Who is this buying guide for?

Beginner learning film melodies

If you want to learn individual melodies and chords, check that the arrangement fits within the keyboard’s range. Touch-sensitive keys and lesson features may be useful; Yamaha lists these features for the PSR-E383.

Practising in a small space

If you share a small room or want to keep noise to a minimum, measure the space for the instrument, music rest and chair. Dimensions and a suitable headphone socket are practical things to consider.

Piano-focused film music player

If you want to practise piano parts with a wider range and have enough space, compare 88-key instruments by their key action and dimensions. Yamaha and Korg list different key actions for the P-145 and Liano.

What should you look for when choosing?

The percentages below reflect the priorities of consumers choosing a keyboard to practise film themes in a small practice space.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Will the instrument fit in your space? Measure the available width and depth, including space for a music rest and chair. Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm; Korg lists the Liano as 1.282 × 290 × 73 mm, excluding the music rest. If you use a shared or small room, you’ll want to know whether the instrument and its setup will fit. Space is the main concern for around 33% of consumers.
Can you practise quietly? Check the type of headphone socket and whether you might need a suitable plug or adapter. Start at a low volume and, if needed, agree some ground rules with housemates or neighbours; the Dutch government recommends discussing noise issues with your neighbours first. If you want to practise without making noise through the speakers, the socket and listening volume both matter. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Does the keyboard range suit your arrangement? Check the lowest and highest notes you want to play and compare them with the number of keys. Yamaha states that the PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys; Korg and Yamaha list 88 keys for the Liano and P-145 respectively, with different key actions. If you want to play the piano part as arranged, first check that all the notes fall within the instrument’s range. Playing range and touch response are the main considerations for around 27% of consumers.
Would you like lesson features or a range of sounds? Compare the listed lesson features, accompaniment options and sounds with what you want to practise. Yamaha describes lesson features and accompaniment for the PSR-E383; Roland lists more than 1,000 sounds and automatic accompaniment for the GO:KEYS 3. If you want to practise with lessons on your own or explore different instrument sounds, consider which features you’ll actually use. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Calling an 88-key instrument compact without measuring your room

    A wider keyboard takes up more space. The Korg Liano is listed as 1.282 mm wide and the Yamaha P-145 as 1.326 mm wide; the Liano’s listed dimensions exclude the music rest.

    Measure the available space and allow for the full setup before choosing a model.

    You may need a suitable stand or to rearrange the room to accommodate the setup.

  • Assuming lots of sounds means your favourite film theme is built in

    A list of sounds or practice features doesn’t confirm that a particular film track or arrangement is available on the instrument.

    Check which lessons and songs are included separately, and compare them with the version you want to play.

  • Not checking what’s included with the version you’ve chosen

    Accessories vary by model and version. Korg lists an adapter, music rest and pedal switch for the Liano; this doesn’t tell you what’s included with another model or bundle.

    Before buying, check what’s in the box and whether the required power supply, stand, pedal and headphones are included.

    If an essential accessory is missing, you may need to source it separately.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a lesson-focused 61-key keyboard; the P-145 is an 88-key model designed with piano players in mind.

  • Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys, lesson features and accompaniment for the PSR-E383.
  • Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide. Check that the arrangement fits within the range of the model you choose.

Casio

According to Casio Netherlands, the CT-S300 is a compact keyboard with touch response.

  • Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm and weighing 3,3 kg.
  • Dimensions alone don’t tell you anything about sound quality. Check the connections and included accessories for the version you’re looking at.

Roland

Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as a 61-key keyboard for exploring sounds and accompaniment.

  • According to Roland, the GO:KEYS 3 includes more than 1,000 sounds, including orchestral instruments, and automatic accompaniment.
  • These features don’t confirm that a particular film soundtrack or lesson for your arrangement is included.

Korg

The Liano is a piano-focused option with 88 touch-sensitive LS keys.

  • Korg lists eight sounds, a headphone socket, an adapter, a music rest and a pedal switch for the Liano.
  • The listed width is 1.282 mm, excluding the music rest. The LS key action is different from the GHC key action on the Yamaha P-145.

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Frequently asked questions

Are 61 keys enough for my film theme?

It depends on the arrangement you want to play, so check the lowest and highest notes first. A 61-key keyboard has a narrower physical range than an 88-key instrument, but the number of keys alone won’t tell you whether your particular arrangement will fit.

How can I set up a small practice space?

Measure the available width and depth, and allow space for a music rest and chair too. Check the dimensions of the exact model; for example, Korg notes that the published dimensions for the Liano exclude the music rest.

Can I practise with headphones without disturbing anyone?

A headphone socket lets you practise without sound coming from the speakers, but it won’t automatically eliminate all audible sounds or any potential disturbance. Keep the listening volume low and discuss any noise concerns with housemates or neighbours; VeiligheidNL recommends being mindful of headphone volume.

What if the keyboard I bought online isn’t right for me or is faulty?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to exceptions. If there’s a fault, contact the seller to arrange a solution; according to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period.

Can I play a keyboard at home without a permit?

Don’t assume the same answer applies to every home: check the house rules and any local arrangements that apply to your situation. The Dutch government recommends discussing noise issues with your neighbours first.