Who is this guide for?

Pianist practising a recital piece

You want to practise the notes, dynamics and, if needed, pedal use at home without turning the speakers up loud.

Practising in a shared home

You want to find out whether you can play through suitable headphones while keeping the electronic sound from disturbing the people you live with.

Player with a small practice space

You’re weighing up the range of your piece against the space available for the instrument, a stand and any pedals.

What should you look for when choosing?

First compare the range and touch your piece requires, then consider headphone use, the space you have and the parts needed for your set-up.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and pedal Compare the keyboard and check which pedals are included or compatible with the instrument. I want the touch and sustain pedal to suit my piano piece. Around 31% of consumers prioritise a piano-style touch and pedal control.
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket on the exact model and whether you’ll need a suitable plug or adapter. I want to practise without the electronic sound disturbing the people I live with, while avoiding unnecessarily loud listening myself. Around 31% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Key range Compare the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music with the instrument’s range. I want to be able to play every note in my piece without any of them falling outside the keyboard’s range. For consumers who prioritise key range, this is the biggest buying concern; they make up around 23%.
Space and set-up Measure the space available and check what’s included, such as a stand, music rest, adapter or pedal. I want to know in advance whether the instrument and the parts I need will fit in my practice space. Around 15% of consumers prioritise the set-up and the parts needed.

Common pitfalls

  • Choosing based only on the number of sounds

    Extra sounds or learning features won’t make up for too few keys or a touch that doesn’t suit your piece.

    Start with your sheet music, the touch you want and whether you’ll use a pedal. Only then compare extra features.

  • Assuming headphones mean you can listen safely

    The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that the risk of hearing damage depends on factors including volume, listening time and repeated exposure to loud sounds.

    Start at a low volume and don’t turn it up unnecessarily.

  • Assuming a pedal or stand is included

    Pedal options vary by model and version; some pedals are optional.

    Check what’s included in the specific offer and whether the pedal is compatible before choosing your set-up.

    A suitable pedal or other parts may mean extra purchases and take up more space in your set-up.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The 61-key PSR-E383 and the 88-key P-145BT offer different starting points when choosing between a keyboard and an instrument designed with piano playing in mind.

  • Yamaha says the PSR-E383 has touch-sensitive keys and learning functions; according to the brand, the P-145BT has a weighted GHC keyboard.
  • The PSR-E383 has 61 keys. The three-pedal unit for the P-145BT is optional. Check that the version you’re considering has the headphone socket you need.

Roland

The FP-10 is a piano-focused option to compare if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard and the option to practise with headphones.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and headphone playback.
  • For half-pedalling, Roland specifies the optional DP-10 pedal. Roland’s statements about the sound are the brand’s own claims.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is a digital piano worth comparing if you’re weighing up the touch and the space available for a compact cabinet.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
  • Casio is the source of the description of the playing feel; check what’s included with the specific version.

Kawai

The ES120 is another piano-focused option to compare if you’re considering a weighted keyboard and a portable instrument.

  • Kawai describes a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard with graded hammer weighting.
  • This information comes from a Kawai brochure; check the version and features of the specific offer.

Joybuy products

These Joybuy products are electronic keyboard instruments with 61 keys, suitable for pieces that fall within that range. Before buying, check the connection, what’s included and the markings on the specific item. The Government of the Netherlands states that electrical appliances placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE mark.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

An option to compare if your piece fits within the 61-key range and you want to practise with headphones.

Weighted keyboard and 61 keys. The description lists a headphone socket, USB-MIDI, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.

Check that your piece fits within the range and that the markings on the item being offered meet the relevant requirements.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Worth considering if your piece fits within the 61-key range and you want to connect headphones.

The product description lists a headphone socket, recording function, metronome, speakers and music rest.

Check that your piece fits within the range and that the markings on the item being offered meet the relevant requirements.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether my piece will fit on a 61-key keyboard?

Compare the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music with the range of the version you’re planning to buy. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383; the range you need depends on your piece.

Can I practise with headphones for as long as I like?

No. Using headphones is no reason to listen at a high volume. The WHO points out that volume and listening time affect the risk of hearing damage, so start at a low volume.

Do I need to buy a pedal or stand separately?

It depends on the model and offer. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110BK, while Yamaha describes the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional. Check what’s in the specific box, too.

Does an electronic keyboard sold in the Netherlands need a CE mark?

The Government of the Netherlands states that electrical appliances placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE mark. Check the markings and product information for the specific item; a general reference to the model does not, by itself, show that the item carries the mark.

What rights do I have when buying online from a business?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, when you buy at a distance you generally have 14 days to change your mind. You’re also entitled to a product that conforms to the agreement; if there’s a problem, the seller is your point of contact for the legal guarantee. The circumstances of the purchase and any exceptions still apply.