Start with the range your minor-scale exercises require, then choose an instrument you can play with suitable headphones. A compact keyboard could be a good fit if storage space is your main concern. If you want weighted keys for piano technique, a digital piano may be more suitable, provided you have room for it and can accept that key and pedal noise may still be audible.
You practise while other people are at home and want to hear the instrument through suitable headphones. Also consider noise from the keys and pedal: Roland points out that these can cause physical noise or vibrations on digital pianos with hammer-action keys.
You want to play the minor scales in your lesson materials, perhaps with both hands or across several octaves. Compare the lowest and highest notes in your exercises with the range of the exact model.
You prioritise a weighted piano keyboard and can set aside a larger space for practising. Korg specifies an 88-key NH keyboard for the B2+; Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard for the FP-30X.
A good fit if: your exercises fall within its range, you want to put the instrument away when you’re not using it, and a light touch is sufficient.
Bear in mind: it has a smaller range, and touch sensitivity alone does not mean the keys are weighted.
A good fit if: your exercises don’t fit comfortably within 61 keys, but you don’t need a full piano keyboard.
Bear in mind: the Yamaha PSR-EW320 is 1,148 mm wide and, according to Yamaha, has organ-style keys.
A good fit if: the full piano range and piano-style touch matter more to you than being able to store it away easily.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space to set it up, and the keys or pedal may make mechanical noise; headphones won’t block out this contact noise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise for other people at home | Check the headphone socket and plug size on the exact model, and consider how much noise the keys and pedal will make where you plan to use it. | If I practise while other people are at home, I want to hear the instrument through headphones and know how much contact noise remains. Around 26% of consumers put minimising noise disturbance first. |
| Key range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your exercises with the range of the exact instrument. | I want to play my minor scales across the octaves and with the hand positions I need. Around 26% of consumers give having enough range for practice top priority. |
| Setting up and storage | Measure the space available for the instrument and allow room for a music rest and somewhere to sit. | If I need to put my instrument away after every practice session, the space available will determine my choice. Around 21% of consumers put storage space first. |
| Touch for piano technique | Look up the key action on the exact model; touch-sensitive does not automatically mean weighted. | I want to practise piano technique, so I’m specifically looking for a weighted keyboard. Around 16% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| What you’ll need | Check what’s included with the specific version and whether you’ll also need headphones, a power supply, stand or pedal. | If I want to make sure I have everything I need, I check what’s included before buying. Around 11% of consumers prioritise the extra accessories they need. |
Touch sensitivity is not the same as having a weighted piano keyboard. Yamaha specifies organ-style keys for the PSR-EW320; Korg lists a weighted NH keyboard for the B2+.
If you want to practise piano technique, check the description of the key action on the exact model.
The range you need depends on the starting and ending notes, the number of octaves and the hand positions used in your exercises.
Before choosing a compact instrument, compare the lowest and highest notes in your exercises with the model’s range.
Roland warns that the hammer-action keys and pedals on its digital pianos can cause physical noise or vibrations, even when you’re listening through headphones.
Discuss where to set up the instrument with the people you live with, and check how much contact noise you can hear in the room where you plan to practise.
The Casio CT-S300 manual states that headphones are sold separately. For the B2+ described here, Korg lists a supplied adapter and damper pedal.
Check what’s included with the specific offer and see whether you’ll need any additional items.
These brands are relevant to the models mentioned; features of one model do not necessarily apply to other product ranges from the same brand.
The NP-15 is a lightweight 61-key option, while the PSR-EW320 has 76 keys.
The Casiotone CT-S300 is a compact keyboard with touch-sensitive keys.
The B2+ is an 88-key option with a weighted NH keyboard.
According to Roland, the FP-30X combines a PHA-4 keyboard with 88 keys and headphone outputs.
These Joybuy product options are 61-key instruments with a headphone socket. Check that the range of the model you choose covers the lowest and highest notes in your exercises.
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The product name lists a headphone socket; check whether 61 keys cover the range of your exercises.
Listed features: weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD, USB-MIDI, speakers and music rest.
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The product name lists a headphone socket and metronome; check that the 61-key range suits your exercises.
Also listed: MIDI controller, recording function, speakers and music rest.
First, check which minor scale, starting note, fingering and number of octaves your lesson materials require. ABRSM recommends practising at a steady pace with a metronome, then gradually increasing the tempo. To check the range you need, compare the lowest and highest notes in your exercises with the keyboard.
No. Headphones won’t block out every mechanical sound. Roland says the hammer-action keys and pedals on its digital pianos can cause noise or vibrations. If necessary, discuss where to set up the instrument with the people you live with.
If a product is faulty, you can ask the seller to put things right under the Dutch statutory guarantee. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period; when you buy online from a business, you’ll also usually have 14 days to change your mind.
