First decide whether you want to play bass notes and chords yourself, or use left-hand chords to control automatic accompaniment. Then check the keyboard range and whether it has a split function. If you want to record or work with computer software, the exact audio and MIDI capabilities matter. A MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound by itself, so you’ll need a separate sound source.
You want to play the left-hand part yourself and perhaps use a different sound for your left and right hands. Korg describes the EK-50’s split function, which lets you play bass with your left hand and piano with your right, for example.
You want to practise chord changes and timing while the accompaniment responds to the chords you play with your left hand. Yamaha describes automatic accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383 and PSR-E483.
You want to repeat a chord progression, listen back to your playing or work with it in software. Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as having a chord sequencer and the ability to record MIDI or audio to USB storage.
First decide what you want your left hand to do while you practise. Then consider recording, connections, the space you have at home and the accessories you’ll need.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing the left hand yourself | Check the number of keys, touch sensitivity and whether a split function lets you assign the sounds you want. Korg describes a split on the EK-50 that lets you play bass with your left hand and piano with your right, for example. | If I want to learn to play bass notes or chords myself, I’ll look for enough room for both hands and the sounds I want. Around 36% of consumers say playing themselves is their main priority. |
| Live chord accompaniment | Check how the model recognises chords and whether you want to play live or use a stored progression. A larger number of styles doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the controls will suit the way you practise. | If I want to practise chord changes with a rhythm section, it’s important that the accompaniment responds to my playing in real time. Around 29% of consumers prioritise accompaniment controlled by live playing. |
| Recording and connections | Check whether the connection you need supports MIDI, audio or both. Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as recording MIDI or audio to a USB drive; MIDI doesn’t contain sound itself. | If I want to listen back to my playing or work with studio software, I’ll check which recording format suits the way I work. Around 21% of consumers say recording or connecting to software is their main priority. |
| Home set-up and quiet practice | Measure the space available and check the headphone socket, power options and what’s included in the specific package. The Casio CT-S400 manual lists headphones as optional. | If I practise in a shared space or have limited room, I’ll want to know whether the keyboard and necessary accessories will suit my set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise their set-up and quiet practice. |
A style can play the bass and backing parts for you while you simply indicate a chord with your left hand. That’s different from practising a complete left-hand part yourself.
Decide which notes you want to learn to play yourself. Then try the live chord controls and, if you need different sounds for each hand, try playing with the split function.
MIDI contains control data, not recorded sound. So the presence of USB-MIDI doesn’t prove that a keyboard can record audio via USB.
Check exactly what data the model can send via USB and how to make an audio recording you can listen to.
You may need additional audio equipment or software for the recording set-up you want.
The Casio CT-S400 manual lists headphones and a wireless MIDI/audio adapter as optional.
Check the contents of the specific package against the accessories you need for your practice set-up.
The PSR-E383 and PSR-E483 offer automatic styles for practising with accompaniment.
The Casiotone CT-S400 combines rhythms with practice features for its built-in songs.
The EK-50 is designed for chord-controlled styles and playing different sounds with each hand.
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to practise with automatic accompaniment and a repeated chord progression.
No. On the Korg EK-50, split divides the keyboard into zones with different sounds, such as bass on the left and piano on the right. Korg also describes styles as automatic accompaniment that can respond to what you play with your left hand.
Play the chords live with a style if you want to practise the changes yourself. If you mainly want to play another part over the same progression, Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as having a chord sequencer that can keep the accompaniment going.
No, MIDI data doesn’t contain audio. Novation explains that the Launchkey produces sound through configured audio software and an audio output. For another controller model, check what sound source you’ll need.
According to the Government of the Netherlands, consumers buying at a distance generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions and the seller must be a business. The Government of the Netherlands also states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. If something is faulty, contact the seller.
