Who is this keyboard for?

Practising at home with housemates

You want to hear the melody without using the built-in speakers where others can hear, so check for a headphone socket and volume control.

Beginner learning independently

You want to practise notes and timing step by step, so compare the learning features and touch-sensitive keys. Yamaha describes these features for the PSR-E383.

Melody player looking to add accompaniment

You’d like to try chords or rhythms later, so compare the available styles with your own repertoire. Yamaha and Medeli list accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383 and MK61 respectively.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Practising quietly Headphone socket, compatible plug, volume control and box contents. I want to practise without using the built-in speakers and be able to control the volume myself. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Learning notes, timing and touch Learning features, touch sensitivity and the key range of the model. I want to practise my melody step by step and learn to play with different levels of touch. Around 29% of consumers give learning the melody top priority.
Adding rhythm or chords Check the style list for the exact model; the total number of styles doesn’t tell you which rhythms are included. I want to try accompaniment alongside the melody, so I’m looking for styles that suit my repertoire. Around 21% of consumers choose accompaniment as their main consideration.
Playing and storage space Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the stated dimensions and the key range you need. I have limited space and want to be able to put the keyboard away after playing, without overlooking a melody that needs a wider range. Around 14% of consumers put space first.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Assuming headphones shown in a product photo are included

    An image doesn’t tell you whether the headphones are included. Without a compatible socket, you may not be able to practise with headphones straight away.

    Check the connections and the stated box contents for the model you intend to buy.

  • Assuming lots of built-in styles include your type of folk music

    The number of styles doesn’t tell you which rhythms are available for your melody.

    Compare the style list for the exact model with your repertoire rather than comparing numbers alone.

  • Confusing the manufacturer’s guarantee with your statutory rights

    According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period. The seller remains responsible for providing a solution if a product is faulty.

    Before considering an extended guarantee, check what additional cover the terms and conditions actually provide.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is worth considering if you want to practise melodies independently and learning features or accompaniment matter to you.

  • Yamaha Netherlands / Belgium / Luxembourg lists 61 keys, touch sensitivity, built-in songs and learning features for the PSR-E383.
  • The song list determines whether your particular folk tune is built in; learning features alone don’t confirm this.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a model to compare if portability or storage is a consideration and you’re looking for touch-sensitive keys.

  • Casio lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm and its weight as 3.3 kg.
  • Check the connections and what’s included separately for the model on offer; its dimensions don’t tell you what key range your piece of music requires.

Medeli

The MK61 is worth comparing if you’re looking for touch-sensitive keys and accompaniment styles.

  • Medeli lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, 150 styles and a 1/8-inch headphone socket for the MK61.
  • The number of styles doesn’t guarantee that the type of folk music you’re looking for is included; check the list for the exact model.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need illuminated keys to learn my own folk tune?

Not necessarily. Yamaha describes the illuminated keys on the EZ-310 as helping you practise built-in songs. Check whether the feature suits the way you practise; illuminated keys don’t confirm that your melody is included.

How should I start practising with headphones?

First check the socket and compatible plug for your model, turn the volume down and increase it only if needed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), both the sound level and listening time play a part in safe listening.

If there’s a fault, do I always need to contact the manufacturer or buy an extended guarantee?

No. For a consumer purchase, the seller is your point of contact for your statutory rights. According to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; what you can expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product and normal use. An extended guarantee is only worthwhile if its terms actually provide you with additional cover.

What should I check for the safety of an electronic keyboard sold in the Netherlands?

Electrical appliances placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry a CE marking. The Dutch government specifies this marking for electronic appliances; also check the instructions for the model on offer.