Start with the range and key action your practice requires. A touch-sensitive keyboard may be enough if it covers the notes you need, while a weighted keyboard is a better fit if you need to practise piano technique. Then check the space available, the headphone socket and what’s included with the version you’re considering.
First, choose a range that covers the prescribed scales and any other pieces you need to practise, then compare the key action. Yamaha Netherlands describes the key features of models including the PSR-E383, PSR-EW320 and P-145.
If your assignment calls for a weighted piano keyboard, look beyond touch sensitivity and compare the action of the exact models. Yamaha Netherlands and Korg Netherlands describe different key actions for their models.
Check that the instrument and playing set-up will fit in the room, and that the headphone socket is compatible with your headphones. Casio Netherlands, Yamaha Netherlands and Korg Netherlands list model features that you can compare with your space and connections.
First check that you can play everything you need to practise across the keyboard, and that its action suits the technique you need to work on.
Choose this if: the notes you need fall within its range and you want to move the instrument after practising.
Consider: touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean the keys are weighted. Check the connections on the exact version, too.
Choose this if: you need a wider range than a suitable 61-key model offers and want a portable keyboard. Yamaha Netherlands lists the PSR-EW320 as having 76 touch-sensitive keys and a metronome.
Consider: Yamaha describes the PSR-EW320’s keys as ‘Organ-style’; this is not the same as the P-145’s weighted GHC keyboard. According to Yamaha, the PSR-EW320 is 1,148 mm wide.
Choose this if: you need the full piano range. If your course requires weighted keys, choose a weighted model specifically. Yamaha describes the P-145 as having 88 weighted GHC keys.
Consider: 88 keys don’t always mean a weighted action. Korg lists the Liano as having a touch-sensitive LS keyboard; according to Korg, the stand is sold separately.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Key range | Compare the lowest and highest notes you need with the range of the exact version. Include any pieces beyond your scales, too. | If I want to be able to play the whole assignment on the instrument, I check that it covers both the highest and lowest notes. That’s why around 36% of consumers prioritise the required key range. |
| Key action | Check whether the specifications mention touch sensitivity or a weighted action, and ask your teacher what type of keys they expect if you’re unsure. | When I need to practise piano touch, I want to know whether the keys are weighted, not just responsive to how hard I play. Around 29% of consumers make key action their top priority. |
| Space and headphones | Measure the space available for the instrument and playing set-up. Check the dimensions and that the socket is compatible with your headphones. | In a shared room, I want the set-up to fit and to be able to connect my headphones. For around 21% of consumers, making the most of a shared space is the main consideration. |
| Practice set-up | Compare any practice features with your lesson assignment, and check separately which accessories are included with the version you’re considering. | If I want to get started without finding that I’m missing essential items, I check both the features and what’s included. Around 14% of consumers prioritise an easy practice set-up. |
A touch-sensitive keyboard can respond to how hard or softly you play, but that alone doesn’t mean it has a weighted piano action. Yamaha lists ‘Organ-style’ keys for the PSR-EW320 and a weighted GHC keyboard for the P-145.
Check the key action of the exact model. If your course requires piano technique, ask what type of touch it expects.
The number of keys doesn’t automatically determine the type of action. Korg specifies a touch-sensitive LS keyboard for the Liano and says the stand is sold separately.
Compare range, action, dimensions and included items separately.
You may need to buy a separate stand for your set-up, so check what’s included with the version you choose.
A shorter keyboard will only suit your practice material if it covers all the notes you need. A wider instrument also needs to fit in the space available.
Check the highest and lowest notes in your lesson material, and measure the space for the instrument and playing set-up.
Yamaha’s relevant models range from portable keyboards to digital pianos. Compare the range and key action of each model.
The CT-S300 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a touch-sensitive keyboard for a portable set-up.
According to Korg, the Liano offers 88 keys for anyone looking for a wider range.
These Joybuy picks are electronic keyboard instruments for scale practice. Compare the stated key range with your lesson material and check the exact version.
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Could suit you if you’re looking for an instrument with 61 keys and a weighted keyboard for scale practice.
Check that its range covers the highest and lowest notes in your practice material, and that the connections and included items suit your set-up.
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Could suit you if the notes you need fall within the range of a 61-key keyboard.
Before buying, check the key action, headphone socket and which accessories are included with this version.
Check that the lowest and highest notes in your practice assignment fall within the range of the keyboard you’ve chosen. Include any pieces beyond your scale practice, too. Extra keys are most useful when you need that wider range.
Yes, if the socket on the exact model is compatible with your headphones. Yamaha lists a standard stereo headphone/output socket for the PSR-EW320, while Korg lists a headphone/line output for the Liano. Headphones won’t automatically silence the physical sound of the keys.
Check that you have a stable place to play and a suitable power supply, and whether you need a music stand, pedal or stand. Korg lists an adapter, music stand and pedal switch as included with the Liano; the stand is sold separately. Check what comes with the version you want to buy.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, statutory consumer rights apply alongside any seller’s or manufacturer’s warranty. If a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect during normal use, the seller must resolve the issue free of charge under the applicable terms, for example by repairing or replacing it. This doesn’t mean that every keyboard has the same fixed warranty period.
No. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency describes CE marking as a declaration of conformity, not a safety certification. According to the European Union, CE marking is required when the relevant harmonised product rules say so. Check the product information for the specific device.
