Piano student with a wide-ranging repertoire
Practises arpeggios that span a wide range of keys or call for a piano-like touch, so compares the number of keys and the type of keyboard action.
Which instrument is right for you?
Anyone who wants to practise quietly in a shared space
Wants to practise with headphones and checks both the socket on the exact instrument and the rules of the music room. Korg and Roland describe headphone options for specific models.
Anyone who needs to move their instrument or has limited space
Weighs up dimensions and power options against the range of keys and playing feel. Yamaha, Korg and Casio publish specifications for the models mentioned; check the details for each version.
What should you look for when choosing?
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Choose this option: if you play arpeggios across a wide keyboard or want to practise with a piano-like touch.
Bear in mind: according to their manufacturers, the Yamaha P-145 and Korg B2+ are each over 1.3 metres wide; check that you have enough space.
Compact keyboard with 61 keys
Choose this option: if your exercises fit within 61 keys and portability or limited space is important.
Bear in mind: touch-sensitive keys are not the same as weighted keys, and your exercises may extend beyond the available range.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and touch | Compare the range of your exercises with the number of keys, and check whether the keyboard has weighted or touch-sensitive keys. | If I play arpeggios across several registers, I want enough keys and a suitable piano-like touch; around 36% of consumers give key range and touch the highest priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone output and whether your headphones need a suitable plug or adapter. | Anyone who wants to practise in a shared music room without using speakers should check the connection on the specific model; around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and portability | Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions and weight of the version you’re considering. According to Yamaha and Korg, the Yamaha P-145 is 1.326 mm wide and the Korg B2+ is 1.312 mm wide. | If I have limited space or want to move my instrument, I weigh up size and power options against the key range; around 21% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
| Pedal setup | Check whether a damper pedal is included and whether the instrument supports half-pedalling, if you need it. | Anyone who wants to practise with pedals should check which controls are included with their chosen version and what is sold separately; around 14% of consumers prioritise pedals and practice equipment. |
Common buying pitfalls
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Confusing sounds with keys
The number of sounds tells you nothing about how many keys an instrument has. Casio describes the CT-S1BK as having 61 touch-sensitive keys; check the number of keys and the type of keyboard action separately.
Check the specifications for the number of keys, touch sensitivity and keyboard action separately.
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Assuming accessories are included
Connections, included accessories and optional pedal features vary by model and version.
Check what’s included in the exact offer and which connections your headphones and pedal need.
You may need to buy suitable headphones, an adapter or a pedal unit separately; check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
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Calling an 88-key instrument compact without measuring it
According to Yamaha and Korg, the Yamaha P-145 and Korg B2+ are 1.326 mm and 1.312 mm wide respectively.
Measure the usable space in your music room and allow room for a stand and music rest too.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable digital piano for anyone looking for a full-size weighted keyboard for playing arpeggios.
- Yamaha says the P-145 has 88 GHC keys.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. The stated width is 1.326 mm; measure your available space and check which accessories come with each version.
Korg
The B2+ is an 88-key option for piano-focused practice.
- Korg lists an NH keyboard, a PHONES socket and an included damper pedal for the B2+.
- For half-pedalling, Korg specifies the PU-2, sold separately. The stated width is 1.312 mm.
Casio
The CT-S1BK is a compact keyboard to consider if your exercises fit within 61 keys.
- Casio lists 61 touch-sensitive keys and the option of battery power for this model.
- Touch-sensitive keys are not the same as a weighted keyboard. Casio’s descriptions of its sounds are manufacturer claims.
Roland
The FP-10 is another 88-key option for anyone looking for a weighted piano action and headphone listening.
- Roland describes the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- According to Roland, headphones connect via a wired connection; Bluetooth headphones are not supported. The cited specifications come from a Roland page outside the Netherlands and do not confirm the specifications of a Dutch version.
Joybuy products for practising on 61 keys
The products below are 61-key models for exercises that fit within this range. Compare the keyboard description, connections and included parts for the specific version.
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MLS-931 digital keyboard, black, 61 keys
Worth considering if your exercises fit within 61 keys and you want to practise with headphones.
The product name describes it as having a weighted keyboard. The product description lists USB-MIDI and a headphone socket; check that the connection and key action are right for your exercises.
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Electronic keyboard, black, 61 keys
Worth considering for exercises that fit within 61 keys; the product description also lists a headphone socket.
The description also mentions USB-MIDI, a recording function, a metronome and a music rest. Check that these connections and features suit your practice setup.
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61-key keyboard piano set with stand and bench
Worth considering if your exercises fit within 61 keys and you’re looking for a setup with a stand and bench.
The product name also mentions a music rest. The description lists a headphone socket and USB-MIDI; check the connections and what’s included with the exact version.
Frequently asked questions
Are 61 keys enough for my arpeggios?
They can be, as long as the lowest and highest notes in your exercises fit within the available keyboard range. Compare your sheet music with the range. If your exercises require a full piano keyboard, an 88-key instrument is the option to consider.
Can I use any wireless headphones with a digital piano?
No, not with every model. Roland says the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, so you’ll need wired headphones. For other models, also check which connection and any adapter you’ll need.
Do I need extra accessories straight away for pedal practice?
That depends on your exercises and the exact version. Korg says the B2+ includes a damper pedal and specifies the PU-2, sold separately, for half-pedalling. Yamaha lists the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145.
What can I do if an instrument I bought online doesn’t work properly?
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller must offer a solution if the product does not conform to the agreement, according to the Dutch government. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. Distance purchases are also generally covered by a 14-day cooling-off period; check whether it applies to your particular purchase.
Which product safety rule applies to an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that CE marking is compulsory for electrical products. Check the instrument’s markings and product information, as well as those of any relevant electrical components, such as the mains adapter. A product listing alone does not confirm that a specific item meets the requirements.