Pianist preparing a recital piece
You want to practise the range, touch and, if necessary, pedal use your piece requires. Yamaha offers models with different numbers of keys and keyboard actions.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player with a small practice space
You want to be able to move or store your instrument after practising, and make sure the complete set-up will fit beforehand. Casio and Korg list the dimensions and weight of the CT-S300 and Liano respectively.
Player in a shared space
You want to practise with headphones and check which connection and accessories come with your chosen model. Roland, Korg and Alesis list different features for their models.
What should you consider when choosing?
61-key keyboard
Choose this if: all the notes in your piece fall within its range and a compact set-up is important.
Bear in mind: touch-sensitive keys are not the same as weighted hammer action.
76-key keyboard
Choose this if: 61 keys are not enough, but you do not need a weighted piano keyboard.
Bear in mind: the Yamaha PSR-EW320 is 1.148 mm wide and, according to Yamaha, has organ-style keys.
88-key digital piano with weighted keys
Choose this if: you need the full piano range or weighted action, and have enough space.
Bear in mind: also measure the stand, music rest, pedal and seating area; the Yamaha P-145BT is 1.326 mm wide.
Lightweight 88-key digital piano
Choose this if: having 88 keys and being able to move it more easily matter more than weighted hammer action.
Bear in mind: Korg specifies an LS keyboard with touch-sensitive keys for the Liano, not a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
First compare the score with the keyboard’s range and the action you need. Then measure the space for the complete playing set-up, not just the instrument.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Note range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in the piece with the range of the exact model. | I want to be able to play the whole recital piece without any of the notes I need falling outside the keyboard’s range; around 29% of shoppers give the range of the piece top priority. |
| Touch and pedal | Check which type of keyboard action the performance calls for and whether the required pedal is included in the set. | If piano-style touch or pedal use is part of my preparation, I want to be able to practise it on my chosen instrument; around 29% of shoppers prioritise these performance requirements. |
| Playing and storage space | Measure the width and depth, including the stand, music rest, pedal and seating area. | I need to be able to set up and store the instrument after practising without the complete set-up taking up more space than I have available; around 24% of shoppers prioritise space and storage. |
| Headphones and accessories | Check the connection and which accessories are included with the version on offer. | In a shared space, I want to practise quietly and make sure I have the accessories I need; around 18% of shoppers care most about headphone use and having a complete basic set-up. |
Common things to watch out for
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Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted hammer action
A keyboard with touch-sensitive keys does not automatically have the weighted action you need to practise for your recital.
Check the score and the requirements for the keyboard you will perform on before using the number of keys as your only selection criterion.
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Measuring only the instrument
The instrument’s dimensions do not tell you whether the music rest, stand, pedal and seating area will also fit. Korg notes that the listed Liano dimensions exclude the music rest.
Measure the complete playing set-up and check that you can store it after practising.
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Assuming accessories are always included
Included accessories vary by model: Korg lists a pedal switch with the Liano, while Alesis states that a sustain pedal is not included with the Recital.
Check what comes with the exact version and make sure it has the connections you need for your headphones and pedal.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383, PSR-EW320 and P-145BT offer different numbers of keys and types of keyboard action.
- Yamaha specifies 61 touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383 and 76 organ-style keys for the PSR-EW320.
- According to Yamaha, the P-145BT has 88 GHC keys and is 1.326 mm wide.
- Keyboard actions and dimensions vary by model; these details are not a brand-wide performance comparison.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a compact keyboard option, while the CDP-S110 is a separate digital piano.
- Casio lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm and its weight as 3,3 kg.
- Casio describes the CDP-S110 as having a scaled hammer-action keyboard and lists an SP-3 pedal as included.
- The CDP-S110 keyboard features do not apply to the CT-S300.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano to consider if you are comparing 88-key keyboards.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone use for the FP-10.
- Measure the complete set-up too; descriptions of the playing feel are not based on independent playing tests.
Korg
The Liano is a lightweight 88-key option if portability matters and weighted hammer action is not essential.
- Korg specifies an LS keyboard with touch-sensitive keys, a weight of 6,0 kg without batteries and music rest, and an included pedal switch.
- Korg does not describe the LS keyboard as having weighted hammer action; the music rest is not included in the stated dimensions.
Alesis
The Recital is an 88-key digital piano with semi-weighted action.
- According to Alesis, the headphone output mutes the speakers.
- Alesis states that a sustain pedal is not included; semi-weighted keys are not the same as a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
Joybuy products
Joybuy product options for practising on electronic keyboard instruments with 61 keys.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black, weighted keyboard
An option to compare if a 61-key instrument suits your recital piece.
The product name specifies a weighted keyboard and a black finish.
No image available
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
An option to compare if 61 keys are enough for your practice piece.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can you practise your recital piece on 61 keys?
You can if the lowest and highest notes you need, along with the passages in between, fit on the keyboard. Also check whether you need to practise on a weighted piano keyboard for the performance; touch sensitivity and weighted action are different features.
How do you set up a small practice space?
Measure the width and depth, including the music rest, stand, pedal and seating area. Compare these measurements with the exact model, not just the number of keys.
Are headphones or a sustain pedal always included?
No, accessories vary by model. Korg lists a pedal switch as included with the Liano; Alesis states that a sustain pedal is not included with the Recital. Also check which headphone connection the version on offer has.
Who should you contact about a fault after buying in the Netherlands?
Report a fault to the seller. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. You are entitled to a product that works properly, and the seller must offer a solution if there is a fault for which you are entitled to make a claim.
Which product safety rules apply to electronic keyboard instruments?
Electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European rules. According to Business.gov.nl, where required, the manufacturer must apply a CE mark and draw up an EU declaration of conformity. This does not confirm that an individual product being offered for sale complies with those rules.