For immediate practice with a variety of sounds, choose a touch-sensitive keyboard with built-in sounds. If piano parts and a full-size keyboard are your priority, consider a digital piano. A MIDI controller is best suited to you if you already work with a computer, DAW and software instruments. Also compare the number of keys, connections, available space and any accessories you may need.
You want to practise dynamics and piano parts carefully. Decide whether a compact keyboard offers enough range or whether you need a full-size piano keyboard. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as having touch-sensitive keys, while Roland specifies that the FP-10 has an 88-key keyboard.
You want to start playing straight away and switch between sounds such as piano and strings, without turning on a computer for every practice session. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as having built-in sounds and accompaniments; Casio lists touch response for the CT-S300.
You work in a computer-based home studio and want a keyboard to control software instruments. Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 as a touch-sensitive controller with DAW controls.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Expression and range | Compare touch response and key action separately. Check whether 61 or 88 keys are right for the pieces you want to play. | If I want to practise piano parts carefully, I look at dynamics, key action and range. Around 33% of shoppers with this priority put piano playing and expression first. |
| Built-in film sounds | Check which sounds and accompaniments are available, and whether they’re easy to use while practising. | If I want to switch between different sounds without a computer, I check which sounds the instrument offers itself. Around 27% of shoppers with this priority want to play film sounds straight away. |
| DAW and software instruments | Check the connection, compatibility with your computer and DAW, and the terms of any software included. | If I want to build up parts in recording software, I need a reliable connection to my computer and software instruments. Around 20% of shoppers with this priority mainly want to produce music in a DAW. |
| Quiet practice and setup | Measure the available space and check the headphone connection, power supply and included accessories. | If I practise in a shared home or have limited space, a suitable setup and the option to play quietly are important. Around 20% of shoppers with this priority value compact, quiet practice most. |
Touch response doesn’t automatically mean that the keys have the same action as piano keys. A 61-key keyboard also has a different range from the 88-key digital piano in this comparison.
Compare the key action and number of keys separately against the parts you want to practise.
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is designed to control software instruments via MIDI. To hear what you play, you’ll need to set up the software and audio output.
Before buying, check compatibility with your computer and DAW, the audio equipment you’ll need, and the licence terms for any software.
Depending on the version, you may need to buy a cable, stand or pedal separately.
The PSR-E383 is an example of a keyboard for practising straight away, with built-in sounds and accompaniments.
The CT-S300 is an example of a compact keyboard with touch response.
The FP-10 represents the digital piano option, with an 88-key keyboard.
The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is designed for a computer-based studio setup with DAW controls.
You need a computer to use the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 to control software instruments via USB MIDI. Arturia also describes how to set up the audio output. If you want to practise without a computer, choose an instrument that produces its own sounds.
Check the audio and headphone connections on the version you’re considering. For a DAW setup, Arturia describes how to select the right MIDI port and audio output. Also check whether cables, a pedal and a stand are included with the instrument.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, when you buy a product online in the usual way, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. A product must also meet what you can reasonably expect; if it’s faulty, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution.
No. According to information from the Dutch government, a CE mark indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable EU rules; it isn’t a quality mark. The rules that apply depend on the specific version and may also cover the power supply or wireless features.
