Who is this guide for?

Student learning scales

You want to practise notes, fingering and tempo. Compare the keyboard’s range with your lesson materials; Casio’s manual explains how to use the metronome on the CT-S300, and Korg lists a metronome function for the B2+.

Student who also practises piano

If you also use the music room to practise piano technique, the key action will influence your choice. Yamaha describes the P-145 as having a weighted GHC keyboard; check whether that type of action suits what you need to practise.

Student in a shared space

You’ll want to consider using headphones, the space available and any parts you need for your setup. Casio’s manual explains how to connect separately available headphones; also check what’s included with the version you choose.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start with the notes and key action your assignment requires. Then consider how space, headphone use and portability fit into the picture.

Compact, touch-sensitive keyboard

A good fit if: the scales you’ve been set fit within the keyboard’s range and you want to move the instrument regularly.

Bear in mind: touch-sensitive keys are not the same as a weighted piano keyboard.

Digital piano with 88 weighted keys

A good fit if: you practise on a full piano keyboard as well as learning scales.

Bear in mind: the 88-key models reviewed need more space than the compact CT-S300; also check what’s included in the set on offer.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Key range and scales Compare the required notes and octaves with the keyboard. Yamaha Netherlands lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383 and 88 for the P-145. I want to know whether the instrument covers all the notes in my assignment and which form of the minor scale I need to practise. Key range and practice method are priorities for around 33% of consumers.
Key action for piano technique Ask what type of key action your course requires. Yamaha Netherlands describes the P-145 as having 88 GHC keys; Korg specifies 88 NH keys for the B2+. If I also practise piano technique, I want to know whether my assignment requires a weighted action. A piano-like feel is a priority for around 27% of consumers.
Practising with headphones Casio’s manual explains how to connect separately available headphones to the CT-S300; Korg lists a PHONES socket for the B2+. In a shared music room, I want to practise through headphones without using the speakers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Moving and setting up Measure the space available and check what the set includes. Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm and weighing 3,3 kg; Yamaha Netherlands gives the P-145’s width as 1.326 mm and its weight as 11,1 kg. I want to be able to move and set up the instrument with the parts I need. Portability and what’s included in the set are priorities for around 20% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted piano keys

    The PSR-E383 and CT-S300 have touch response; Yamaha describes the P-145 as having a weighted keyboard. These features are not interchangeable for your lesson assignment.

    First ask what key range and type of action your course requires, then compare the exact models.

  • Assuming a piano offer includes everything you need

    Korg states that the stand for the B2+ is available separately. What’s included may vary between versions on offer.

    Check the contents of the specific package, not just the image or product range name.

  • Treating a general keyboard ranking as proof it suits your lesson goals

    A general ranking won’t necessarily tell you which scales, key action or setup your course requires.

    Compare your lesson assignment with the instrument’s range, action, metronome and the space available before relying on a ranking.

Brands and models to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is an example of a 61-key keyboard; the P-145 is a separate 88-key option for piano-focused practice.

  • Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys and lesson and accompaniment features for the PSR-E383. For the P-145, Yamaha specifies a weighted GHC keyboard.
  • These are model specifications, not an independent assessment of how the instruments feel to play. First decide what type of action and range you need.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a compact Casiotone option for anyone looking for a portable keyboard with touch response.

  • Casio lists a carry handle, a weight of 3,3 kg and touch response for the CT-S300. The manual explains how to use headphones and the metronome.
  • Touch response doesn’t mean the model has a weighted piano keyboard. The manual notes that the headphones are sold separately.

Korg

The B2+ is a digital piano option for anyone looking for a fully weighted keyboard and a metronome.

  • Korg specifies 88 NH keys, a PHONES socket and a supplied adapter, music rest and damper pedal.
  • Korg states that the stand is available separately. Check which parts are included with the version on offer.

Joybuy products

The Joybuy pick below is a digital piano with 61 keys and a weighted keyboard; check that its range and key action suit your lesson assignment.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys and weighted keyboard

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, weighted keyboard, black

This model is only suitable if both its key range and weighted action match your lesson assignment.

61 keys; weighted keyboard.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need 88 weighted keys to practise minor scales?

Not just because you’re practising minor scales. First compare the number of octaves and the lowest and highest notes in your lesson materials with the keyboard. Consider an 88-key model with weighted action if your course also requires you to practise piano technique across a full keyboard.

How can I practise with a metronome and headphones in a shared music room?

Check that the model you choose has the sockets and features you need. Casio’s manual explains how to use the metronome and connect separately available headphones to the CT-S300; Korg lists a metronome function and a PHONES socket for the B2+.

What should I look for if I need to move the instrument often?

Measure the space available and check the dimensions, weight and parts included with the exact version. Casio lists the CT-S300 as weighing 3,3 kg; for a digital piano, it’s also worth checking whether the music rest, stand, power supply and any pedals are included in the offer.

Which product safety marking should I check on an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that electrical products must carry a CE marking. Check the instrument itself and, where applicable, the supplied mains adapter separately. The Low Voltage Directive applies to nominal AC voltages between 50 V and 1.000 V, so don’t automatically assume it applies to both.

What can I do if an instrument I bought online develops a fault too soon?

For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller is responsible if the instrument doesn’t meet the standard you could reasonably expect. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the seller must resolve the problem, for example by repairing or replacing the instrument, or refunding you. What’s appropriate depends on the circumstances.