Learner with a piano goal
You want to learn to play film music with both hands, so you’re considering the keyboard range and feel.
Who is this buying guide for?
Player short on space
You want to practise in a spare room and need to be able to set up or store the instrument in the space available.
Home player with housemates
You want to listen through headphones, so you’re checking whether the instrument has a suitable socket.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact 61-key keyboard
A good fit if: you mainly want to practise melodies, simple accompaniment or different sounds, and space is limited.
Bear in mind: pieces with notes far apart may need a wider keyboard range.
Light-touch 76-key instrument
A good fit if: you want a wider range than 61 keys offer, but don’t need a weighted keyboard.
Bear in mind: check that the instrument’s width and light playing feel suit your lessons.
Slim digital piano with 88 light-touch keys
A good fit if: a full keyboard range matters more to you than weighted piano action.
Bear in mind: 88 keys doesn’t automatically mean the keys are weighted; measure your available space too.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
A good fit if: as well as film music, you want to practise piano technique on a weighted keyboard.
Bear in mind: measure the space where you plan to set it up and check which pedals are included with that version.
First, decide which trade-off matters most to you: keyboard range, room to set it up, practising with headphones or extra practice features.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range and feel | Compare the range of your arrangements with the number of keys, and check whether the keyboard is touch-sensitive or weighted. | I want to play film music with both hands and need a range that suits my arrangements. Around 33% of consumers prioritise keyboard range and a piano-like playing feel. |
| Space and set-up | Measure the space for the instrument, stand and seating position, then compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. | I need to use the spare room for other things too, and want to know whether the instrument will fit where I plan to put it. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Practising with headphones | Check for a headphone socket and whether your plug will fit or you’ll need a suitable adapter. | I want to listen without using the built-in speakers, for example when housemates are nearby. Around 25% of consumers prioritise private practice. |
| Sounds and practice features | Check which features you want to use, such as accompaniment styles, built-in lessons or a metronome. | I want to explore film melodies with different sounds or accompaniment, rather than focus solely on piano technique. Around 17% of consumers prioritise sounds and practice features. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming that 88 keys always means weighted keys
The number of keys doesn’t tell you what kind of action the instrument has. For example, Korg describes the Liano as having 88 touch-sensitive LS keys, while Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10.
Check the number of keys and the keyboard type separately. If possible, try the feel before you choose.
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Assuming a pedal shown in the product photo is included
Accessories vary by model and version. Korg lists a PS-3 pedal switch with the Liano; the DP-10 half-damper pedal for the Roland FP-10 is optional.
Read the contents listed for the exact version and check that the pedal is compatible with the instrument.
A suitable pedal or stand may be sold separately, so check what else you’ll need for your preferred set-up.
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Assuming headphones make your set-up completely silent
Headphones let you listen without sound coming from the speakers, but they won’t necessarily stop the keys or your movements from being heard in the room.
Think about where you set up the instrument and, if necessary, agree practice times with others. The Dutch government advises people experiencing nuisance from neighbours to discuss and agree arrangements together first.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha offers both a compact keyboard with learning features and a 76-key instrument with a light-touch keyboard.
- Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, learning features and 260 accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383.
- According to Yamaha, the NP-35 has 76 Graded Soft Touch keys and sockets for headphones and a sustain pedal.
- The NP-35’s keyboard isn’t the same as a weighted hammer action; also check whether its 1260 mm width will fit in your room.
Roland
The FP-10 is a piano-focused option for anyone wanting to practise on 88 keys.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone use.
- The DP-10 half-damper pedal is optional. Claims about an authentic playing feel come from Roland and aren’t based on an independent comparison.
Korg
The Liano offers a full 88-key range with a touch-sensitive LS keyboard.
- Korg lists a headphone socket and an included PS-3 pedal switch.
- The LS keyboard isn’t a weighted hammer action. The Liano is 1282 mm wide, so measure your available space first.
Casio
The Casiotone CT-S1 is designed for anyone looking for a compact instrument with a range of sounds.
- Casio describes the CT-S1BK as offering a range of piano, organ and other sounds, a compact design and battery operation.
- Check which sockets and accessories are included with the exact version. Casio’s statements about sound authenticity are manufacturer claims.
Joybuy products for practising on a 61-key instrument
These Joybuy products are aimed at practising on a 61-key electronic keyboard instrument.
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MLS-931 digital musical instrument with 61 keys
With 61 keys, this is an option for practising film melodies with different sounds and rhythms; bear in mind that it offers a narrower range than an instrument with 76 or 88 keys.
The product title lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI and a headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard with 61 keys
This 61-key instrument is an option for practising film melodies with a metronome and sheet music on a music stand; pieces with a wider range may require more keys.
The product title lists MIDI, a recording function, built-in speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Are touch-sensitive keys the same as weighted piano keys?
No. Yamaha calls the NP-35’s 76-key keyboard Graded Soft Touch; Roland describes the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard. Choose based on the playing feel you want to practise and check the keyboard type in the specifications.
Do I need a sustain pedal for film music?
That depends on your arrangement and how you want to play. Check both the pedal socket and what’s included with the version you’re buying: Yamaha lists a sustain pedal socket for the NP-35, Korg says a PS-3 pedal switch is included with the Liano, and Roland lists the DP-10 half-damper pedal for the FP-10 as an optional extra.
How can I be considerate of housemates or neighbours?
A headphone socket lets you listen without using the built-in speakers, but the sound of the keys or your movements may still be audible. The Dutch government advises people experiencing nuisance from neighbours to discuss and agree arrangements together first; this doesn’t amount to general permission to play music audibly at any time.
What if the instrument turns out to be faulty after purchase?
In the Netherlands, a product must work as you could reasonably expect it to under normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution if a product is faulty; a shorter commercial guarantee doesn’t replace this statutory right.
Can I return a keyboard bought online if I don’t like the key action?
For an online purchase in the Netherlands, you usually have 14 days from delivery to change your mind. ACM ConsuWijzer advises checking the applicable terms and exceptions; if you buy from a regular shop, you don’t automatically have the same right to return the product because you’ve changed your mind.