If you want to practise piano dynamics and pedalling, start with a compact digital piano with touch-sensitive, weighted keys and a suitable sustain pedal. A smaller keyboard can save space, but check that its range suits your score and bear in mind that the keys will feel different. Whichever option you choose, measure the complete playing setup.
You want to practise soft and loud passages, as well as any pedal markings, on a piano-style keyboard. For the piano practical exams cited, ABRSM specifies, among other things, touch-sensitive, fully weighted keys and a sustain pedal.
You may need a headphone socket, and will need to plan your space around the width of the instrument, its stand and your seating position. Manufacturer specifications for models from Yamaha, Casio and Korg show that a full keyboard takes up space, even in a small room.
You might consider a smaller keyboard if the score fits within its range and you’re happy with the difference in feel compared with weighted piano keys. Yamaha, for example, describes the PSR-E383 as a touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 keys.
Choose this option if: a piano-like touch, dynamic control and the full piano range are important to you.
Bear in mind: the width of the instrument and the exact type of pedal setup.
Choose this option if: space is the deciding factor and your score fits within the keyboard’s range.
Bear in mind: touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean the keys are weighted like piano keys.
Choose this option if: you can leave the instrument in place and a consistent playing position is important.
Bear in mind: the space needed for the instrument, stand and pedal unit, as well as what’s included in your chosen bundle.
| Concern | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and range | Compare the keyboard type and range with your score and, where relevant, your teacher’s or exam board’s requirements. | If I want to practise soft and powerful passages on a piano-style keyboard, key feel comes first. Around 36% of consumers make this their top buying priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and volume on the exact model. | In a shared or noisy room, I want to practise with headphones without using the speakers. Around 29% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available space and allow for the instrument, music rest, stand and seating position. | If my practice space is tight, I want to know whether the full instrument and playing setup will fit. Around 21% of consumers give space the most weight. |
| Pedal and accessories | Check which type of pedal and setup components come with the model and bundle. | If my music calls for pedalling, I want to know in advance which pedal is suitable and what’s included. Around 14% of consumers put pedals and accessories first. |
A smaller keyboard may respond to how you play, but that doesn’t automatically make it suitable for goals that call for a piano-style keyboard.
Compare the key range and keyboard type with your score and, where relevant, your teacher’s or exam board’s requirements.
A slim cabinet with a full keyboard can still be wide. You’ll also need to allow for a music rest, stand and enough room to sit comfortably.
Measure the complete playing setup before choosing a spot.
The type of pedal included and the pedal options available vary by model.
Check whether your music calls for half-pedalling and which pedal is suitable. A compatible alternative may be available separately.
The features below apply to the product lines and models mentioned; they aren’t a general assessment of an entire brand.
The P series includes portable digital pianos with a piano-style keyboard.
The CDP-S110 is a slim 88-key digital piano, while the CT-S1 offers a different, smaller-keyboard option.
The portable FP-10 and FP-30X are piano-focused models with an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
According to Korg, the B2+ combines an 88-key NH keyboard with a headphone socket.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano with a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
It depends on the range of your score and the aims of your lessons. Touch sensitivity isn’t the same as weighted piano keys. The ABRSM practical exams cited have specific requirements, including a full set of weighted keys and a sustain pedal; these exam requirements don’t automatically apply to every student learning at home.
Use a stand designed for the exact model and follow the assembly instructions. In the FP-10 manual, Roland warns that an incorrectly assembled stand could topple over.
Check that the included pedal suits your music and whether you want to practise half-pedalling. Casio lists an SP-3 damper pedal with the CDP-S110; for the FP-10, Roland specifies an optional DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling.
According to the Dutch government, you generally have 14 days to change your mind when buying at a distance, although there are exceptions. For a faulty product, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets says the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee; the specific circumstances determine which rules apply.
The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the EU market must carry a CE marking. Check the marking on the product being offered; information about a model on a manufacturer’s website doesn’t automatically confirm the marking on the specific version you’re buying.
