Which option suits you?

Player of full piano parts

You want to practise film themes with both hands and are comparing the range and key action of 76- or 88-key instruments with the parts you play.

Player of melodies and chords

You want to practise on your own with built-in sounds or accompaniment, and are looking for an instrument that fits in your music room.

Student using music software

You want to use the notes you play in software and can set up the computer and audio equipment you’ll need.

What should you look for when choosing?

Standalone 61-key keyboard

A good fit if: you mainly want to play melodies and chords and practise without a computer; Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a touch-sensitive keyboard with accompaniment Styles.

Bear in mind: it has a smaller range than the 76- or 88-key models considered here, so check your arrangement.

Standalone 76-key keyboard

A good fit if: you want a standalone keyboard and your parts need a wider range than 61 keys; Yamaha describes the PSR-EW320 as a touch-sensitive 76-key model.

Bear in mind: it doesn’t have the full range of 88 keys and takes up more space than a shorter keyboard.

88-key digital piano

A good fit if: you want to practise full piano parts and have room for a larger instrument.

Bear in mind: 88 keys don’t automatically mean hammer action: Korg describes the Liano as having a touch-sensitive LS keyboard, while Roland specifies hammer action for the FP-30X.

MIDI controller with music software

A good fit if: you want to practise or edit using a computer and software instrument; Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 as having USB-C MIDI.

Bear in mind: you’ll need a working computer, a software instrument and audio output; this isn’t a standalone setup for playing.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Key range and touch Compare the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement with the exact model, and check the key action too. If I want to practise piano parts with both hands, I need to know whether all my notes are within the instrument’s range. Around 36% of consumers prioritise range and key action above all else.
Sounds and accompaniment Check which built-in sounds and accompaniment or lesson features you want to use for your pieces. If I want to practise melodies and chords without a computer, I’m looking for an instrument that suits the way I play. Around 29% of consumers prioritise standalone playing and accompaniment above all else.
Setup and shared use Measure the space for playing and storage, and check whether the exact model has a headphone socket. If I share a room with others, I need to be able to set up the instrument and practise in a suitable way. Around 21% of consumers prioritise their setup in a shared space above all else.
Music software Check MIDI support, computer compatibility, software installation and audio output. If I want to use a software instrument, I need to know in advance whether it will work with my computer and audio setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise computer-based practice above all else.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Choosing based only on the number of sounds

    A wide choice of sounds won’t help if a part falls outside the keyboard’s range.

    First check the lowest and highest notes in the pieces you want to play. Then decide which sounds and accompaniment you need.

  • Assuming 88 touch-sensitive keys mean hammer action

    A full range doesn’t tell you what kind of key action an instrument has. Korg describes the Liano as having a touch-sensitive LS keyboard; Roland specifies hammer action for the FP-30X.

    Compare the specifications of the exact model if piano technique is your main goal.

  • Buying a MIDI controller as if it plays on its own

    To use a software instrument, your computer setup also needs to include the software and audio output.

    Choose a standalone keyboard if you want to practise without a computer. Otherwise, check in advance that you have access to the complete software setup.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320 models considered here are standalone keyboards with 61 and 76 keys respectively.

  • Yamaha specifies touch sensitivity, built-in sounds and accompaniment Styles for both models.
  • The PSR-E383 has a smaller range than the PSR-EW320; neither model has 88 keys.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a compact, standalone option if you need to set up or put your instrument away regularly.

  • Casio lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm, its weight as 3,3 kg and its Touch Response feature.
  • These features don’t determine whether its key range will suit every piano part.

Korg

The Liano is a portable 88-key digital piano option.

  • Korg specifies a touch-sensitive LS keyboard, a headphone socket and a width of 1.282 mm, excluding the music stand.
  • A touch-sensitive keyboard isn’t the same as the hammer action described by Roland for the FP-30X.

Roland

The FP-30X is a digital piano for anyone looking for a full keyboard with hammer action.

  • Roland specifies 88 PHA-4 Standard keys with hammer action and two headphone outputs.
  • Roland’s claims about the quality of the key action and sound are manufacturer claims, not an independent comparison.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 represents the MIDI controller option for music software.

  • Arturia specifies 61 touch-sensitive keys and USB-C MIDI.
  • Using software also requires a computer, a software instrument and configured audio output.

Joybuy product pick

This Joybuy selection focuses on a standalone 61-key keyboard for practice; check that its range covers the film themes you want to play.

Black 61-key electronic keyboard

Black 61-key electronic keyboard

An option for practising melodies and chords on your own; compare its range with the notes in your arrangements.

The product title lists 61 keys, MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.

Before buying, check that the specific instrument and the electrical components supplied with it have the relevant CE marking and comply with the applicable requirements.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell whether 61 keys are enough for your film themes?

Compare the lowest and highest notes in the arrangements you actually want to play with the instrument’s range. The options considered here include 61, 76 and 88 keys; the number of keys alone doesn’t determine which arrangement of a film theme you can play.

What do you need to set up to use a MIDI controller in the music room?

You’ll need a computer with a software instrument, and you’ll need to set up both MIDI and audio output. Arturia describes these steps for the KeyLab Essential mk3 with Analog Lab; check compatibility with the equipment you’ll actually be using.

What should you check for maintenance and shared use?

Check what’s included with the exact model, including the power supply, music stand and pedal, and agree where loose parts will be stored. Korg lists an adapter, music stand and pedal switch with the Liano; this doesn’t tell you what’s included with another model.

What does the legal guarantee mean when buying in the Netherlands?

For a consumer purchase, the product must be of satisfactory quality; according to the Dutch Government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. If there’s a fault, contact the seller. Check any additional guarantee terms separately.

Which product safety rules apply to an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?

Electrical products offered for sale on the Dutch market must comply with the applicable European product rules and carry the CE marking, as explained by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and Ondernemersplein. Check this for the specific instrument and the electrical components supplied with it; the general rule doesn’t confirm that a particular listing complies.