Student in a shared practice room
You want to practise a ballad while other people are nearby. Check that your chosen instrument has a suitable headphone socket and fits in the space available.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Beginner ballad player
You want to learn to play melodies and chords with varying dynamics without first connecting a computer. Yamaha and Casio describe touch response on the models mentioned here.
Player who wants accompaniment
You want to hear a rhythm or automatic chord accompaniment while practising, and decide how much of the left-hand part to play yourself. Yamaha, Korg and Roland describe accompaniment features on specific models.
What should you consider when choosing?
| Consideration | What to look for | Which consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check whether the model has a headphone output and whether it is compatible with your headphones. | If I practise while other people are in the music room, I want to be able to listen to my playing through headphones. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Touch response and key range | Try the touch response and compare the lowest and highest notes required by your arrangement with the instrument’s range. | If I want to practise melodies and chords with a lighter or firmer touch, I want to know how the keys respond and whether my part fits the range. Around 29% of consumers prioritise expressive playing. |
| Accompaniment | Check which rhythm or chord accompaniment features are available and whether you want to play the left-hand part yourself. | If I want to practise a ballad with rhythm or accompaniment, I want to decide in advance how much of the part I’ll play myself. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing along with accompaniment. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space available, including width and depth, and compare it with the dimensions and weight of the exact version. | If I need to move the instrument between practice sessions or have limited space, I want it to fit my set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise portability. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys
Touch response means that the way you strike a key can affect the sound. For the separate P-145, Yamaha describes a GHC action; this is a different feature from touch sensitivity alone.
Consider dynamics and the playing feel you want separately. If you’re unsure, try the keys and compare them with the technique you want to practise.
If you later need a different key action, you may have to choose a new instrument.
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Not measuring the complete practice space
According to Casio and Yamaha, the Casio CT-S300 and Yamaha P-145 differ in dimensions and weight. Measuring only the space for the instrument doesn’t account for room for the player and sheet music.
Measure the complete set-up and check the dimensions of the exact version before you choose.
Depending on where you put it, you may still need a different set-up or a suitable stand.
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Assuming accessories are always included
Alesis describes the Harmony 61 MK3 bundle as including headphones, a sustain pedal, a stand and a bench. This doesn’t automatically apply to other keyboards or versions.
Check which accessories are included with the specific version and which connections you need.
If any items are missing, you may need to buy headphones, a pedal or a stand separately.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
In this comparison, Yamaha offers both the standalone PSR-E383 keyboard and the separate P-145 digital piano.
- For the PSR-E383, Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, lesson functions and automatic styles.
- The P-145 is a separate model with 88 keys and a GHC action. Yamaha lists a width of 1.326 mm and a weight of 11,1 kg.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a keyboard for anyone looking to combine touch response with an instrument that can be moved around.
- Casio lists touch response for the CT-S300, along with dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and a weight of 3,3 kg.
- Touch response and the playing feel you want are separate considerations. Compare the key action with the piano technique you want to practise.
Korg
The EK-50 is designed for players who want to use accompaniment styles while practising.
- Korg lists accompaniment styles and 61 touch-sensitive keys for the EK-50.
- The EK-50 Limitless is a separate version with different speakers and additional sounds, so check the exact model name.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is aimed at playing and making music with sounds, chord patterns and accompaniment.
- Roland lists 61 keys and automatic accompaniment for this model.
- Accompaniment features make this model suitable for practising with backing, but they don’t determine on their own whether its range will suit a complete piano part.
Alesis
Alesis describes the Harmony 61 MK3 as a beginner’s bundle with a keyboard, stand, bench, headphones and sustain pedal.
- A bundle with these items can reduce the number of accessories you need to choose separately.
- Check that the specific offer is for the Harmony 61 MK3 bundle; the bundle description doesn’t tell you what’s included with every offer.
Joybuy products for independent practice
The products below are 61-key keyboards for independent practice. Compare their range with your arrangement and check the headphone socket and included accessories. Business.gov.nl explains the applicable European requirements for electrical equipment. For the specific version, check the relevant CE marking and EU declaration of conformity. Models with Bluetooth are also subject to applicable rules for radio equipment.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The headphone socket and metronome are useful for practising in a shared space and keeping time.
The product information lists 61 keys, 300 rhythms, recording and playback, USB-MIDI and two built-in 3 W speakers.
Compare the range of 61 keys with the notes in your arrangement.
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Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and bench
The headphone socket and lesson mode are useful if you want to practise independently. Check that the set fits your practice space.
The product information lists 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, 50 demo tracks, a three-level lesson mode, and USB-MIDI and OTG connections.
The set name mentions a stand, bench and music stand. Compare the key range with your arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
For this pop ballad, should you choose 61 or 88 keys?
Compare the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement with the instrument’s range. A 61-key keyboard may suit a part that falls within that range. Choose a digital piano with 88 keys if your part extends beyond it or you mainly want to practise piano technique on weighted keys.
What should you check before practising in a shared music room?
Check that the instrument has a suitable headphone output and that you can set it up securely. Also check which accessories are included with the exact version. For example, Alesis describes headphones and a sustain pedal for the Harmony 61 MK3 bundle, but these aren’t automatically included with other models or offers.
What safety information should you check for an electric keyboard?
Business.gov.nl explains that electrical equipment is subject to the applicable European requirements. If conformity has been demonstrated, the manufacturer must apply the CE marking and draw up an EU declaration of conformity. Versions with Bluetooth are also subject to applicable rules for radio equipment, so check the information for the specific version.