Who is this keyboard for?

Two players sharing one keyboard

You want to practise separate duet parts at the same time. Yamaha lists a duet mode on the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320; check that the shared key range suits both parts.

Solo player practising with a second part

You want to hear a second part while you play. Casio describes the option to practise individual parts from built-in songs; Yamaha specifies two-track recording on the PSR-EW320.

Home studio recording

You want to record a part in software. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR models reviewed, Roland lists audio and MIDI over USB for the GO:KEYS 3, and Medeli lists USB-MIDI for the MK200.

What should you look for when choosing?

Playing together on one keyboard

Choose this option: if you want to play the same instrument at the same time. Yamaha lists a duet mode for the 61-key PSR-E383 and the 76-key PSR-EW320.

Bear in mind: the keys are shared, so duet mode isn’t a substitute for a second instrument.

Practising alone with a second part

Choose this option: if you want to play the other part yourself and listen back later. Yamaha specifies two recording tracks for the PSR-EW320.

Bear in mind: Casio describes part selection for built-in songs on the CT-S400; this doesn’t confirm that you can record your own duet part.

Recording with software

Choose this option: if you want to record parts in a computer program. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR models reviewed; Roland lists audio and MIDI over USB for the GO:KEYS 3.

Bear in mind: USB-MIDI on the Medeli MK200 isn’t the same as USB audio; check which connection your software workflow requires.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Playing together and key range Check for a duet mode and compare the lowest and highest notes in both parts with the shared layout. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383 and 76 for the PSR-EW320. If I’m playing with my duet partner, I want to know whether both parts fit within the shared layout. Around 36% of consumers prioritise playing together and range.
Playing back your own second part Check whether the model can record and play back your own part, and look at the number of tracks and how the controls work. If I’m practising alone, I want to hear my own second part back rather than just an accompaniment. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this.
Recording in software Check whether the model offers USB-MIDI, USB audio or both, and which connection your recording software uses. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR models reviewed; Medeli lists USB-MIDI for the MK200. If I want to record my part on a computer, the connection needs to suit what I want to record. Around 21% of consumers prioritise recording with software.
Quiet practice and space Measure the available width and check that the keyboard has a socket compatible with your headphones. Yamaha lists the PSR-EW320 as 1,148 mm wide and the PSR-E383 as 941 mm; Medeli lists the MK200 as 946 mm. If I want to practise quietly at home and space is limited, both the headphone socket and the available space need to work for me. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking automatic accompaniment for your duet partner

    An accompaniment pattern or a part from a built-in song may not match the second part of your piece.

    Check specifically whether you can record and play back your own part. Treat this as separate from duet mode, which is designed for playing together.

  • Assuming USB-MIDI means USB audio

    USB-MIDI and USB audio aren’t the same. Medeli lists USB-MIDI for the MK200; Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR models reviewed.

    Before buying, decide whether you want to record performance data, the keyboard’s sound or both in your software, then check which connection you need.

  • Comparing only the total number of keys

    When playing together on one instrument, what matters is the range each player actually needs. Of the Yamaha models compared, the PSR-EW320 has more keys than the PSR-E383 and also needs more width for setup.

    Check the notes in both parts and measure the space where you plan to put the keyboard.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The portable PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320 keyboards reviewed are worth considering if you want to practise together on one instrument or need recording features.

  • Yamaha lists duet mode and USB audio/MIDI for both models. The PSR-EW320 has 76 keys, compared with 61 on the PSR-E383.
  • Duet mode shares one keyboard, so compare the range of your parts with the layout. Yamaha specifies two recording tracks for the PSR-EW320.

Casio

The Casiotone CT-S400 may suit you if you use built-in songs, practise individual parts and want automatic accompaniment.

  • Casio describes the option to select the left- or right-hand part in built-in songs and practise it separately.
  • This feature doesn’t confirm that you can record and play back your own second duet part.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if sounds, accompaniment and connecting to recording software are important to you.

  • Roland lists 61 keys, Bluetooth MIDI and audio/MIDI transfer over USB.
  • These connections don’t confirm a split-keyboard layout for two people playing at the same time. Check for this feature separately if playing together is your main use.

Medeli

The MK200 is a 61-key keyboard to compare if you want to practise with a software instrument over USB-MIDI.

  • Medeli lists touch-sensitive keys, USB-MIDI and a headphone/output socket.
  • USB-MIDI doesn’t confirm that the sound can be recorded as audio over USB; check that the connections suit your recording workflow.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is duet mode the same as playing back a second duet part?

No. Yamaha describes duet mode as a layout that lets two people play the same instrument at the same time. If you want to practise alone alongside a part you’ve recorded, check the recording and playback features separately.

How do I connect a keyboard to my home studio?

First, decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the sound as audio or both. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR models reviewed; Medeli lists USB-MIDI for the MK200. Then check that the connection and settings work with your recording software.

What should I consider if I practise with headphones for a long time?

Check that the keyboard has a compatible headphone socket and start at a low volume. The World Health Organization recommends keeping the volume down.

What consumer rights apply when buying online in the Netherlands or receiving a faulty product?

For online distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases; conditions and exceptions apply. If a product is faulty, you’re entitled to a product that meets the required standard, and the seller is your point of contact. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands.