Who is this keyboard for?

Practising in a shared home

You want to practise melodies without using the speakers. Check for a headphone socket and listen at a low volume, as Thuisarts also advises.

Beginner learning melodies

You want to learn note sequences, timing and dynamics, so compare touch response and learning features rather than just the number of sounds. Yamaha describes these features for the PSR-E383.

Melody player looking to add chords

You want to practise folk tunes with your own chords or automatic accompaniment. Check that the available styles suit the music you want to play.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the socket and headphones for quieter practice. Then compare the playing and learning features; automatic accompaniment is mainly worth considering if you plan to use it.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Quiet practice Check the socket, plug size and how the speakers behave when headphones are connected. Start with a low headphone volume. If I practise at home, I want to disturb housemates or neighbours as little as possible with sound from the speakers. Around 36% of consumers say quiet practice is their top buying priority.
Learning melodies Compare the keyboard range, touch response and learning features you need for your pieces. If you want to practise note sequences, timing and expression, look for features that support this. Around 29% of consumers put learning melodies first.
Adding accompaniment Look at the style list and see whether the tempo, time signature and chord controls suit your repertoire. If I want to play chords or accompaniment styles under a melody, the controls need to suit the way I practise. Around 21% of consumers give accompaniment top priority.
Storage and moving Measure the available space and compare dimensions and weight on a like-for-like basis; remember to allow room for the music rest and cables. If you want to move or put away your keyboard after practising, choose dimensions that suit the space available. Around 14% of consumers say this is their main reason for buying.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing touch sensitivity with quiet speaker sound

    Touch response is about how the keyboard reacts to your playing. A headphone socket and volume control determine how you can practise without sound coming through the speakers; these are separate features.

    Check both features on the exact model and make sure your headphone plug matches the socket.

  • Assuming a large number of styles means suitable folk accompaniment

    The number of styles doesn’t automatically tell you whether the time signature, rhythm or chords will suit your particular piece.

    Look for the style you want in the style list and try it with a representative melody.

  • Measuring only the width of the keyboard

    The stated dimensions of the Korg EK-50 don’t include the music rest. So the complete set-up may need more space than the keyboard alone.

    Measure the space where you’ll play and store it, allowing room for the music rest and cables.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is an option for practising melodies, with touch response, learning features and automatic accompaniment.

  • Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys and 260 automatic accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383.
  • The number of styles doesn’t tell you which one suits your repertoire; check the style list and headphone socket.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a Casiotone model for anyone looking for touch response and a portable keyboard.

  • Casio lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm and its weight as 3,3 kg.
  • The manual describes headphones as an optional extra. Also check whether the melody and practice features suit the way you’ll use it.

Korg

The EK-50 is designed for playing melodies with automatic accompaniment.

  • Korg describes chord-controlled accompaniment and lists a 3,5 mm headphone socket.
  • Korg lists the EK-50 as 994 mm wide and weighing 7,5 kg, excluding the music rest and batteries. Check that the styles suit your repertoire and allow enough space.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise in complete silence?

No. Headphones prevent sound coming through the speakers if the keyboard supports this, but they won’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys. Check the model’s socket and keep the listening volume low; Thuisarts advises against listening to music too loudly through headphones.

How do you get started with a folk tune and accompaniment?

Start by learning the melody and add accompaniment if you need it. Check the style list, chord controls and tempo for your piece; Korg describes chord-controlled accompaniment for the EK-50.

What accessories and service should you check after buying?

Check whether headphones and any other accessories you want are included with the offer you’ve chosen. If a product breaks sooner than you could reasonably expect, ACM ConsuWijzer explains your statutory right to a free solution from the seller. An additional warranty does not replace this right.

Can you play a keyboard at home, and what can you do about noise complaints?

Take account of any rules that apply to your home; there is no general permission for every volume or time of day. The Rijksoverheid advises trying to agree arrangements first when neighbours are making too much noise. If the problem continues, it suggests contacting, among others, your landlord, owners’ association or local council.

Do you have a cooling-off period when buying online?

When you buy online from a business, the Rijksoverheid says you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period. According to its guidance, buying something online from a private individual is not a distance sale. Check the terms of the specific transaction.