Intro learner
Wants to play the notes and dynamics of a song intro, so first checks the keyboard range and touch sensitivity.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Practising in a shared home
Wants to practise with headphones and be considerate of others in the building. Having a loft room doesn’t automatically mean there will be noise issues.
Practising with limited space
Wants the instrument to fit in the available space or be easy to put away after use, so compares its dimensions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First check that the range and touch suit your intro. Then compare the available space, headphone socket and any accompaniment features.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and touch | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your intro with the range of the exact model. Also check whether you need touch sensitivity or a particular key action. | If I want to play the intro as written, I check that all the notes fit on the keyboard and that I can practise dynamics. Around 36% of consumers prioritise key range and touch. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the model has a headphone socket, which plug type it takes and whether you can adjust the volume. | If I share a home, I want to practise without playing the instrument through its speakers. Around 29% of consumers give quiet practice top priority. |
| Dimensions and storage | Measure the space and allow for room to play, cables and a stand if needed. Compare these measurements with the instrument’s dimensions. | If space in the loft is limited, I want to know whether the instrument will fit there and can be put away after use. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on the space available. |
| Accompaniment | Check whether the available chord patterns or accompaniment features suit your song and the way you practise. | If I want to practise chords or accompaniment as well as the melody, I look for features that suit my intro. Around 14% of consumers prioritise accompaniment. |
Common points to consider
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Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys
Touch sensitivity describes how the instrument responds to how hard you play, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it has weighted piano keys. This distinction may matter if you take piano lessons.
Ask which key action is right for your lessons and check the specifications for the full model number.
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Choosing a compact keyboard without checking the notes in your intro
A 61-key model has a different range from an 88-key model. You won’t be able to play an intro in full if it includes notes outside the range of your chosen instrument.
Before deciding based on size, compare the lowest and highest notes in your piece with the instrument’s range.
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Assuming every entry-level keyboard is touch-sensitive
Touch-response features vary between models. Yamaha lists touch sensitivity for the PSR-E383 and confirms that the PSR-F52 doesn’t have Touch Response.
Check the features of the exact model if you want to practise playing at different strengths.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a 61-key keyboard with touch sensitivity and accompaniment features. Yamaha says it’s suitable for practising melody and accompaniment.
- Yamaha lists touch sensitivity, lesson functions and accompaniment Styles for the PSR-E383.
- Yamaha confirms that the PSR-F52 doesn’t have Touch Response, so don’t assume every model has the same features.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a 61-key model worth comparing if you’re considering touch sensitivity, dimensions and headphone use.
- Casio Netherlands lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm and its weight as 3,3 kg. Casio also lists a headphone output.
- The dimensions don’t tell you whether the keyboard range covers the notes in your song intro.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth comparing if you want to use chord patterns or accompaniment as well as practising an intro.
- Roland describes chord patterns and accompaniment options for the GO:KEYS 3, and lists headphone use.
- Having chord patterns doesn’t mean that your particular song will be available.
Korg
The Liano offers an 88-key option if a smaller keyboard doesn’t provide enough range.
- Korg lists 88 touch-sensitive keys, a headphone socket and a width of 1.282 mm for the Liano.
- The LS keyboard isn’t the same as a hammer-action keyboard, so check whether the key action suits your lessons.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options below are 61-key instruments to compare for practising a song intro. Check that the range, features and available space suit your needs.
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MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys
An option to compare if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument with a headphone socket.
The product information lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, a metronome, a recording function and a music rest.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
An option to compare if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with features for practising on your own.
The product information lists a recording function, speakers, a metronome, a music rest and a MIDI controller.
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Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
An option to compare if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with a stand and a seat.
The product information lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, a three-step learning mode, a display and USB-MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 61-key keyboard enough for your song intro?
It depends on the lowest and highest notes you want to play. Compare them with the range of the exact model. If you take piano lessons, ask which key action is right for your lessons; touch sensitivity isn’t the same as hammer action.
How can you set up a practice space in your loft?
First, measure the space where the instrument will go and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. Allow room to play and for cables, and check whether you need a stand, power supply, music rest or headphones. Don’t assume every model comes with the same accessories.
What can you do if your practice disturbs your neighbours?
Check whether you can use suitable headphones with the instrument and, if necessary, agree on practice times. The Dutch Government advises neighbours to try to agree on arrangements together first. If that doesn’t help, it suggests options such as contacting your landlord, local council or residents’ association. It doesn’t set a nationwide practice time.
What are your rights if a keyboard bought online isn’t suitable or breaks?
For online purchases, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, with some exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that does what you could reasonably expect under normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution if a product doesn’t meet these expectations. Don’t assume there’s one fixed statutory guarantee period for all keyboards.
Does a CE mark mean that a keyboard has been independently tested?
No. The mark doesn’t in itself mean that a central EU body has independently tested the product. According to the European Commission, the manufacturer uses the CE mark to indicate that the product complies with the applicable EU product rules. There’s no central EU body that issues a general CE authorisation for this purpose.