If you mainly want to accompany singing and use sounds or backing patterns, look for a touch-sensitive keyboard and check whether the model can transpose. For more extensive piano parts or to practise piano technique, a digital piano with 88 weighted keys is a better fit, but it needs more space. Whichever you choose, check that it has the connections you need for quiet practice or recording.
You want to play chords, choose a key that suits your voice and perhaps practise with backing patterns. Casio lists a transposition range of −12 to +12 semitones for the CT-S400; check this feature for each model individually.
You play fully written-out piano parts and value a full range and weighted keys more than a wide choice of backing styles. Yamaha, Roland and Korg list 88 keys for the P-145, FP-10 and B2 respectively.
You have limited room to set up an instrument or want to listen through headphones. Bear in mind that headphones won’t mute your singing or the mechanical sound of the keys; if your neighbours might be disturbed, agree on practice times.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Vocal key and accompaniment | Check the transposition function, touch sensitivity and backing pattern controls for each version. Casio lists a range of −12 to +12 semitones for the CT-S400. | If I’m accompanying myself, I want to match the accompaniment to my voice and practise with suitable patterns. Around 33% of consumers give the highest priority to vocal accompaniment and changing key. |
| Range and touch | Compare the range of your sheet music with the number of keys, and distinguish touch sensitivity from a weighted keyboard. Yamaha lists 88 weighted keys for the P-145; Roland describes the FP-10 as having an 88-key keyboard. | If my part has bass and melody notes far apart, I want enough range and a touch that feels right for piano playing. Around 25% of consumers put piano range and key response at the top of their list. |
| Quiet practice and space | Measure the available space and check the headphone socket on the exact version. Headphones limit the amplified sound of the instrument, but won’t mute your singing. | If I practise at home in a shared space, I want to be able to set up and listen to the instrument without unnecessarily spreading amplified sound. Around 25% of consumers make available space and quiet practice their top priority. |
| Recording connection | Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data or audio, then check the connections and software for the specific model. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; don’t assume another instrument with USB has the same features. | If I want to record rehearsals or work with recording software, I need the connection to support the signal I require. Around 17% of consumers give a computer or recording connection the highest priority. |
Touch sensitivity and a weighted piano keyboard are different features. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a 61-key touch-sensitive keyboard and the P-145 as a model with 88 weighted keys.
Check both the touch response and the keyboard action. If you can, try playing a passage from your own repertoire.
If you later want to practise piano technique specifically on weighted keys, you may need a second instrument.
A USB port alone doesn’t confirm that the instrument supports the audio or MIDI workflow you need.
Decide whether you want to record audio or MIDI, then check the manual for the exact version and how it connects to your recording device.
You may need additional cables, equipment or software for your preferred recording method.
A wide range of sounds won’t make up for not having enough keys for a piano part. Backing styles and a weighted keyboard also support different ways of practising.
First decide whether singing accompaniment or learning piano parts is your priority; then compare the extra sounds and features.
The PSR-E383 is a portable keyboard with backing styles, while the P-145 is designed for piano playing with 88 weighted keys.
The CT-S400 is a compact Casiotone for anyone who values vocal accompaniment, a range of sounds and an adjustable key.
The FP-10 is a piano-focused option with an 88-key keyboard.
The B2 is designed for piano parts; the separate B2+ is worth considering if you’re specifically looking at a version with USB-C.
Look at the part you’ll actually be playing: a 61-key keyboard may be enough for simple chordal accompaniment, while a piano part that goes beyond that range needs more keys. If you also want to practise piano technique, compare digital pianos with 88 weighted keys rather than looking only at the number of keys.
Headphones let you listen to the amplified sound of the instrument privately, but they won’t mute your singing. The Government of the Netherlands advises agreeing arrangements first if your neighbours might be disturbed, such as setting times for making music; this doesn’t establish general permitted practice hours for every home.
First decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data or audible sound, then check the connection and software for the exact version. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; don’t assume another model has the same combination just because it has a USB port.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind about an ordinary online product purchase, subject to exceptions and return conditions. You’re also entitled to a legal guarantee if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use; this isn’t a fixed warranty period for a particular keyboard.
