Pianist practising a prepared piece
You’re working on dynamics, passages for both hands and possibly pedal technique. Compare the range of your score with the keyboard, and try the action for yourself.
Who is this choice for?
Player with limited space
You want to put your instrument away after practising or fit it into a small room. Consider its width and depth, as well as the space you need for the rest of your playing area.
Player practising in a shared space
You may want to practise without using the speakers. Check the headphone socket and, if needed, agree with others on when you can practise with the sound on.
What should you look for when buying?
First, check that the keyboard suits the notes and technique in your piece. Then measure the complete setup and make sure it works for your headphone and pedal use.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and action | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your score with the number of keys. Try playing soft, loud and fast passages too. | I want to practise the full range and dynamics of my recital piece; around 36% of consumers are primarily concerned about range and action. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest, stand, chair and, if needed, pedal. | If my room is small, I want to know whether both the instrument and playing area will fit; around 29% of consumers prioritise placement and storage. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the socket on the exact version and make sure your headphones will fit it. | I practise in a shared space and want to listen without using the speakers when needed; around 21% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Pedal and accessories | Check the pedal markings in your piece and find out which pedal is included, optional or compatible. | The pedal technique in my score determines what I want to practise; around 14% of consumers prioritise pedal use. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a compact model won’t take up much width
A shallow cabinet doesn’t tell you how much width the instrument will take up. You’ll also need room for the music rest, stand and seat.
Measure the available width and depth, and map out your entire playing area before choosing a model.
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Assuming the pedal you want is included as standard
What’s included in the basic version and which pedal options are available varies by model.
Check the pedal technique your piece requires, then compare it with the contents and compatibility of the exact version.
A suitable optional pedal upgrade may mean an extra purchase.
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Choosing a keyboard without checking the whole piece fits
A 61-key model has a narrower range than an 88-key piano model. This could matter if your score includes notes outside the shorter range.
Check the lowest and highest notes in the complete piece, then decide what range and action you want to practise on.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a keyboard option, while the P-145 is a piano-focused alternative with a different range and keyboard construction.
- Yamaha says the PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys. The manufacturer describes the P-145 as having 88 weighted GHC keys.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 is optional. These product specifications aren’t an independent comparison of how the instruments feel to play.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano to consider if you’re looking for a full piano keyboard and the option to use headphones.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone use for the FP-10.
- The optional DP-10 pedal is needed for the half-pedalling feature mentioned by Roland. Manufacturer claims about sound and playing feel aren’t independent test results.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is a piano-focused option to consider if cabinet depth and an included sustain pedal matter to you.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- A shallow cabinet doesn’t guarantee that your whole playing setup will fit in your room. If the action matters for your piece, try the one described by Casio for yourself.
Joybuy products
These product picks focus on compact, touch-sensitive keyboards for practising in a small space.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit a piece that fits within 61 keys and practising with headphones. Check that the action and range work for your score.
61 weighted, touch-sensitive keys. The description also lists a metronome, music stand, USB-MIDI, headphone socket and speakers.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Could suit you if the notes in your piece fit within 61 keys and you’re looking for features for practising with sheet music and headphones.
The description lists a music stand, recording function, speakers, metronome and headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 61-key keyboard enough for my recital piece?
Only if every note in your version fits on the keyboard and the action and pedal features suit what you want to practise. Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383; according to Yamaha, the P-145 has 88 weighted GHC keys.
How can I set up a small practice area?
Before buying, measure the space you’ll need for the instrument, music rest, stand, chair and, if needed, pedal. Yamaha gives different depth measurements for the P-145 with and without the music rest; also allow for the dimensions of your chosen stand.
What should I check if I want to practise with a pedal?
Compare the pedal markings in your score with the features and included accessories of the version you’re considering. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110BK; Roland lists the DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling with the FP-10 as optional.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
For many eligible distance purchases from a business, consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. You’re also entitled to a product that meets legal requirements; in the Netherlands, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to the specific offer.
What should I consider for safety and practising with the sound on?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority advises checking the CE marking and the seller when buying electronic products online; the rules that apply depend in part on the electrical equipment. If you’re practising with the sound on in a shared building, the Dutch government recommends agreeing on music noise levels first.