Scale student
You’re practising different major scales and want the keyboard’s range, touch response and tempo to suit your exercises.
Who is this instrument for?
Musician who travels to rehearsals
You take your instrument with you and weigh up its playing range against its dimensions, weight and the space available.
Piano student practising in a studio
You practise scales as part of your piano technique, so you want to consider both the key action and the keyboard’s range.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact 61-key keyboard
Best for: scales that fit within its range, a small practice space or regular travel.
Keep in mind: check whether you can play octaves and two-handed patterns without moving your hand position. Touch-sensitive keys aren’t the same as weighted keys.
76-key keyboard
Best for: anyone looking for more range than a compact keyboard offers, with a metronome as an important feature.
Keep in mind: the Yamaha PSR-EW320 has an organ-style key action. Also check that its 1,148 mm width will fit in your studio.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Best for: anyone who wants the full piano range and considers practising on weighted keys important.
Keep in mind: the Korg B2+ is 1,312 mm wide and weighs 11.4 kg without the music rest. The stand is sold separately.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range | Try playing your lowest and highest notes, then compare the exact model with your exercises and the space available in your studio. | If you want to play scales and two-handed patterns within the same range, make sure the keyboard has enough keys. Around 29% of consumers say keyboard range is their top priority. |
| Steady practice tempo | Check that the exact model has a metronome and that it’s easy to use. | A metronome that’s easy to use can help you repeat scales at a steady tempo. Around 23% of consumers put tempo practice at the top of their list. |
| Portability and set-up | Measure the space, including room for the music rest and a seat. Compare the dimensions, weight and power supply of the specific model. | If you take your instrument to rehearsals or set it up in a small space, pay particular attention to its size and weight. Around 18% of consumers say portability and set-up are their main concerns. |
| Key action | Decide whether you’ll be practising notes and fingering or also need weighted piano keys. Try the action yourself if possible. | If you’re working on piano technique, you’ll want to know how the keys respond, not just how many there are. Around 18% of consumers say piano-style key action is their top priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the type of headphone socket on the exact model and make sure your plug fits. | If you want to practise in a shared studio without using the speakers, check the headphone socket. Around 12% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383 and 76 for the PSR-EW320. Yamaha also states that the PSR-EW320 has a metronome. Korg specifies that the B2+ has 88 keys with NH key action. These features apply to the models mentioned, not every instrument from those brands.
For size and portability, Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm and weighing around 3.3 kg. Yamaha gives the PSR-EW320’s width as 1,148 mm and its weight as 5.2 kg without batteries. Korg lists the B2+ as 1,312 mm wide and weighing 11.4 kg without the music rest. Also compare the power supply and included accessories for the specific model you’re considering.
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted keys
Touch sensitivity and weighted piano keys are different features. Yamaha specifies that the PSR-EW320 has touch-sensitive, organ-style keys, while Korg describes the B2+ as having weighted NH key action.
First decide whether you’ll mainly practise notes and fingering or whether you also want to develop your technique on piano-style keys.
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Measuring only the width of the keyboard
The instrument needs to fit in your studio with the music rest and seating area. Korg states that the stand for the B2+ is sold separately.
Measure the complete set-up and check which accessories are included with the exact model.
A stand may need to be bought separately, so check whether the accessories you need are included too.
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Assuming any headphones will fit
Connections vary between models, so don’t assume your headphone plug will fit without checking.
Compare the socket on the exact model with your headphones, and check whether you’ll need an adaptor.
Depending on the connection, you may need compatible headphones or an adaptor.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Worth considering when comparing a compact, touch-sensitive keyboard with a model that has more keys.
- Yamaha specifies that the PSR-EW320 has 76 keys, a metronome, a headphone socket and battery power.
- Its stated organ-style key action isn’t the same as a weighted piano keyboard. These features don’t automatically apply to other Yamaha models.
Casio
The CT-S300 is worth considering if compact size and portability are priorities.
- Casio lists touch response for the CT-S300, along with dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and a weight of around 3.3 kg.
- These dimensions alone don’t tell you whether its range is sufficient for your two-handed scale practice.
Korg
The B2+ is an option to compare if a full-size, weighted keyboard suits your practice goals.
- Korg specifies that the B2+ has 88 keys with NH key action, a headphone socket and a damper pedal included.
- It measures 1,312 mm wide and weighs 11.4 kg without the music rest, so consider the space available and the stand, which is sold separately.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks are electronic keyboards with 61 keys. Compare their stated key action and features with the range and style of playing you need for practising major scales.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
A 61-key instrument to compare with the range you need for your scale practice.
Features listed: metronome, speakers, headphone socket, MIDI controller, recording function and music rest.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 weighted keys
The weighted keys could be useful if you want to practise piano-style key action as well as scales.
Features listed: 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, headphone socket and music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 keys to practise major scales?
Not for every exercise. Compare the instrument’s range with the lowest and highest notes you want to play, as well as any two-handed patterns. Choose a weighted keyboard if it also suits your piano technique goals.
How can you set up a practice space without buying the wrong instrument?
Measure the available width and depth, including space for the music rest and your seat. Also check the power supply, headphone socket and accessories for the exact model. For example, Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the stand is sold separately.
Are you always entitled to a two-year legal guarantee in the Netherlands?
No. The Dutch government explains that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: a product should last for as long as you could reasonably expect it to. If a fault occurs, contact the seller. A manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights.
What safety rules apply to electronic keyboards in the Netherlands?
Electrical and electronic products placed on the market in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product rules. The Dutch government’s Ondernemersplein website explains the requirements for CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity where the CE rules apply to the device. If you’re unsure, ask for documentation for the exact model.