Choose a standalone, touch-sensitive keyboard if you want to practise note sequences and dynamics without a computer; a digital piano with weighted keys is a better fit if piano technique is your priority. A MIDI controller works with an existing computer and software setup, but you’ll also need a suitable sound source and a way to listen. Check the key range and practise without automatic scale correction if you want to see whether you’re playing the notes correctly yourself.
Wants to learn minor scales and develop an even touch on an instrument that also produces sound without a computer. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a touch-sensitive keyboard; musictheory.net explains how the notes differ between minor scale forms.
Wants to play and record scales using an existing computer and software setup. Arturia and Novation describe controllers designed for use with software and DAW control.
Practises scales as part of piano technique and therefore values a full-range keyboard with weighted keys. Yamaha specifies 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145BT.
Choose this if: you want to practise note sequences, fingering and dynamics without a computer.
Bear in mind: a lightweight keyboard action doesn’t feel the same as the weighted keys of a digital piano.
Choose this if: piano technique and practising on weighted keys are important to you.
Bear in mind: a piano takes up more space than a compact keyboard. Yamaha specifies Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; don’t assume this means it supports Bluetooth MIDI.
Choose this if: you already use a computer and suitable music software, or want to record your playing as MIDI.
Bear in mind: you’ll need compatible software and a way to listen to hear the sound; turn off Scale mode to test your own knowledge of the notes.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Notes and touch | Check whether the keys respond to how hard you play, and practise without automatic scale correction. | If I want to learn to play the minor scale forms myself and practise playing both softly and loudly, I’m looking for touch-sensitive keys. Around 33% of consumers in this practice scenario give correct notes and touch the highest priority. |
| Studio software | Check the exact USB functions, software compatibility and how the sound is output. | If I want to record or use my playing with my existing software, I look at the connections and audio signal path. Around 27% of consumers give working with studio software the highest priority. |
| Keyboard and range | Compare the range of keys you need and the feel of the action; Yamaha specifies 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145BT. | If minor scales are part of my piano technique, I want to practise on a keyboard with weighted keys. Around 20% of consumers give piano technique the highest priority. |
| Quiet practice and space | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket, and measure the space available for the instrument and any stand. | If I want to practise quietly at home and have limited space, headphone use and the room available matter a lot to me. Around 20% of consumers give quiet, space-saving practice the highest priority. |
A mode that keeps you within a selected scale can hide which key you’re actually pressing.
You may find this feature useful when producing music, but practise the minor scale forms without correction too.
A controller needs a suitable software instrument running on a computer to produce sound. Novation’s manual describes software that runs on a computer.
Before buying, take stock of your existing computer, software and listening setup.
You may need a suitable computer, software and monitoring setup; what you need will depend on the equipment you already have.
Touch sensitivity and a weighted piano action are different features; Yamaha specifies touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383 and weighted keys for the P-145BT.
Choose according to your main aim: practising notes and dynamics, or developing your piano technique too. Bear in mind that a digital piano needs more space.
The PSR-E383 and PSR-E483 are portable keyboards; the P-145BT is designed for those looking for a piano keyboard with weighted keys.
The Casiotone CT-S300 is a standalone portable keyboard; the CT-X800 is another option in the CT-X series.
The GO:KEYS 5 is a standalone keyboard for playing and developing musical ideas.
The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is a MIDI controller designed for use with music software in a home studio.
The Launchkey 61 MK4 is a controller for combining scale practice with DAW control.
No, you don’t need a special minor mode. Natural, harmonic and melodic minor don’t always use the same notes, so practise them deliberately yourself. Scale mode can be useful for creative work, but turn it off if you want to hear whether you’re pressing the right keys.
You’ll need suitable audio software on a computer and a way to listen to the result. Check the connections on the exact model; for example, Novation’s manual describes software that runs on a computer.
In the Netherlands, a product must do what you could reasonably expect of it under normal use. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, if a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution under the statutory guarantee; this is separate from any manufacturer’s guarantee. For consumer purchases made at a distance, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, with some exceptions.
Relevant product safety rules apply to electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market. The Dutch government explains the requirements for CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity; before buying, check the model and its power supply.
