First, choose an instrument that covers the lowest and highest notes in the pieces you’re practising. Then measure the space available for the instrument, sheet music and somewhere to sit. A compact 61-key keyboard may be enough if your repertoire stays within that range; if you need more range or weighted piano keys, a wider instrument may be a better fit, provided the whole set-up fits in your attic. Check the headphone socket and included accessories for the exact model, too.
You want to play new pieces from sheet music and need room for both the notes and the complete set-up. ABRSM describes recognising musical patterns before playing as part of sight-reading; Yamaha, Casio and Korg state the key ranges of the instruments mentioned.
You want to practise regularly without using the built-in speakers. Casio says that connecting headphones to the CT-S300 switches off its speakers; also bear in mind the sound of the keys themselves.
Your pieces or piano technique may call for a wider key range, weighted keys or pedal use. Korg specifies that the B2+ has 88 keys with NH hammer action and a damper pedal.
A good fit if: your practice pieces are within its range and storage space is important. Yamaha specifies touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383; Casio lists the CT-S300 as 930 mm wide.
Bear in mind: 61 keys offer a narrower range than the 76- and 88-key models reviewed here. Touch sensitivity is not the same as weighted hammer action.
A good fit if: you need a wider range than 61 keys offer but want a portable keyboard. Yamaha specifies 76 touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-EW320.
Bear in mind: Yamaha lists the PSR-EW320 as 1.148 mm wide, with ‘organ-style’ keys; the specifications do not mention weighted hammer action.
A good fit if: your repertoire calls for a wider range or you specifically want to practise on weighted piano keys. Korg specifies that the B2+ has 88 keys with NH hammer action.
Bear in mind: Korg lists the B2+ as 1.312 mm wide. The stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed separately, so measure the complete set-up.
Measure the usable width and depth of your playing area, including space for sheet music and somewhere to sit. The dimensions quoted are specific to each model: Casio lists 930 mm for the CT-S300, Yamaha 1.148 mm for the PSR-EW320 and Korg 1.312 mm for the B2+.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and sheet music | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your own pieces with the keyboard range; also check whether a music stand is included. | If I play from sheet music, I want to know whether every note is within range; around 31% of consumers give key range and sheet music top priority. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space for the instrument, sheet music and somewhere to sit; check the weight if you plan to move the instrument often. | If I have limited attic space, the whole playing set-up needs to fit; around 25% of consumers prioritise fitting everything in and storage. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket on the exact model and whether you need a suitable plug or adapter. | If I practise in a shared home, I want to be able to avoid using the built-in speakers without assuming that key presses will be inaudible; around 25% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Piano feel and pedal | Check whether the model has weighted keys and which pedal is included with that version. | If I practise piano technique, I want to know whether the key action and pedal suit what I play; around 19% of consumers choose piano feel or pedal use as their main priority. |
You don’t need a larger keyboard for every piece, but too narrow a range could leave some written notes beyond its reach.
Compare a few representative scores with the range of the model you’re considering, and check the lowest and highest notes.
Yamaha specifies touch sensitivity for the PSR keyboards mentioned; Korg specifies NH hammer action for the B2+. These are different keyboard features.
Decide whether you mainly want to practise sight-reading or also want to practise on weighted piano keys, then check the specifications for the exact model.
Korg lists a music stand and damper pedal as included with the B2+, but the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed separately.
Check what comes with the specific version before arranging your playing space.
According to Casio, connecting headphones to the CT-S300 switches off its built-in speakers. That doesn’t mean other people won’t hear the physical sound of the keys being pressed.
Discuss where and when you’ll practise with housemates or neighbours. The Dutch Government advises talking things through first if you’re concerned about disturbing your neighbours.
The 61-key PSR-E383 and 76-key PSR-EW320 are portable keyboard options with different key ranges.
The CT-S300 is a compact keyboard option if storage and portability matter to you.
The B2+ is a digital piano option for anyone looking for 88 weighted keys and a set-up for playing from sheet music.
These Joybuy products have 61 keys and are intended for anyone who wants to practise sheet music within that range. Compare the connections and accessories listed for each version, and measure the space needed for the complete set-up.
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Could be a good fit if your sheet music stays within the range of 61 keys and you want to practise on weighted keys.
The product title mentions weighted keys, a headphone socket and a music stand.
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Could be a good fit if your pieces are within the range of 61 keys and you want to keep your sheet music beside the instrument.
The title mentions a music stand, metronome and recording function; the product description mentions a headphone socket.
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Could be a good fit if your sheet music is within the range of 61 keys and you want a set-up with somewhere to sit.
The title lists a keyboard stand, stool and music stand. The product description mentions a headphone socket and a 3-level learning mode.
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Could be a good fit if your sheet music is within the range of 61 keys and you want a keyboard stand with somewhere to sit.
The product title lists 500 sounds and a 3-level learning mode; the description mentions an adjustable stool, dual speakers and an LCD screen.
Before you play, look at the key signature, rhythm and any recognisable patterns in an unfamiliar piece. ABRSM describes this as part of sight-reading; also check in advance that the written notes are within your instrument’s range.
Measure the whole playing area, not just the instrument’s width. Korg specifies that the B2+ is 1.312 mm wide and 336 mm deep without the music stand; the music stand and damper pedal are listed as included, while the stand is listed separately.
According to Casio, connecting headphones to the CT-S300 switches off its built-in speakers. That doesn’t mean other people won’t hear the physical sound of the keys being pressed; if necessary, discuss practice times with housemates or neighbours.
ACM ConsuWijzer says that online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to exceptions. This is separate from the statutory guarantee: if a product used normally doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee.
Check the agreements and rules that apply at your address rather than assuming there’s one standard practice time. The Dutch Government advises neighbours to discuss things first if there may be a noise nuisance, and says that in many local authority areas, neighbour noise complaints may be covered by municipal APV regulations.
