: allow for the full width, and check the stand, pedal and headphone socket for each version.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay closer attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening without disturbing the people you live with | Check the headphone socket and plug; also assess the sound of the keys and pedal. | When I play with headphones in a shared home, I want to know how much noise the keys and pedal still make. Around 28% of consumers prioritise silent listening. |
| Range for voicings and bass | Note the lowest and highest notes you need to play at the same time, then try the exercise on the keyboard. | When I play a low part alongside higher voicings, I don’t want to run out of keys. Around 22% of consumers prioritise range for bass and chords. |
| Space and storage | Measure the available space and compare it with the instrument’s dimensions and the footprint of the complete set-up. | When space is tight, I want to know in advance whether the instrument will fit with a chair and any stand. Around 22% of consumers prioritise the space needed for the set-up. |
| Touch for piano practice | Compare the stated key actions and, if possible, try playing chords both softly and firmly. | If I want to practise a piano-style touch, I compare touch sensitivity with a weighted keyboard. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this kind of touch. |
| A complete practice set-up | Check what’s included and whether the stand and pedal are compatible with the exact version. | I want to know which parts I need to complete my set-up. Around 11% of consumers focus mainly on the set and accessories they need. |
What to look out for when buying
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Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t automatically mean you can use wireless headphones
Roland states that the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones or earphones.
Check Bluetooth MIDI, Bluetooth audio input and headphone output separately for the exact instrument.
You may need wired headphones or a suitable plug adapter.
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Headphones don’t make the instrument completely silent
Kawai says that damping material can help reduce key noise, but this doesn’t mean that mechanical playing noise will disappear.
Assess the sound of the keys and pedal even when the speakers are off, and consider where you’ll place the instrument.
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A stand and an extended pedal unit aren’t always included
Korg states that the B2+ comes with a damper pedal, while the stand and pedal unit are available separately. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional.
Compare what’s included with the exact version and check which accessories are compatible with the instrument.
You may need to buy a compatible stand or extended pedal separately.
Brands worth comparing
Casio
The CT-S1-76BK, available in Europe, is a 76-key option to compare if you’re looking for a shorter keyboard.
- Casio lists piano, electric piano and organ sounds. The manual covers touch sensitivity and headphone use.
- With 76 keys, this model doesn’t have the range of the 88-key models mentioned here.
Yamaha
The P-145 described for the Netherlands is a portable digital piano with 88 keys and a GHC keyboard.
- Yamaha lists headphone practice and compatibility with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
- Allow for its stated width of 1,326 mm, and don’t confuse the P-145 with the separately offered P-145BT.
Roland
The FP-10 is an 88-key option with a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and headphone playback, according to Roland.
- Roland describes these keyboard and headphone features in the model information.
- Roland Support states that the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones, so use wired headphones instead.
Korg
The B2+ is an 88-key digital piano worth comparing if having a damper pedal in the basic set is important to you.
- According to Korg, the B2+ in the Netherlands has a PHONES socket, USB-C and a damper pedal included.
- The stand and pedal unit for half-pedalling are listed as available separately.
Kawai
The ES120 is an alternative with a weighted keyboard, two headphone sockets and separate pedal options, according to Kawai.
- Kawai says improved damping material helps to reduce key noise.
- This manufacturer’s claim doesn’t prove that people you live with won’t hear the instrument. Kawai also notes that availability varies by market.
Joybuy product selection
This Joybuy selection focuses on a compact, standalone keyboard for jazz voicings.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
With 61 keys, you can check whether the lowest and highest notes in your voicings fit within the range.
If you want to practise with headphones, check the socket and plug on this version; also see which accessories are included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need 88 keys to play jazz voicings?
No, not always. Compare the lowest and highest notes you play at the same time in your exercise. If you also play a separate low part alongside higher voicings, the extra range of an 88-key model is useful; 88 keys aren’t a universal minimum requirement.
Will headphones make practising in a shared home completely silent?
No. Headphones let you listen without using the speakers, but the keys and pedal can still make mechanical noise. Roland specifically states that the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones.
What should I check when setting up and connecting the instrument?
Measure the space you’ll need for a chair, stand and music rest, and check which parts are included with the exact version. Follow the power instructions in the manual; Casio specifies that the CT-S1-76 must be used with the specified adapter.
Which product regulations apply when selling an electronic instrument in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch Ondernemersplein, electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market must comply with the applicable European regulations. Where CE rules apply, the manufacturer must affix the CE marking and draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity; radio equipment rules may also apply to Bluetooth. A model page or declaration doesn’t automatically confirm that a specific version on offer complies with the regulations.