Pianist practising finger technique
If you do piano-focused exercises, you can compare the key resistance and range of a weighted keyboard with those of a lighter keyboard. Toonaangevend describes weighted keys as a feature of a piano.
Who are these instruments suitable for?
Keyboard player sharing a space
If other people are in the rehearsal room, listening through headphones and choosing a suitable setup are practical considerations. Roland and Korg mention headphone use for the FP-10 and B2+ respectively.
Keyboard player who moves their instrument
If you regularly rearrange your rehearsal room, you can weigh up the range you need against the space your setup will take up. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as having 61 keys and the PSR-EW320 as having 76 keys.
What should you look for when choosing?
Touch-sensitive keyboard
Choose this if: you mainly practise patterns on lighter keys and a smaller range is enough.
Bear in mind: touch sensitivity is not the same as weighted key action; check whether 61 or 76 keys will be enough.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Choose this if: key resistance and exercises across the full keyboard are important for your piano playing.
Bear in mind: measure the space for the instrument and your chosen stand, and consider transport and setup.
| Consideration | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | Compare touch sensitivity and weighted key action separately, and match your choice to the exercises you do. | If I do piano-focused finger exercises, I want to practise on a key action that suits my goal. Around 33% of consumers say key action for piano technique is their main reason for buying. |
| Range and space | Check whether 61, 76 or 88 keys suit your exercises, and measure the space needed for the complete setup. | If I often need to move or store the instrument, I weigh up the range I need against the space available. Around 27% of consumers prioritise portability and space. |
| Practising in time | Check whether the exact model has a metronome and whether its controls suit the way you practise. | For repeated patterns, I want to be able to keep time on my own. For around 20% of consumers, practising to a tempo independently is the main reason for buying. |
| Shared space | Check the headphone connection on the exact model and whether you need a suitable pair of headphones or an adapter. | If other people are in the rehearsal room, I want to listen through headphones without using the speakers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sharing a space and keeping the volume down. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted keys
A keyboard that responds to how hard you play does not automatically have the key resistance of a weighted piano keyboard.
Check both features separately and choose the key action that suits your exercises.
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Assuming the setup shown is included
Korg describes the standalone B2+ and the B2+SP as different setups. Don’t assume that every model includes a stand or pedal unit without checking.
Check what’s included with the exact model before setting up your practice space.
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Assuming headphones mean completely silent practice
Headphones let you hear the amplified sound privately, but they don’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys.
If you share a space, agree on when and where you can practise too.
Relevant brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes both touch-sensitive PSR keyboards with 61 or 76 keys and the 88-key P-145.
- According to Yamaha, the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320 have lesson functions and can run on batteries; the P-145 has a GHC keyboard.
- A touch-sensitive PSR keyboard does not automatically have the weighted key action of the P-145.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano with 88 keys for piano-focused practice.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard, built-in speakers, headphone use and a metronome for the FP-10.
- The description of an authentic piano feel is a claim made by Roland, not an independent comparison. According to Roland, Bluetooth availability depends on the country.
Korg
The B2+ is an 88-key digital piano for anyone looking to do piano-focused exercises.
- Korg lists an NH keyboard, headphone and line outputs, and a metronome for the B2+.
- According to Korg, the B2+SP is a different setup with a stand and pedal unit; don’t assume these accessories are included with the standard B2+.
Joybuy products
A Joybuy product pick for anyone considering a 61-key keyboard for exercises that fit within that range.
No image available
61-key electronic keyboard, black
Could suit you if your exercises fit within a 61-key range and you’re looking for a smaller keyboard.
61 keys; black finish.
Frequently asked questions
Does touch-sensitive mean the same as weighted?
No. Touch-sensitive describes how the sound responds to the way you play; a weighted piano keyboard also has a different mechanical key resistance. Choose based on the instrument you’re practising your technique for.
What should you check before setting up the instrument in the rehearsal room?
Measure the space available and check whether the stand, music rest, power supply and any pedal are compatible with your chosen model or need to be bought separately. For example, Korg distinguishes between the standalone B2+ and the B2+SP, which comes with a stand and pedal unit.
Do you have a cooling-off period and a legal guarantee when buying online in the Netherlands?
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind; ACM ConsuWijzer explains the exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the standards you could reasonably expect during normal use. This doesn’t mean that every keyboard has a fixed statutory guarantee period.
Which CE rules apply to an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?
CE marking is required when a product falls under EU rules that require it. The European Union’s Your Europe website explains this requirement; a general product listing does not prove that a specific model meets the applicable requirements.