Which option is right for you?

Keyboard player practising independently

If you want to hear what you play straight away, without a computer, look for an instrument with built-in sounds and speakers. Yamaha and Casio list these features for the PSR-E383 and CT-S1BK respectively.

Home producer using music software

If you’re playing your intro into a DAW, a MIDI controller can control software instruments. Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as offering controls for DAW use. Check that the controller and any software are compatible with your computer and programme.

Piano-focused player

If you mainly want to practise piano parts and have room for a larger keyboard, compare digital pianos. Roland lists the FP-10 as having 88 keys and PHA-4 Standard action.

What should you look for when choosing?

The right option depends mainly on whether you want built-in sound, to record using software, the range of keys you need and how much desk space you have.

Keyboard with built-in sounds

A good fit if: you want to play and hear the sound straight away, without a computer. Yamaha lists built-in sounds and USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; Casio describes the CT-S1BK as having built-in sounds and speakers.

Bear in mind: check that the range of keys and connections on the model you choose suit your intro.

MIDI controller with software

A good fit if: you mainly want to play your intro using virtual instruments. Arturia lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys and DAW controls for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3.

Bear in mind: a controller won’t sound like a standalone keyboard on its own. Akai confirms that the MPK mini mk3 needs a computer and software to produce sound.

Digital piano

A good fit if: piano playing, key feel and a wider range are important to you. Roland lists the FP-10 as having 88 keys, built-in speakers and headphone capability.

Bear in mind: allow for the space a full-size piano keyboard needs, and check the connections on the model being offered.

The percentages below show which consideration consumers prioritise in this home-use scenario.

Consideration What to look for For these consumers
Practising without a computer Check whether the model has built-in sounds and speakers. Also consider whether you need a headphone socket. If I want to practise without a computer, I want to hear what I’m playing straight away. Around 36% of consumers therefore make playing independently their top priority.
Playing with music software Decide whether you want to record MIDI notes or the instrument’s own sound. Check the relevant connection and whether the software works with your computer and DAW. I want to play my intro into the music software I already use, so I need suitable controls. Around 29% of consumers prioritise recording with software.
Key range and piano feel Compare the highest and lowest notes in your intro with the keyboard’s range. As well as the number of keys, consider the key feel you want. If I want to practise a piano part, the range and response need to suit the way I play. Around 21% of consumers give the piano range and key feel the greatest weight.
Desk space Measure the available space, including room for cables, and check that the number of keys is enough for your intro. I have limited space and want a keyboard that fits on my desk without restricting the range I need for my part. Around 14% of consumers make available space their top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes its own sound

    Akai says the MPK mini mk3 doesn’t produce sound itself; it sends MIDI messages to software. Without a suitable computer and software setup, you won’t hear your intro through the controller.

    If you want to practise without a computer, check that the model you choose has built-in sounds and a way to hear them.

  • Treating USB MIDI and USB audio as the same recording feature

    MIDI sends performance data; it doesn’t automatically record the instrument’s sound. Yamaha lists both USB audio and MIDI for the PSR-E383.

    Decide in advance whether you want to record MIDI notes or the instrument’s own sound, then check which connection the model you choose offers for that purpose.

  • Choosing based on the number of keys alone

    A 25- or 49-key controller and an 88-key digital piano are designed for different playing needs. The number of keys alone also doesn’t tell you how a keyboard will feel to play.

    Compare the range of your intro with the keyboard, and factor in the key feel you want.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

According to Yamaha, the PSR-E383 is a portable keyboard for practising independently and using USB audio/MIDI.

  • Yamaha lists 61 velocity-sensitive keys, built-in sounds and USB audio/MIDI for this model.
  • Check that the 61-key range and connections suit your intro and recording setup; these features don’t necessarily apply to other Yamaha models.

Casio

According to Casio, the CT-S1BK lets you play using built-in sounds and speakers.

  • Casio describes the CT-S1BK as easy to use, with a built-in speaker system.
  • Casio lists a wireless MIDI/audio adaptor separately, so check whether it’s included with the version you choose if you need one.

Roland

The FP-10 is a digital piano for anyone who values a piano-style keyboard.

  • Roland lists a 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone capability for the FP-10.
  • Roland warns that Bluetooth availability may depend on the country where it’s sold; check the connections on the version being offered.

Arturia

According to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a MIDI controller for software instruments and DAW control.

  • Arturia specifies 49 velocity-sensitive keys, control knobs and a computer connection.
  • Check that the controller, your DAW and any software licence are compatible with your computer and workflow.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini mk3 is a compact MIDI controller for playing through software.

  • Akai lists 25 keys and a compact MIDI controller design for this model.
  • Akai confirms that the MPK mini mk3 doesn’t produce sound itself; you’ll need a compatible computer or other software. Check that 25 keys cover the range of your intro.

Products at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear an intro without a computer on any MIDI keyboard?

No, not every MIDI keyboard produces sound on its own. Akai confirms that the MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI messages to software; for other models, check whether they have built-in sounds and how you can hear them.

How do I connect a keyboard if I want to record my intro?

First decide whether you want to record MIDI notes or the instrument’s own sound. Yamaha lists USB audio and MIDI for the PSR-E383, while Akai says that the MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI to software rather than producing sound itself.

How many keys do I need for a song intro?

It depends on the range of the part and the playing feel you want. Compare the highest and lowest notes in your intro with the keyboard; the number of keys alone doesn’t tell you how the instrument feels to play.

What if the instrument doesn’t work properly after I buy it?

When you buy as a consumer in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that works properly. The Dutch government says that if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution; there is no fixed general statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands that applies to all products.

Can I return a keyboard I bought online?

Online consumer purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions, so check the terms that apply to your specific purchase.