Start by thinking about where and how you practise. For quiet playing, you’ll need a suitable headphone socket and sounds you can play on their own, while a compact model is particularly useful if you want to put the instrument away after use. Choose touch-sensitive keys to add dynamics to the melody, or automatic accompaniment if you’d also like to try out chords and rhythm. Always check the exact version and which accessories are included.
You practise an intro in a room where other people might be able to hear you, so you want to be able to play with suitable headphones. Yamaha lists a headphone output for the PSR-E383; Casio’s guidance for the CT-S300 covers connecting headphones, which are sold separately.
You want to fit your keyboard on a small table or put it away after practising. Casio gives the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm and its weight as 3.3 kg; be sure to measure the available depth too.
You want to practise adding expression to the melody or bring in chords and accompaniment. Compare the touch response with the features you actually plan to use: Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383, while Korg describes automatic accompaniment styles for the EK-50.
First decide whether quiet practice is your priority and how much space you have. Then consider whether touch sensitivity or accompaniment would help you develop your song intro.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket, plug size and contents of the exact version. | If I’m practising in a spare room while other people are at home, I don’t want to have to use the speakers and need to be able to connect suitable headphones. Around 36% of consumers are said to put quiet practice first when buying. |
| Fitting it in and putting it away | Measure both the width and depth of the space, and check whether you’ll need a stand. | If my table is short on space, I want to know in advance whether the keyboard will fit securely and can be put away after use. Around 29% of consumers are said to prioritise space and storage. |
| Expression in the melody | Check the touch response of the exact model and compare it with your learning goals. | If the intro includes both soft and loud notes, I want to be able to practise those differences as I play. Around 21% of consumers are said to put control over melody and dynamics first when choosing. |
| Accompaniment or a starter bundle | Consider which accompaniment features you need and check what’s included in the bundle on offer. | If I want to try the melody with chords or rhythm too, or still need accessories, I want to know which features and items are actually included with that version. Around 14% of consumers are said to prioritise accompaniment or putting together a starter bundle. |
The Casio CT-S300 manual covers headphones sold separately, while the contents of other packages may vary.
Check the socket and box contents for the exact offer, rather than relying on the product category alone.
You may need to buy headphones or a suitable plug separately.
Yamaha specifies organ-style, touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383. These are not the same as weighted piano keys.
Decide whether you mainly want to practise dynamics in a melody or piano technique on weighted keys.
The listed depth is 256 mm for the Casio CT-S300 and 392 mm for the Korg EK-50, so the depth of your available table space may matter too.
Measure the space in both directions and allow for cables and a stable setup.
If your table isn’t suitable for playing, you may need an appropriate stand.
The accessories and power supply described may vary by model or package.
Before buying, check the exact model name, version and package contents.
The PSR-E383 is worth considering if you’re looking for a standalone 61-key keyboard with lesson features.
The CT-S300 is worth considering if a compact, portable practice setup is important to you.
The EK-50 is designed for players who want to develop a melody with automatic accompaniment styles.
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to explore sounds and chord progressions as well as the original intro.
The Harmony 61 MK3 may suit you if you’re looking for a complete practice bundle and the exact version is available.
With a suitable connection, you can practise without using the built-in speakers. This won’t necessarily prevent every sound from being heard; the Dutch government notes that rules about nuisance to neighbours can vary by local authority. If needed, agree practice times with housemates or neighbours.
Place the instrument on a stable surface, use the power supply intended for the exact version, and check that your headphone plug fits. Yamaha notes that a mains adaptor isn’t always included, depending on the region; Casio’s manual covers connecting headphones, which are sold separately.
Check the manual for your exact model, as this can vary between instruments. Alesis says that the headphones supplied with the Harmony 61 MK3 automatically mute the speakers; don’t assume other models work in the same way without checking.
Check which headphones, stand, bench, pedal and power supply are actually included. According to the Dutch government, when you buy remotely from a business, you’ll usually have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions may apply. If the product is faulty, you have statutory consumer rights, depending on the circumstances.
According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking. Check the product information for the specific version; the model name alone doesn’t confirm that a particular item carries the marking.
