Practising at home with housemates
You want to practise left-hand patterns while other people are at home. So, check for a headphone socket and bear in mind that the keys may still be audible.
Who is this suitable for?
Piano-focused learner
You practise patterns that you’ll later need to play on a piano, or need a wider range for notes in both hands. Compare a compact keyboard with a model with 88 weighted keys.
Player with limited storage space
You put the instrument away after practising. Compare the range of keys you need with the space available, and check whether the instrument can be set up and stored there easily.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact keyboard with 61 keys
A good fit if: your patterns fit within the keyboard’s range and you want to put the instrument away after use.
Keep in mind: it has a smaller range than a model with 88 keys. Also check whether the specific model has a headphone socket.
Keyboard with 76 keys
A good fit if: 61 keys limit your practice, but you don’t need a full 88-key keyboard.
Keep in mind: the Dutch product page for the Casio CT-S1-76BK lists 76 keys. If you want to practise quietly, check separately whether the specific model has a headphone socket.
Portable digital piano with 88 weighted keys
A good fit if: you need a piano-style feel or more room between low notes in your left hand and the part played by your right hand. Roland lists 88 keys and headphone playback for the FP-10; Korg lists a headphone connection for the B2.
Keep in mind: a larger instrument needs more space to set up. Also check which stand and pedals are included with the model you choose.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising without sound from the speakers | Check for a headphone socket and make sure you have the right plug or adapter for the specific model. Ask your housemates whether they can hear the keys where you plan to practise. | If I practise while other people are at home, I want to avoid sound from the speakers and know what they can still hear. Around 36% of consumers prioritise practising quietly above all else. |
| Key range and touch | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your pattern with the model’s range, and consider whether weighted keys suit your practice goals. | If I need my patterns to work on a piano later, or the notes in each hand are far apart, I look at range and touch. Around 29% of consumers prioritise piano range or weighted keys. |
| Setting up and storage | Measure the space available, including room for a stand and cables. Compare it with the dimensions of the specific model and the number of keys. | If I need to put the instrument away after practising, I want to know whether it will fit in the space available without sacrificing more range than necessary. Around 21% of consumers consider setup and storage the most important factor. |
| Practice aids | Check whether the metronome or lesson features suit the way you practise patterns, and whether you can hear them through your chosen listening setup. | If I mainly want to practise timing and repetition, I check whether the built-in aids are suitable. Around 14% of consumers make practice features their top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Thinking that headphones block out all sound
Headphones can prevent sound from coming through the speakers if the model is designed for this, but that doesn’t mean your housemates won’t hear the keys.
Check the connection on the specific model, and agree with your housemates on where and when you’ll practise.
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Choosing a compact keyboard without checking your pattern’s range
The models listed have 61, 76 or 88 keys. A pattern with low notes alongside a part for the other hand won’t necessarily fit on every keyboard.
Before you choose, check the lowest and highest notes you play at the same time in your own exercises.
If you need a wider range later, you may need to upgrade to an instrument with more keys.
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Assuming the stand or pedal unit shown is included
What’s included can vary between models. Korg distinguishes the B2 from the B2SP configuration, which comes with a stand and three pedals.
Check what’s included with the specific model and allow space for any extra accessories you may need.
Depending on the model you choose, you may need to buy a stand or pedal unit separately.
Brands to compare
Casio
The CT-S1 is a compact option with 61 keys; according to Casio, the CT-S1-76BK has 76 keys.
- Casio describes the CT-S1 as compact. The Dutch manual for this model lists an optional headphone connection.
- The features described in the CT-S1 manual don’t automatically apply to the CT-S1-76BK. Check the connections on that model separately.
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys and practice features; the P-145 is an 88-key option.
- Yamaha’s model information covers options for compact practice as well as a keyboard with 88 keys.
- Check that the connection on the specific UK model is suitable for practising with headphones.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano with 88 keys, headphone playback and a metronome.
- The model information listed makes it suitable for piano-focused practice across a wider range.
- Bear in mind that it needs more space to set up; Roland’s claims about playing feel are manufacturer claims.
Korg
According to Korg, the B2 has 88 weighted keys, a headphone socket and an adjustable metronome.
- Korg specifies that the B2 is 1.312 mm wide and includes a damper pedal.
- The B2SP, with its stand and three pedals, is a different configuration. Check which accessories are included with the model you’re considering.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key keyboards for patterns that fit within that range. Compare the specifications of the specific model with your need for a headphone socket and the storage space available.
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MLS-931 keyboard, 61 keys
Suitable for left-hand patterns that fit within a 61-key range.
The product name lists weighted keys, a headphone socket and USB-MIDI.
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Digital keyboard, 61 keys
Suitable for left-hand patterns that fit within a 61-key range.
The product name lists a metronome, recording function and MIDI controller function.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise completely silently with headphones?
No, don’t assume you’ll be able to practise in complete silence. Headphones can prevent sound from coming through the speakers if the model is designed for this, but the keys may still be audible. Casio lists a headphone connection for the CT-S1, and Roland lists headphone playback for the FP-10.
How do I choose the right key range for a left-hand pattern?
Compare the lowest and highest notes you want to play at the same time, including any part for your other hand, with the instrument’s range. A keyboard with 61 keys, a model with 76 keys and a digital piano with 88 keys all offer different ranges. Choose a wider keyboard only if your exercises require it.
What should I check when setting up the instrument and choosing accessories?
Measure the space for the instrument, stand and cables, and check what’s included with the specific model. Korg lists a power adapter, music stand and damper pedal with the B2; the B2SP has a stand and a pedal unit with three pedals. Follow the manual for your chosen model when connecting and maintaining it.
What are my rights if an instrument I bought online doesn’t work properly?
According to the Government of the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that works properly; there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period. The seller must resolve a problem in line with the applicable legal requirements. In many cases, online purchases from a business also come with a 14-day cooling-off period. The exact rules depend on the purchase in question.
Can I practise with headphones at any time in a shared home?
Using headphones doesn’t give you a general exemption from the rules or agreements that apply where you live. The Government of the Netherlands points out that local authorities may have rules about nuisance to neighbours, and recommends agreeing on noise levels. Check the rules and agreements that apply to your living situation.