If you want to practise chords without a computer, choose a keyboard with built-in sounds and touch-sensitive keys. For changing chords in time, a keyboard with chord-responsive accompaniment could be a good fit. If you mainly work in a DAW, a MIDI controller can connect to your existing set-up, but it needs an external sound source. Check that the exact model has the headphone, USB and audio connections you need for the way you practise.
You want to switch on your instrument and start playing chord shapes and transitions straight away using its built-in sounds. Yamaha describes these features for the PSR-E383, and Casio does the same for the CT-S300.
You want to play chord changes in time and hear how an accompaniment pattern responds to your left hand. Korg describes chord-controlled Styles for the EK-50, while Roland describes left-hand-controlled accompaniment for the GO:KEYS 3.
You already have a computer set-up and want to use keys for MIDI input and studio control. Novation describes chord modes and DAW control for the Launchkey 61 MK4.
A good fit if: you want to practise chord shapes and dynamics without a computer.
Bear in mind: touch sensitivity is not the same as a weighted piano keyboard. Check the number of keys and the headphone connection too.
A good fit if: you want to practise changing chords in time with an accompaniment pattern.
Bear in mind: a simplified one-finger mode won’t automatically help you practise the full chord shapes you want to master.
A good fit if: you already use software or an external sound module and want to record chords as MIDI.
Bear in mind: MIDI doesn’t produce sound on its own; you’ll need to set up an external sound source.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and playing straight away | Compare the touch sensitivity and number of keys on the exact model; try the key feel if possible. | If I want to practise full chord shapes, I want to be able to play straight away without a computer; around 33% of consumers prioritise key feel and being able to play straight away. |
| Accompaniment and tempo | Check how the model recognises chords and whether its accompaniment suits the way you practise. | If I want to practise changing chords in time, I’m looking for accompaniment that responds to the chords I play; around 27% of consumers prioritise accompaniment and tempo. |
| Connecting to music software | Check whether USB supports MIDI, audio or both, and whether the connection works with your software. | If I want to record chords in my existing studio software, I want to know how the instrument sends data to my set-up; around 20% of consumers prioritise MIDI input. |
| Quiet practice and workspace | Check the headphone connection, plug size and dimensions of the model. | If I practise in a shared or small space, I want an instrument that fits and can be used with headphones; around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and space. |
Novation Support explains that MIDI contains control data but doesn’t produce sound itself. A controller therefore won’t work as a keyboard with built-in sound unless you set up software or an external sound source.
For practising straight away, choose an instrument with built-in sounds, or check in advance that your complete MIDI and audio chain works.
Korg and Roland describe accompaniment controls operated with one or a few fingers on the left hand. This is different from changing between full chord shapes.
Use simplified accompaniment as a guide, and practise the chord shapes you want to master as well.
Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383, while Korg specifies USB MIDI for the EK-50. These connections don’t offer the same capabilities.
Check which data the exact model number sends over USB before choosing your recording set-up.
The PSR-E383 is designed for independent practice with built-in sounds, while the PSR-E483 also offers automatic accompaniment styles.
The CT-S300 is an option if you’re looking for a compact keyboard with built-in sounds and touch sensitivity.
Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as a keyboard for making music with chord progressions and left-hand-controlled accompaniment.
The EK-50 is designed for practising chord changes alongside built-in Styles.
The Launchkey 61 MK4 is a MIDI controller for a studio set-up with software or an external sound source.
Yes, if you connect another sound source or set up suitable standalone instrument software. Novation describes both options for the Launchkey MK4; MIDI data on its own can’t be heard.
Check whether the USB connection on the exact model supports MIDI, audio or both, then set up your preferred audio output. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383, while Korg specifies USB MIDI for the EK-50.
The Dutch government states that electrical products placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the instrument actually being sold, along with the power supply included.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you will often have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase; according to this guidance, an online purchase from a private individual is not a distance purchase.
According to the Dutch government, as a consumer you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the seller must provide a solution if it doesn’t. The Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed statutory two-year guarantee for every product; what you can reasonably expect depends, among other things, on the product and the information provided at the time of purchase.
