If you want to play arpeggios yourself with both hands, a touch-sensitive 61-key keyboard is the better choice if you have enough space. A 37-key mini keyboard takes up less room, but the mini keys and smaller playing range are important trade-offs. A built-in arpeggiator plays patterns for you, but it won’t replace practising the notes yourself.
You want to put your keyboard away after practising. Compare the dimensions of a mini keyboard with those of a 61-key model, and consider the range covered by your exercises. Yamaha lists the PSS-A50 as having 37 mini keys.
You’re practising fingering and dynamics, and want to know whether all the notes in your exercises will fit on the keyboard at once. Compare the range you need and check the touch response of the specific model.
You want to hear how the chords you play sound as automatic arpeggio patterns, perhaps with accompaniment. Check that the model actually has an arpeggio function; Roland describes this feature for the GO:KEYS 3.
Start with the notes you want to play yourself. Then decide whether storage space, key response, quiet practice or automatically generated patterns matters most to you.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and storage | Measure both the available width and depth of your playing and storage space, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. | If I want to put my keyboard away after every session, dimensions come first. Around 36% of consumers say space and storage are their main concern. |
| Range and key response | Note the lowest and highest notes in your exercises, then check that the range and key response are suitable. | When I want to practise notes and dynamics myself, I need keys suited to the range of my exercises. Around 29% of consumers say playing range and key response are their top priorities. |
| Quiet practice and power | Check for a headphone socket, the right power supply and what’s included with the instrument. | For home use, I want to be able to connect my headphones and know how to power the keyboard. Around 21% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and practical setup. |
| Automatic arpeggios | Decide whether you want to play patterns yourself, have them played automatically or do both; check the features of each model. | If I mainly want to hear automatically generated patterns, I look for a keyboard that explicitly lists an arpeggio function. Around 14% of consumers say this feature is their main buying concern. |
An arpeggiator can play an audible pattern, but it won’t take over practising the notes and hand movements.
First, choose based on the key range you need and the keys required for your exercises. Think of the arpeggiator as an extra feature.
The keyboard’s depth and the space you need to sit in front of it also determine whether your practice area will work.
Compare both the width and depth of the exact model with the available playing and storage space.
A compact case alone doesn’t tell you whether a model is touch-sensitive or suitable for practising dynamics.
Check the key response of the specific model before choosing it for hands-on practice.
The power supply or batteries included can vary by model and offer. Yamaha lists a USB power adaptor for the PSS-A50 as available separately; Casio says that batteries or a mains adaptor for the SA-81 are available separately.
Check what’s included in the offer and the power requirements of the model you want to buy.
The models discussed range from a compact keyboard with 37 mini keys to a 61-key model.
The options discussed are the 44-key mini SA-81 and the larger, touch-sensitive CT-S300.
The GO:KEYS 3 is a 61-key option for playing with sounds and accompaniment.
The Joybuy selection below is suited to practising on a 61-key instrument. Check that the key response and dimensions suit your exercises and playing space, and that the model has the arpeggio function you’re looking for.
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The 61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys are suited to anyone who wants to practise notes themselves; check that the key response suits the way you play.
The product description lists a metronome, headphone socket and built-in stereo speakers. Check that the model has the arpeggio function you need for your exercises.
No, you can play arpeggios yourself without an arpeggiator. If you’re practising your fingering and timing, focus on the key range you need and consider using a metronome. An arpeggiator plays a pattern based on the keys or chord you play.
Measure the available width and depth, and allow room to sit in front of the keyboard and put it away after use. Yamaha lists the PSS-A50 as measuring 506 × 201 mm; Casio lists the CT-S300 as 930 × 256 mm.
Check that the required power supply, batteries and headphones are available and compatible. Yamaha says the USB power adaptor for the PSS-A50 is available separately; Casio says batteries and a mains adaptor for the SA-81 are available separately.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy online from a business, you usually have 14 days to change your mind; whether this applies depends on the purchase. You’re also entitled to a product that matches the agreement. The Dutch government says there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; if a product is faulty, contact the seller.
