Travelling musician
You want to run through your parts in a hotel room with an instrument that’s easy to carry and can be used with headphones. Yamaha lists a headphone output and battery or USB power for the PSS-A50.
Who is this suitable for?
Pianist with a broad repertoire
You want to prepare passages that span much of the keyboard, while weighing up that range against the space the instrument takes up. Casio lists 76 keys for the CT-S1-76WE, while Korg lists 88 keys for the Liano.
Musician who arranges
While preparing a concert programme, you want to explore different sounds or accompaniment ideas without prioritising extra features over the keyboard you need. Yamaha describes accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383, while Roland lists more than 1,000 sounds for the GO:KEYS 3.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact mini keyboard
A good fit if: you mainly want to run through short parts, melodies or ideas and have limited luggage space. Yamaha specifies 37 mini keys for the PSS-A50.
Bear in mind: the smaller keys and limited range are no substitute for a full piano keyboard.
61- or 76-key keyboard
A good fit if: you want to run through more parts on one instrument without going straight for 88 keys. Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383, while Casio lists 76 keys for the CT-S1-76WE.
Bear in mind: even 76 keys don’t offer the full range of an 88-key instrument. Check the headphone connection and included power supply for the exact version.
88-key digital piano
A good fit if: you want to prepare parts across the full keyboard and have the space to store and transport the instrument. Korg lists 88 touch-sensitive keys and a headphone socket for the Liano.
Bear in mind: Korg states that the Liano is 1.282 mm wide and weighs 6,0 kg. Its LS keyboard is not a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with headphones | Check the headphone output and plug size on the exact version, and ask the hotel whether it has any rules about practising. | I want to practise parts quietly without assuming I can use the speakers; around 31% of consumers give silent practice top priority. |
| Key range and feel | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your parts with the number of keys. Also check whether the touch sensitivity or key action suits your preparation. | If my parts span a wide range, I want to run through them without unnecessary transposition; around 25% of consumers prioritise keyboard range. |
| Transport and power | Measure the space available in your luggage and where you’ll play. Remember to allow for the adapter, batteries, music rest and any protective case. | I want to know in advance whether the instrument and power supply will fit my luggage and playing space; around 25% of consumers put transport and power top of their list. |
| Sounds and arrangement features | Decide whether you’ll just be playing parts or also want to record ideas or add accompaniment. Check which features the exact version includes. | When I want to work on arrangements, I look for features that let me explore sounds or ideas; around 19% of consumers prioritise these features. |
Common buying mistakes
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Expecting a compact travel keyboard to replace a piano keyboard
The Yamaha PSS-A50 has 37 mini keys, while the Korg Liano has 88 keys. This difference determines which passages you can run through on the instrument.
Compare the range of your concert parts with the keyboard before deciding on its size.
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Assuming the power supply and travel accessories are always included
Yamaha states that the USB power adapter for the PSS-A50 is sold separately. Korg says that AA batteries for the Liano are also sold separately.
Check what’s included with the exact package and what else you’ll need for your trip.
Depending on the power option you choose, you may need to buy and pack batteries or a suitable adapter separately.
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Assuming that products with the same number of keys are the same model
Having the same product category or number of keys doesn’t prove that two instruments are the same version.
Compare the full brand and model names, along with the specifications that matter to you, before matching a listing to a particular type of instrument.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The PSS-A50 is a compact option with 37 mini keys, while the PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys. These details apply to these models, not the entire range.
- Yamaha lists a headphone output and power from four AA batteries or USB for the PSS-A50.
- According to Yamaha, the USB power adapter for the PSS-A50 is sold separately.
- Yamaha lists accompaniment styles and operation from six AA batteries for the PSR-E383.
Casio
The European CT-S1-76WE offers a 76-key option between a smaller keyboard and an 88-key instrument.
- Casio lists 76 keys and 61 tones for this model.
- The information available doesn’t support a comparison of its key feel with that of a piano. Check the connections on the exact version if you plan to use headphones.
Korg
The Liano is a portable 88-key digital piano for anyone who needs the full range.
- Korg lists a touch-sensitive LS keyboard, a headphone socket and an adapter.
- Korg states that it is 1.282 mm wide. The LS keyboard shouldn’t be confused with a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
- According to Korg, the optional battery power requires six AA batteries, sold separately.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is a 61-key option for anyone who also wants to explore sounds and accompaniment ideas while preparing.
- Roland lists more than 1,000 sounds and built-in chord and accompaniment features for the GO:KEYS 3.
- These features alone don’t mean that the model sounds better or is better suited to piano repertoire than other instruments.
Products on Joybuy
These Joybuy picks have 61 keys and are intended for parts that fit within that range. Check the connections and included accessories for the exact version. The Dutch Government lists CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity as requirements for manufacturers of devices that meet the applicable standards; ask for conformity information about the instrument being offered.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable for running through parts within a 61-key range.
The product listing mentions a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, a headphone socket, and recording and playback features.
The range is smaller than that of a full 88-key keyboard.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Suitable for running through parts within a 61-key range.
The product listing mentions 500 sounds, 300 rhythms, a metronome, USB-MIDI, a headphone socket and a recording function.
The range is smaller than that of a full 88-key keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mini keyboard enough for your concert programme?
It can be, if the passages you want to prepare fit within its range and playing surface. The Yamaha PSS-A50 has 37 mini keys, while the Korg Liano has 88 keys. Compare these differences with your own parts before choosing.
What should you plug in or set up in your hotel room?
Before you leave, check the headphone connection, power supply and included accessories for the exact version. Yamaha states that the PSS-A50’s built-in speaker switches off when you connect headphones. Korg lists an adapter and pedal switch for the Liano; AA batteries are sold separately.
What return and product rights apply to an online purchase?
According to the Dutch Government, online purchases from a business usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions apply. The Dutch Government also states that you’re entitled to receive a complete, undamaged product with the features specified by the seller. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.
What product safety information is relevant for an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?
Dutch Government information states that manufacturers of electrical and electronic devices that meet the applicable requirements are responsible for providing a CE mark and an EU declaration of conformity. Ask for the relevant conformity information for the exact version being offered.