For an electronic keyboard exam, choose an instrument that lets you play the prescribed sounds, accompaniment and technical exercises for your grade. For a piano grade, key feel, range and, where relevant, pedal use are more important. Trinity College London distinguishes between these exam routes, while ABRSM’s piano requirements include a weighted keyboard with an appropriate range. So compare your exam board, grade and pieces with the exact model, and check that the complete set-up will fit in your spare room.
You’re practising pieces and technical exercises that may involve choosing sounds, using accompaniment or making use of keyboard functions. Trinity College London describes these keyboard-specific skills in its exam materials.
You’re practising piano repertoire and want to match the touch, range and pedal use to your exam board’s requirements and your pieces. The ABRSM syllabus and Trinity College London’s rules for digital pianos set out requirements for this route.
You have limited space or want to practise with headphones, without compromising on exam features or a comfortable playing position. Yamaha Nederland, Roland Nederland and Korg publish model specifications that can help you compare instruments and set-ups.
First, decide whether you’re preparing for an electronic keyboard or piano exam. Requirements vary by exam board, grade and repertoire. Trinity College London, for example, specifies sounds and accompaniment for electronic keyboard, while piano requirements cover key feel, range and, where needed, a sustain pedal.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Exam route and repertoire | Check the exam board, grade and pieces; compare the required functions and key range with the exact model. | If you need different sounds or accompaniment patterns, you’ll want to know whether the instrument can handle your keyboard exercises. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a good match with their exam route and repertoire. |
| Key feel and pedal | Compare the keyboard with your piano pieces and check whether the required pedal is included. | For piano pieces, you’ll want to practise touch and pedal use on an instrument that meets the syllabus requirements. Around 29% of consumers give piano keys and pedal use top priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket and whether your headphones are compatible. | If you practise while others are using the spare room or an adjoining room, you’ll want to be able to avoid using the speakers. Around 21% of consumers prioritise being able to practise quietly. |
| Space and equipment | Measure the available space and check which stand, music rest and pedals come with the version you’re considering. | In a small spare room, you’ll want to know in advance whether the complete set-up and your seating space will fit. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space and a complete set-up. |
The exam routes may require different features. Trinity College London, for example, specifies sounds and accompaniment for electronic keyboard, while its piano requirements focus on piano keys and range.
Before choosing, compare your exam board, grade and pieces with the manual for the exact version.
If one instrument doesn’t suit both routes, you may need a different version, extra accessories or a second instrument.
Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2+, while the stand and pedal unit are separate accessories. The B2+SP is the version that comes with a stand and three-pedal unit.
Check what’s included in the exact listing, not just the model name.
With a version sold on its own, you may need to buy the stand or pedal unit separately.
The stated dimensions of the Korg B2+SP exclude the music rest. You’ll also need space to sit at the keyboard and reach the pedals.
Measure the complete set-up you’re planning and leave enough room to sit comfortably.
Yamaha offers both a keyboard option in the PSR-E383 and a digital piano option in the P-145.
The CT-S400 is a keyboard option if you need rhythm patterns and automatic accompaniment while practising.
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano option for piano-focused practice in a limited space.
The B2+ is a digital piano sold on its own; the B2+SP comes with a stand and a three-pedal unit.
This Joybuy selection is aimed at practising with sounds and rhythms in a spare room. Check that the features and key range suit your exam route.
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The listed sounds and rhythms may be useful if your keyboard pieces use these features. Compare them with your exam requirements.
The product name lists 61 weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
For a piano grade that requires the range and features of a conventional acoustic piano, 61 keys are limiting. ABRSM sets out these piano requirements in its 2025–2026 syllabus; always check the rules for your exam.
The number of keys alone doesn’t determine this; your exam route and repertoire are what matter. Trinity College London has different requirements for electronic keyboard exams and digital piano exams. For a digital piano exam, electronic keyboards can be used up to and including Grade 3, provided they are touch-sensitive and meet the technical and musical requirements of the selected pieces.
Not for a 2026 exam using the new repertoire list: ABRSM states that this repertoire can be used in exams from 1 January 2027. Check your exam date and the relevant syllabus.
Measure the space needed for the complete set-up and leave room for the music rest, your seating position and pedal use. Korg lists the B2+SP as 1312 × 336 × 750 mm, excluding the music rest. Also check which stand and pedals come with the version you choose.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online product purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, with some exceptions. If a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee. This doesn’t mean that every piano has a fixed two-year guarantee period.
