If you want to track goals, practice time and progress without an internet connection, a separate paper logbook is all you need; a keyboard won’t record these details for you. Choose a standalone keyboard if you also want a range of sounds and, potentially, recording features; a digital piano if piano-focused playing is your priority; and a MIDI controller only if you want to work with a computer and compatible software. If you want to listen back to your practice, check the recording and storage options for the exact model: USB-MIDI alone isn’t a practice diary.
Wants to keep recordings of played passages alongside their own notes, so compares the recording and export options available on different instruments. Roland and Yamaha describe recording features for specific models.
Wants to note goals and progress without an internet connection, and is mainly looking for an instrument that can be played on its own. The Online Metronome describes practice logs for tracking details such as practice time and goals.
Prioritises piano-focused playing and keeps written records separately from the instrument. Korg describes the B2+ as a digital piano designed with piano playing in mind.
First, decide what you want to keep: written session notes, a recording to listen back to, or MIDI data on a computer. Then choose the type of instrument and check the features of the exact version.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Which consumers is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Recording sessions | Check whether the exact model can record on its own, what storage medium it needs and how to find your files. | If I want to listen back to passages alongside my notes, a useful recording feature is my top priority. Around 36% of consumers put saving and listening back first. |
| Keeping notes offline | Use a paper logbook for goals and progress; don’t assume the instrument or an app will record them automatically. | If I want to review my practice goals and progress without an internet connection, I keep a written record and choose an instrument I can play on its own. Around 29% of consumers put offline notes first. |
| Piano-focused touch | Compare the key action on the exact models; also check whether a music rest or other accessories you want are included with that version. | If piano technique is my practice goal, I want the key action to be a factor in my choice and to keep my logbook separately. Around 21% of consumers choose piano-focused playing as their main consideration. |
| MIDI and software | Check the connection, compatibility with your computer and software, and whether you can work locally with your set-up. | If I already work with a computer and want to record MIDI data, a controller may suit my existing set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this software-focused approach. |
MIDI can transmit performance data, but it won’t automatically note down goals, practice time or reflections. A recording and a written logbook store different information.
Decide which details you want to keep in writing and which performances you want to save. Then check the recording and connection features of the exact model.
A controller such as the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 is designed for use with software; it isn’t the same as a standalone keyboard.
Choose a standalone instrument if you don’t want to rely on a computer while practising. If you’re considering a controller, check in advance that your computer, software and audio set-up are suitable for the way you want to work offline.
A suitable computer and software set-up may require extra preparation and possibly connection cables.
The Korg B2+ and B2+SP are different versions; Korg lists a stand and pedal unit for the B2+SP.
Check the full model name and what’s included in the specific offer. Don’t assume accessories that aren’t listed for that version are included.
For recordings on the Roland GO:KEYS 3, Roland specifies USB sticks of up to 32 GB with FAT or FAT32. Formatting can affect existing files on the stick.
Make a backup first and follow the instructions for your instrument and storage medium.
Formatting without a backup can result in existing files being lost.
The PSR-E383 is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable keyboard with lesson features, recording and USB options.
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to save recordings of your practice to a USB stick.
The B2+ is worth considering if piano-focused playing is your priority and you keep your written logbook separately.
The Casiotone CT-S1 is an option if compact, standalone playing is important to you and you keep your logbook separate from the instrument.
The KeyLab Essential mk3 range is relevant if you work with a computer and music software or a DAW, not if you’re simply looking for a standalone keyboard.
Don’t assume it can: a paper practice logbook records goals and sessions, while an instrument recording or MIDI stores different data. Decide separately which notes and performances you want to keep.
Check the MIDI connection on your chosen model, and make sure you have a compatible computer and recording programme. MidiEditor describes recording and editing MIDI from a connected instrument on Windows and Linux; whether your whole set-up can work without an internet connection depends on the software you choose.
No. For the GO:KEYS 3, Roland specifies USB sticks of up to 32 GB with FAT or FAT32. Read the formatting instructions before using a stick that already contains files.
According to the Dutch government, if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution. There is no set statutory warranty period for all products in the Netherlands; what you can reasonably expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product and the information provided at purchase.
