Piano technique student
Practises fingering and dynamics on the piano and wants to check whether their learning materials require the full range and a weighted action. Yamaha and Korg describe these features for their 88-key models covered here.
Who is this guide for?
Practising in a shared room
Wants to avoid using the speakers during practice sessions, so checks for a suitable headphone socket and listens at a sensible volume. Korg and Casio list headphone sockets on the models mentioned.
Student with a temporary practice space
Needs to set up and put away the instrument, so compares the key range, dimensions and accessories required. Dimensions and included accessories can vary by model and version.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the range and action your exercises require. Then check whether you can practise quietly and whether the complete playing setup will fit in the room.
Portable digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Choose this option if: you practise piano technique with a weighted action or your material uses the full piano range.
Bear in mind: the space you’ll need and exactly what’s included in the stand and pedal bundle.
Touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 keys
Choose this option if: your finger exercises fit within 61 keys and you want to put the instrument away after use.
Bear in mind: the more limited range; touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean the keys are weighted.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and range | Compare the highest and lowest notes in your exercises with the keyboard, and check whether you need a weighted action. | If I’m practising piano technique, I want the keys and range to suit my learning materials. Around 36% of consumers prioritise key action and range. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the socket type on the exact model and start at a low listening volume. | In a shared music room, I want to practise without sound coming from the speakers. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Setting up and putting away | Measure the space available for the instrument, stand and seat, and check the key range you need. | If my practice space is temporary, I want to know whether the instrument and playing setup will fit and can be put away afterwards. Around 21% of consumers prioritise how the instrument fits in their space. |
| Complete practice setup | For each version, check whether the adapter, pedal, stand and practice features you want are included. | I want to know in advance which accessories I need for my exercises and what comes with the version I choose. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a complete practice setup. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys
A touch-sensitive keyboard responds to how hard you press a key, but that doesn’t mean it has a weighted piano action. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys; Yamaha and Korg specify a weighted action with 88 keys for the digital pianos mentioned.
First, work out the key range and type of action your exercises require, then compare the specifications of the exact models.
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Assuming everything shown in a product photo is included
A pedal or stand shown in a product photo may not be included with the version you choose. Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2, but the PU-2 three-pedal unit is optional. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional.
Check the list of accessories for the version you’re choosing.
A suitable stand or pedal unit may need to be bought separately.
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Measuring only the instrument
A piano setup also needs space for the stand, pedals and seat. Korg gives separate dimensions for the B2 itself and for the instrument with an optional stand.
Measure the space available for both the instrument and the complete playing setup.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The models covered here represent two different options: the P-145, a digital piano with 88 weighted keys, and the PSR-E383, a keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys.
- Yamaha specifies a GHC action with 88 keys for the P-145, and lesson functions for the PSR-E383.
- The PSR-E383 has a shorter range than an 88-key piano. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK covered here is a digital piano with a scaled hammer action, as described by Casio.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal for this model.
- For a good fit, compare the other dimensions too and check which accessories come with the version you choose.
Korg
According to Korg’s Dutch specifications, the B2 covered here is a digital piano with 88 NH keys and a weighted action.
- Korg lists a metronome, a PHONES socket and an included damper pedal for the B2.
- The PU-2 three-pedal unit is listed as optional; don’t confuse it with the included damper pedal.
Joybuy products
This Joybuy selection includes 61-key instruments for exercises that fit within that range. Both descriptions mention a headphone socket and a metronome.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
An option for exercises that fit within 61 keys. The description mentions a headphone socket for practising without sound from the speakers.
The product name lists a recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. The description also mentions USB-MIDI.
Image not available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 weighted keys, black
The description mentions a headphone socket for practising without sound from the speakers. The instrument has 61 keys, so it’s suitable only if your practice material stays within that range.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music stand. The description also mentions recording and a metronome.
Frequently asked questions
Are 61 keys enough for your finger exercises?
They may be, if all the notes in your exercises fit within the keyboard’s range and your course doesn’t require a weighted piano keyboard for these exercises. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a model with 61 touch-sensitive keys; according to Yamaha and Korg, the P-145 and B2 have 88 keys with a weighted action.
How can you practise with headphones while protecting your hearing?
Check that the socket is compatible with your headphones and start at a low volume. The World Health Organization recommends, among other things, setting the volume to no more than 60% of the maximum and taking regular breaks. This is general listening advice, not a measured safe maximum for a specific keyboard.
Do you need to buy a pedal, adapter or stand separately?
It depends on the model and the version you choose. Korg lists an adapter and damper pedal as included with the B2, but the PU-2 three-pedal unit is optional. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional. Check the accessories list for the specific offer.
What warranty and cooling-off period apply to purchases in the Netherlands?
When you buy as a private consumer, you’re entitled to a product that conforms to the contract; in the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory warranty period. For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to applicable exceptions. The Dutch government explains your statutory warranty rights, while ACM ConsuWijzer provides information about the cooling-off period. If your educational institution is buying for business purposes, don’t assume the same consumer rules apply.
Does an electronic keyboard instrument need a CE mark?
That depends on the product rules that apply to the specific version. According to the European Union, CE marking is required for products covered by harmonised EU rules. Check the product information and applicable conformity requirements. A CE mark on its own is not an independent quality or performance test.