Start with a keyboard that has a headphone socket, then check whether its key feel and number of keys suit the version of the ballad you want to play. A compact model takes up less space than the 76- or 88-key options mentioned here, while a larger keyboard gives you a wider range. Using headphones won’t automatically stop others from hearing the keys; the Dutch government advises discussing noise and agreeing on arrangements together first.
You share your home and want to listen to the instrument’s sound through headphones rather than the built-in speakers. A suitable socket and agreements about noise matter to you. Yamaha lists a headphone output for the PSR-EW320, while Korg specifies one for the Liano. The Dutch government advises agreeing together on arrangements about noise.
You’re practising melody and chords, and comparing touch sensitivity, key range and learning features. Yamaha lists touch sensitivity and practice features for the PSR-E383; Casio specifies touch response for the CT-S300.
You want to put your instrument away after practising and are weighing up a more compact body against the wider range offered by 76 or 88 keys. Casio gives the CT-S300’s width as 930 mm; Yamaha lists 1.148 mm for the PSR-EW320 and Korg 1.282 mm for the Liano.
First, check that you can listen to the instrument’s sound through headphones. Then compare the key range with the space available. Look at teaching and accompaniment features if they suit the way you want to practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with as little noise disturbance as possible | Check the headphone output and that your plug will fit. If needed, agree on times for practising. | If I practise at home without using the built-in speakers, I want to know whether my headphones will connect and what my housemates might hear. Around 36% of consumers in this decision-making context put being able to practise quietly first. |
| Touch response and practice | Check whether the model has touch-sensitive keys and the learning features that suit your practice plan. | If I want to learn to play melodies and chords with different levels of touch, I prioritise touch response and practice options. Around 29% of consumers put this learning need first. |
| Storage space and key range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement with the keyboard’s range, and measure the space available. | When I need to put my keyboard away, I want enough keys for my arrangement without overlooking the space available. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a suitable range and storage space. |
| Playing along with accompaniment | See which accompaniment features suit your practice plan and how you could listen to an external recording, if needed. | If I want to play along with a rhythm or chords, I look at the accompaniment features and controls. Around 14% of consumers choose accompaniment options as their main consideration. |
The socket determines how you listen to the electronic sound, but it doesn’t tell you how much key noise can be heard in your home.
Check the connections on the exact version you’re considering, and agree on practice times with your housemates if needed.
Korg describes the Liano as having touch-sensitive LS keys; this doesn’t mean it has a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
If this matters for your piano lessons or playing preferences, check the key action on the exact model.
Models can differ in their connections and in what’s included in the box. A pedal socket doesn’t automatically mean a pedal is included.
Check the connections and listed box contents for each version.
You may need to buy headphones, a pedal or an adaptor plug separately; check what you need for your setup.
The models mentioned here differ in key range and features: the PSR-E383 has 61 keys and is designed for independent practice; the PSR-EW320 has 76 keys, while the PSR-E483 is a separate 61-key model.
The CT-S300 is a standalone model to consider if you want to put your keyboard away after use.
Roland says the GO:KEYS 3 is designed for sounds, chord progressions and automatic accompaniment. This could be useful if you want to explore a pop arrangement as well as learn to play.
The Liano is worth considering if you’re looking for 88 keys and a headphone socket.
No. Headphones let you listen to the electronic sound, but they don’t tell you how much key noise others can hear in your home. For noise between neighbours, the Dutch government advises discussing the issue and agreeing on arrangements together first, such as when you can play music.
It depends on the lowest and highest notes in the version you want to play. Before buying, compare those notes with the range of the exact instrument: the Yamaha PSR-E383 has 61 keys, the Yamaha PSR-EW320 has 76, and the Korg Liano has 88.
Measure the space for playing and storage, and check the headphone plug, power supply and any pedal socket on the model you’ve chosen. A pedal socket doesn’t mean a pedal is included: Yamaha specifies a socket for the PSR-EW320, while Korg lists a pedal switch as included with the Liano.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, in addition to any manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty, you’re entitled to a legal guarantee if the product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use. The Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed statutory two-year guarantee period for every product; the seller is your point of contact.
