If you want to practise chord changes without a computer while your housemates are at home, start by choosing a keyboard you can play on its own, with a headphone socket that suits your headphones. A compact model is more convenient if you put it away after every practice session. Extra accompaniment is useful mainly if you’ll actually use it to practise keeping time. Check the playing range, power supply and what’s included with the exact version, too.
You practise chord changes while other people are at home. So, look for a suitable headphone socket and agree on practice times. The Dutch Government advises people to try agreeing on arrangements with each other first when dealing with noise nuisance.
You already know some chord shapes and want to practise changing between them in time, with a metronome or accompaniment that you can switch off. Yamaha and Roland describe practice and accompaniment features for specific models.
You put the instrument away after playing. So, check the dimensions and weight of the exact version before deciding; Casio publishes these details for the CT-S300.
Start with the connection and a suitable practice set-up, then compare the playing range and storage space. Choose accompaniment only if it suits the way you want to practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone output on the exact version and make sure your headphones are compatible. Also agree on suitable practice times. | If I practise while my housemates are at home, I want to listen through headphones and agree clearly on when I’ll play. Around 36% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Practising in time | Check whether the model has a metronome or accompaniment, and whether you can switch it off while playing by yourself. | If I want to practise changing chords in time, I’m looking for rhythmic support without an automatic part taking the place of my own playing. Around 29% of consumers prioritise timing and accompaniment. |
| Putting it away after playing | Measure the space available for playing and storage, then compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. | If I need to put the keyboard away after every session, its dimensions and how easy it is to move matter to me. Around 21% of consumers make storage their top priority. |
| Keys and playing range | Try your own chord shapes on the model and check that the notes you need fall within its range. Touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean the keys are weighted. | I want the keyboard to suit my chord shapes and the key feel I’m looking for. Around 14% of consumers prioritise responsiveness and playing range. |
According to Novation, a MIDI controller such as the Novation Launchkey has no built-in sounds. You’ll need suitable software or an external sound source, as well as an audio output, to hear what you play.
Check whether the instrument has its own sounds and which connections you need for your practice set-up.
A MIDI controller may require a computer, sound source or suitable audio set-up.
Touch sensitivity describes how an instrument responds to the way you play; on its own, it doesn’t mean that the keys feel like those on a weighted piano keyboard.
Compare the description of the key action, and try the exact model if the feel of the keys is a deciding factor.
What’s in the box can vary between versions. A power adaptor listed for an overseas version doesn’t confirm what’s included with a Dutch listing.
Check the model code and the contents of the specific offer, including the power supply and headphones.
If a compatible power supply or headphones aren’t included, you may need to arrange them separately.
According to Yamaha Netherlands, the PSR-E383 is a standalone keyboard with 61 keys, practice features and accompaniment.
The CT-S300 is worth considering if you regularly move or store your keyboard.
According to Roland, the E-X10 and GO:KEYS 3 offer different accompaniment options for playing chords.
The EK-50 is an arranger keyboard to consider if you want to combine chord changes with accompaniment styles.
Launchkey is worth considering if you already use music software or an external sound source.
Below are Joybuy products suited to practising on a keyboard without a computer. For each version, check the connections, features and included accessories you need.
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Could suit you if you’re looking for an instrument with a headphone socket for practising on your own.
The product title lists 61 keys, a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket. Check that the key feel and connection suit the way you plan to use it.
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Could suit you if you want to use a metronome while practising chord changes.
The product title lists 61 keys, a metronome, speakers, a recording function, a music stand and a MIDI controller function. Check which connection you need for headphones.
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Could suit you if you’re looking for a set with a stand and stool for a dedicated practice space.
The product title lists 61 keys, 500 sounds, three learning levels, two speakers and an LCD screen. Check the dimensions of the set and the connections you need.
Wearing headphones doesn’t automatically mean you can ignore the household’s arrangements about noise. Agree on practice times with your housemates. The Dutch Government advises people to try agreeing on arrangements with each other first when dealing with noise from neighbours, and notes that local rules, such as municipal by-laws (APV), may also be relevant.
According to Novation, Launchkey has no built-in sounds. Connect the controller to suitable software or an external sound source and choose an audio output there. If you’re using a standalone keyboard, check its built-in sounds and headphone socket instead.
Use a metronome if you want to practise in time, and practise the changes without an automatic chord part as well. Yamaha lists a metronome for the PSR-E383, and Roland for the E-X10; check how to switch off the accompaniment on each model.
Check whether you need headphones, a compatible connection, a power supply, a stand and a seat, and what’s included with the specific version. Casio describes the headphones for the CT-S300 as separately available. Information about what’s included with a version from another country doesn’t automatically apply to a Dutch offer.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, ordinary online consumer purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, although legal exceptions may apply. Check the seller’s information, and remember that a voluntary returns policy is different from the statutory cooling-off period.
