A compact, touch-sensitive keyboard is suitable for scale practice if it has enough range and you’re short on space. Check whether the exact model also has a metronome and a headphone socket. If you’d also like to practise piano technique, compare it with an 88-key instrument and measure your playing and storage space first. Touch sensitivity, key range and keyboard action are different features.
You want to practise notes, fingering and a steady tempo without a computer. Compare the key range, touch sensitivity and metronome. Yamaha lists these features for the PSR-E383; Casio lists touch sensitivity and a metronome for the CT-S1BK.
You want to avoid using the speakers when others are at home, so you check whether the exact model has a headphone socket. Yamaha, Korg and Casio list headphone use for the models mentioned.
You want to practise piano technique as well as scales, with a wider key range, so you’ll need to make enough space. Yamaha lists 88 keys for the P-145; Korg also specifies 88 keys for the Liano, with an LS keyboard.
Choose this if: the scales you want to practise fit within its range and you’re looking for an instrument that takes up little space. Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys and a metronome for the PSR-E383; Casio lists the latter two features for the CT-S1BK.
Bear in mind: the key range may limit you when practising exercises or repertoire that cover more notes. Touch sensitivity is not the same as a weighted piano keyboard.
Choose this if: a full key range matters and portability is also a consideration. Korg specifies 88 keys, an LS keyboard, a metronome and a headphone socket for the Liano.
Bear in mind: keyboard action is a separate factor to consider. Compare the specified LS keys with the GHC keyboard listed by Yamaha for the P-145. Also check the Dutch model and the parts included.
Choose this if: you’d also like to practise piano technique and have room for a wider instrument. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
Bear in mind: Yamaha gives the P-145’s width as 1.326 mm and its weight as 11,1 kg. Measure your playing and storage space before choosing.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and tempo | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your exercises with the keyboard. Check touch sensitivity and the metronome separately. | I want to practise scales and tempo across the range I actually need. Around 33% of customers prioritise key range and practice tempo. |
| Practising with headphones | Check whether the exact model has a headphone output and whether your headphones are compatible. The sound of the keys being pressed may still be audible. | When others are at home, I want to listen without using the speakers. Around 27% of customers say that quiet practice is their main need. |
| Positioning and storage | Measure the available width and depth, and allow for a seat and sheet music. Also consider the weight if you’ll be moving the instrument each time. | I want to set up the instrument in the guest room and put it away again after practising. Around 20% of customers prioritise space and storage. |
| Keyboard feel and room to progress | Compare the keyboard specifications and decide whether 88 keys suit your learning goals and the space available. | I want to practise piano technique as well as scales, and I have room for a larger instrument. Around 20% of customers prioritise a piano-style keyboard and room to progress. |
Touch sensitivity and keyboard action describe different features. Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383 and a GHC keyboard for the P-145; one feature doesn’t mean the other keyboard feel is present.
Decide whether you mainly want to practise notes and dynamics, or also the feel of a piano keyboard. Compare the specifications of the exact models to find out.
If you later want to practise with a different keyboard feel, you may need to choose another instrument as well.
The listed dimensions are for the instrument itself. You’ll also need room to sit and play, and possibly space for sheet music.
Measure the entire setup you have in mind and check that you can store the instrument where you plan to keep it after use.
A larger setup may mean you need to rethink where you position or store the instrument.
What’s included can vary between models. Yamaha notes that the adapter may not be included with the PSR-E383, depending on the region.
Ask the seller about the box contents, power supply and connections for the exact model you’re ordering.
If a required adapter isn’t included, you may need to buy one separately.
The PSR-E383 is a standalone keyboard with 61 keys; the P-145 offers a separate option with 88 keys and a GHC keyboard.
The CT-S1BK is a Casiotone model for anyone looking for straightforward controls and touch-sensitive keys for practice.
The Liano offers an option with 88 keys and an LS keyboard.
The GO:PIANO88 is another option to compare if you want a full key range with portability.
These Joybuy product picks are aimed at scale practice on a 61-key instrument. Check the range of your exercises and the connections you need.
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A 61-key option for scale and tempo practice. Check that its range covers the notes you want to play.
The product title mentions a metronome. The product description lists a headphone socket.
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A 61-key option for scale practice. Compare its range with your exercises and check that the keyboard feel suits your learning goals.
The product description lists touch sensitivity, a metronome and a headphone socket.
It depends on the lowest and highest notes you want to practise: compare them with the range of the model you’re considering. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383; if you want a full key range, you could also compare an 88-key model.
Use compatible headphones with a model that has a headphone output. Check the connection on the exact model; the physical sound of the keys being pressed may still be audible.
No. Don’t assume every model has the same package contents. Yamaha notes that the adapter may not be included with the PSR-E383, depending on the region; check the Dutch listing. Also check which parts are supplied with other models.
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, contact the seller if the product is faulty. According to the Dutch government, statutory guarantee applies without a fixed statutory guarantee period. When buying from a business at a distance, you’re also entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases; this is a separate right from your guarantee.
Check that the product actually being offered meets the applicable EU safety requirements and has the required CE marking. The Dutch government says this applies to electronic devices sold on the EU market; specifications for a different model don’t confirm this for the one you’re considering.
