Who is this for?

Singer learning the melody

Wants to practise the notes and simple chords from a musical number independently. The range of your part determines how many keys you need.

Home player with limited space

Wants to set up the instrument in a spare room and practise with headphones when other people are at home.

Player learning the full piano part

Wants to play the bass notes and right-hand part of an arrangement too, so needs to compare the required keyboard range and preferred key feel.

What should you look for?

What to consider What to check before buying Who might value this most?
Range and touch response Compare the lowest and highest notes in your part with the keyboard range, and check whether the keys are touch-sensitive. If I want to learn the melody with the right dynamics, the notes in my part need to fall within the keyboard range. Around 36% of consumers focus mainly on playing range and touch response.
Practising with headphones Check the instrument’s headphone socket and plug size, as well as those of your headphones. The keys and fingers can still make a sound even when you’re not using the speakers. When I practise at home while other people are around, I want to hear the sound through headphones without assuming that all playing noise will disappear. For around 29% of consumers, being able to practise quietly is the top priority.
Room space Measure the available width and depth, including space for a seat and sheet music, and compare them with the model’s dimensions. If my spare room has little free space, I want to know in advance whether the instrument will fit comfortably. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the space available for setting it up.
Accompaniment for singing Decide whether you’ll play the chords yourself, want to use a built-in style or just need a piano sound. An accompaniment style is not automatically the arrangement of your number. If I want to accompany myself while singing, I’m looking for a way to practise rhythm and chords that suits my approach. Around 14% of consumers consider accompaniment for singing their main need.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming 61 keys are enough for every musical part

    A melody with simple chords and a full two-handed piano part may require different keyboard ranges.

    Before choosing, check the lowest and highest notes in the part you actually want to play.

  • Expecting automatic accompaniment to include your number

    The number of built-in styles doesn’t tell you whether the accompaniment for a specific musical number is available.

    Decide in advance whether you want to play the chords yourself, use a suitable style or practise with just a piano sound.

  • Assuming a headphone socket means you can practise in complete silence

    Headphones let you practise without using the speakers, but they won’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys and your fingers.

    Check that your headphone plug fits the socket, and bear in mind that the keyboard itself will still make some noise in a shared room.

  • Assuming every 88-key keyboard has weighted hammer-action keys

    Korg says the Liano has 88 touch-sensitive LS keys; this specification is not the same as a weighted hammer-action keyboard.

    If piano technique is important to you, check the key action separately from the number of keys.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 has 61 keys and the PSR-EW320 has 76. Yamaha lists learning and accompaniment features for both models.

  • The PSR-EW320 has more keys than the PSR-E383; Yamaha specifies a width of 1,148 mm for this model.
  • Accompaniment features don’t mean that the arrangement of a particular musical number is built in.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a compact, touch-sensitive 61-key keyboard for anyone who needs to make the most of limited space.

  • Casio lists its dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm and its weight as 3,3 kg.
  • Check that your part fits within the 61-key range; the dimensions and weight are manufacturer specifications, not the results of an independent use test.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 has 61 keys and, according to Roland, is designed for exploring sounds, chord progressions and automatic accompaniment.

  • The accompaniment options described may be useful if you want to explore chords and accompaniment as well as notes.
  • Decide for yourself whether the available accompaniment suits your musical number; 61 keys offer less range than 76- or 88-key options.

Korg

The Liano is a piano-focused option with 88 touch-sensitive LS keys, a headphone socket and an included pedal switch.

  • The wider key range may suit a part that won’t fit on a 61- or 76-key keyboard.
  • Korg lists a width of 1,282 mm; LS keys are not the same as a weighted hammer-action keyboard.

Medeli

The MK61 is a 61-key keyboard with touch-sensitive keys and accompaniment styles, designed for practising in a smaller room.

  • Medeli lists a headphone socket and pedal input, and includes a power supply.
  • The stated maximum polyphony is 32; compare the connections and included accessories with the exact version.

Joybuy products

A Joybuy selection for practising a musical number with accompaniment at home.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

Could be a good fit if the notes in your part fall within the 61-key range and you want to use headphones or accompaniment while practising.

61 keys and a weighted keyboard; 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and automatic bass chords. Features a headphone socket, LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music stand. Check that the range suits your part; 61 keys offer less range than 76 or 88 keys.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy an 88-key keyboard straight away for this number?

Not before you’ve looked at the part. Compare the lowest and highest notes you need with the instrument’s range, and choose more keys if the arrangement won’t fit on a smaller keyboard. For piano lessons using hammer-action keys, the Dutch buying guide consulted recommends a digital piano designed for that purpose.

How can I set up a practice space without disturbing others unnecessarily?

Measure the space and remember to allow room for a seat and sheet music. Check the headphone socket on the exact version and use a compatible plug; headphones mute the speakers, but not the physical sound of your fingers and the keys.

Should I order a pedal, power supply or stand separately?

It varies by model and offer. Korg says the Liano comes with an adapter, music rest and pedal switch; Medeli says the MK61 comes with a power supply and music rest. Check what’s included in the specific offer and whether the pedal is compatible before ordering accessories.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions; the rules also differ when you buy from a private seller. In the Netherlands, the statutory guarantee means you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, with no fixed statutory guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.

What should I look out for when buying an electronic instrument from outside the EU?

According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the EU market must have a CE marking. Also check the seller, product information and included power supply; a CE marking alone doesn’t confirm that the plug or version is right for your purchase.