Who is this choice relevant to?

Practising with limited storage space

You want to practise left-hand patterns on an instrument that can be put away after use. Its dimensions, power supply and ability to play without extra equipment may therefore influence your choice.

Practising wider bass patterns

You need more consecutive keys for certain passages and want to weigh up that range against the space a wider keyboard takes up.

Practising with a computer setup

You already use music software and could consider a compact MIDI controller, but you’ll also need a suitable computer and audio setup.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, note which notes you need to play at the same time in your left-hand patterns. Then measure the space where the instrument will go and decide whether you want to practise without a computer.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Space for use and storage Measure the available width and depth, allowing for cables, and compare them with the dimensions of the model. If I want to put the keyboard away after practising, it needs to fit in the space I have available. Around 36% of consumers give the space needed for use and storage top priority.
Physical range Note the lowest and highest notes you need to play at the same time, and check that they fit within the keyboard’s physical range. If my left-hand patterns need a wider, uninterrupted range, I don’t want to rely on keys that aren’t there. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the physical range they need.
Practising independently Check whether the model has built-in sound, a headphone socket and the power options or accompaniment you want. If I want to practise without a computer, I need a keyboard that suits the way I play. Around 21% of consumers give practising independently, with or without accompaniment, top priority.
Music software Check the connection and make sure your existing software and audio output work with the controller. If I already practise with music software, I want a compact keyboard that suits my computer setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise connecting to their existing music software.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing based on size alone

    A small keyboard has fewer physical keys than a 61-key model. An octave shift moves the range, but doesn’t increase the number of keys you can play at the same time.

    Before buying, try some of your own left-hand patterns within the range of the keyboard you’re considering.

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a standalone keyboard

    The Korg microKEY2 is designed to work with music software via USB. It isn’t a standalone option for practising with built-in sound.

    Choose a standalone keyboard if you want to practise without an existing computer setup. If you’re considering a controller, check that your computer, software and audio output are suitable.

  • Assuming a mains adaptor is included

    According to Yamaha, the USB power adaptor for the PSS-A50 is sold separately.

    Before ordering, check what’s included and the power specifications for the exact model.

    You may therefore need to buy a suitable adaptor separately to use mains power. According to Yamaha, the PSS-A50 can also run on four AA batteries.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The PSS-A50 is a standalone model with mini keys, while the PSR-E383 has 61 keys and accompaniment styles. The right range for you will depend on factors such as the range you need and whether you want accompaniment.

  • According to Yamaha, the PSS-A50 runs on four AA batteries or USB power and has a headphone socket.
  • Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys and automatic accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383.
  • These features apply to the models listed; don’t assume other Yamaha keyboards have the same functions.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a standalone keyboard with touch-sensitive keys, while the SA-81 is a separate model with mini keys. Compare the model with the space you have available and the feel you want when playing.

  • Casio lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
  • Casio lists 44 mini keys for the SA-81.
  • The dimensions and keys of these models aren’t interchangeable; check which model you’re looking at.

Korg

The microKEY2 range is worth considering if you want to practise left-hand patterns with an existing computer and software setup.

  • Korg lists the microKEY2-37’s dimensions as 565 × 139 × 54 mm and describes USB use with music software.
  • A MIDI controller isn’t a standalone keyboard with built-in sound, so you’ll need to allow for a computer, software and audio output.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can an octave button make up for missing physical keys?

No, not when you need to play notes in different positions at the same time. Korg lists octave shifting as a feature of the microKEY2, but compare the highest and lowest notes in your own patterns with the range available on the keyboard at the same time.

What do you need to practise with a MIDI controller?

For the microKEY2 described by Korg, you’ll need a computer and music software. Also check that the software and audio output you use are compatible with the connection.

What should you check about the power supply of a compact keyboard?

Check the power specifications and what’s included for the exact model. Yamaha lists the PSS-A50 as powered by four AA batteries or USB; according to Yamaha, the USB power adaptor is sold separately.

What should you check for product safety when buying in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government states that electronic devices on the EU market must carry a CE marking. Check the marking on the device being offered; a general model description doesn’t automatically confirm that the item you receive has this marking.

What cooling-off period and guarantee apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy online from a business, you’re entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases. The same rules don’t apply in the same way to an online purchase from a private seller. There’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: if something is faulty, contact the seller.