Choose a standalone keyboard that you can practise on with suitable headphones. Then decide whether built-in lessons, illuminated keys or a compact size best suit the way you learn. Check the headphone socket on the exact model, whether your tune is included in the learning material, and which power supply and accessories come with it. Headphones reduce the sound from the speakers, but they do not necessarily make the keys themselves inaudible.
You share your living space and want to listen to the instrument through headphones. Check the socket and plug on your chosen model; the keys may still make a noise when pressed. The Casio manual describes a separate headphone connection for the CT-S300.
You want to practise notes and timing without a computer, and are looking for built-in lessons or illuminated keys. Check separately whether your particular tune is included in the learning material; Yamaha’s model information does not make this clear.
You want to put the keyboard away after playing. Compare the instrument’s dimensions with both your playing area and the space where you plan to store it.
Start by checking the headphone socket and what’s included in the set. Then consider learning aids, the space you need and any accompaniment features.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket, compatible plug and volume control on the exact model. | I want to practise with headphones so the sound from the speakers doesn’t disturb other people at home, without assuming that the keys themselves are silent. Around 36% of consumers give quiet practice top priority. |
| Learning the melody | Compare the lessons and song list on the exact model with your tune, and check that the keyboard range suits your arrangement. | I want to learn the melody step by step and know whether my particular piece is included in the built-in exercises. Around 29% of consumers put suitable learning aids first. |
| Setting up and storage | Measure your playing and storage spaces and compare them with the dimensions of the model you’re considering. | I want to be able to put the keyboard away after use, while still having enough room to play comfortably. Around 21% of consumers give setup and storage top priority. |
| Accompaniment | Check which accompaniment feature the exact model has and how to use it. | I want to add chords or a rhythm beneath the melody, rather than just play the notes. Around 14% of consumers put accompaniment first. |
A list of built-in songs or lessons doesn’t confirm that your festive melody is included.
Compare the song list for the exact model with your tune, and check that the arrangement fits within the keyboard range.
The Casio manual states that headphones for the CT-S300 are sold separately.
Check what’s included in the set and the keyboard’s connection before choosing.
With the CT-S300, this may mean buying headphones separately.
Touch sensitivity and weighted keys describe different features. Having one doesn’t automatically mean the keyboard has the other.
If you also want to practise piano technique, check which type of keys and keyboard range suit your needs.
According to Yamaha Netherlands / Belgium / Luxembourg, the PSR-E383 and EZ-310 offer different features for independent practice.
The CT-S300 is worth considering if size and storage are important to you.
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth comparing if you’d like to try automatic accompaniment with a melody.
No. Don’t assume the keys themselves are inaudible. Headphones let you listen to the instrument privately; check the socket and plug on the model you choose, and start with the volume low.
Not necessarily. Yamaha lists built-in songs and lesson features for the PSR-E383 and EZ-310, but this doesn’t confirm that a particular tune is available. Compare the song list with your melody before choosing a model on that basis.
Measure your playing area and check which power supply and accessories are included with the model being sold. Casio lists the dimensions of the CT-S300; the manual states that headphones are sold separately.
When you buy from a business at a distance, you’re often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. It also states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period and that you should contact the seller if there’s a problem with a product. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.
No. The European Commission explains that a CE mark does not mean the EU has separately approved a product’s safety. Not every product needs to carry a CE mark, either.
