For piano pieces with a wide range, or if you want to practise a piano-like touch, an 88-key digital piano with weighted keys is the more obvious choice. For repertoire that fits within 61 keys, a more compact keyboard may be enough. Then look for a clearly visible place to position your sheet music, a metronome, headphone use and the connections you need. These features can help you set up your practice space, but they do not prove that you will learn to sight-read more quickly.
You want to play pieces without being limited by the range of a smaller keyboard. So pay attention to the number of keys and the touch response. Yamaha, Roland and Korg list 88 keys for the digital piano models mentioned, while Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383.
You want to position your music clearly and practise with a steady beat. A music stand and metronome are practical considerations. Korg lists a music stand included with the B2+, while ABRSM describes identifying key features and patterns in music in advance as part of sight-reading.
You want to practise without constantly rearranging the room or using the speakers. Dimensions, space for sheet music and a headphone socket may therefore be worth considering. Roland mentions headphone use for the FP-10, and Korg specifies a headphone socket for the B2+.
First, compare the range of your sheet music with the keyboard and decide whether you also want to practise a piano-style touch. Then consider your reading position, how you’ll use the sound, and the space and connections your home studio requires.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay extra attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing range and touch | Compare the highest and lowest notes in your repertoire with the keyboard. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383 and 88 for the P-145; Roland and Korg also list 88 keys for the FP-10 and B2+. Distinguish between touch-sensitive keys and a weighted action. | If I play pieces with a wide range and also want to practise a piano-style touch, I’ll prioritise range and key action. Around 36% of consumers consider playing range and touch the most important factors. |
| Sheet music and tempo | Check that the music stand supports your paper or device comfortably and whether the instrument has a metronome. Korg lists a metronome and music stand included with the B2+; Roland lists a metronome for the FP-10. | If I want to follow the notes easily while playing and practise with a steady beat, a clear reading position is important. Around 29% of consumers prioritise sheet music and tempo. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket and whether your headphones will fit. Headphones do not necessarily prevent the sound of the keys from being heard. | If I don’t want to use the speakers because I share the room with others, I’ll want to know whether my headphones can be connected easily. Around 21% of consumers want to avoid disturbing others with sound from the speakers. |
| Space and digital workflow | Measure the available space, including room for sheet music. Yamaha specifies a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145, while Korg lists 1.312 mm for the B2+. Check USB or app features and compatibility with your device separately. | If my practice space is limited or I use digital sheet music, I’ll want to make sure the instrument and connection fit my set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space or a digital workflow. |
Search results for digital keyboards may also show computer keyboards. These are not musical instruments for playing piano sheet music.
Check the product details to make sure it is a musical instrument and that its playing range suits your repertoire.
A 61-key keyboard and an 88-key digital piano also differ in the key actions covered here. More keys alone do not prove that an instrument is better suited to your practice goals.
Compare the range of your repertoire and consider separately whether you want to practise a piano-style touch.
What’s included varies by model and accessory. Korg lists a music stand and damper pedal included with the B2+; the matching stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145.
Check the contents of the exact model or bundle before setting up your practice space.
A suitable stand or pedal unit may be an additional purchase if you want a complete set-up.
The PSR-E383 covered here is a 61-key keyboard; the P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 weighted keys.
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano with 88 keys, headphone use and a metronome.
The CDP-S110 is a digital piano designed for a slim set-up and viewing sheet music on a phone or tablet.
The B2+ is an 88-key digital piano with a music stand to keep your sheet music in a fixed position.
No. First compare the range of your pieces with the instrument: the Yamaha PSR-E383 covered here has 61 keys, while the digital pianos mentioned have 88 keys. Whether you need weighted keys also depends on whether you want to practise a piano-style touch.
Position the sheet music so you can read it easily while playing, and check that the stand can support your device comfortably. Korg lists a music stand included with the B2+; Casio mentions PDF viewing via CASIO Music Space for the CDP-S110. Assess readability in your own set-up.
Check what’s included with the exact model and distinguish between a music stand and a furniture stand. Korg lists a music stand and damper pedal with the B2+, while the matching stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145.
Electrical and electronic equipment is covered by applicable European product rules. According to the European Union, CE marking is required when the relevant harmonised EU rules specify it; the marking alone does not prove that each individual item offered for sale complies. Check the information for the specific instrument and the power supply included.
For distance purchases, the cooling-off period is usually 14 days, according to the Dutch Government. Check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your purchase; ‘always’ is therefore too definite.
