Travelling music producer
Wants to try out musical ideas in different locations, even without a mains power supply, and needs an instrument they can take with them. Yamaha and Casio specify battery power for the PSR-E383 and CT-S300.
Who are these instruments for?
Arranger on the go
Wants to compare sounds, chord progressions and accompaniment to shape pieces for a performance. Yamaha and Roland describe the sounds and accompaniment features of the PSR-E383 and GO:KEYS 3.
Laptop-based composer
Takes music software along and wants keys for entering notes, rather than necessarily an instrument that produces sound on its own. Novation describes the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as a MIDI controller; MIDI data does not contain sound.
Which buying concerns should you consider?
Standalone keyboard
A good fit if: you want to try out sounds, melodies or accompaniment on location without a laptop. Yamaha specifies six AA batteries for the PSR-E383.
Consider: key range, dimensions and battery life vary by model. Casio warns that the CT-S300's operating time depends on the battery type and playing style.
88-key digital piano
A good fit if: you need the full range for piano parts and can transport the larger instrument. Korg specifies 88 velocity-sensitive keys for the Liano.
Consider: according to Korg, the Liano is 1.282 mm wide and weighs 6,0 kg without batteries or a music rest.
MIDI controller with laptop
A good fit if: you want to enter ideas into music software that you're already taking with you. Novation specifies 25 mini keys and USB bus power for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.
Consider: Novation explains that MIDI only contains control data. You'll also need suitable software and audio output to hear any sound.
| Buying concern | What to look for | Who does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Transport and power | Compare the dimensions and weight with your luggage; check the battery type, power supply and connections for the exact model. | I want to play in different locations without relying on a plug socket. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portability and being able to play without a plug socket. |
| Sounds and accompaniment | Check which sounds and accompaniment features suit the parts you want to try out; a large number of sounds alone is no proof of better sound quality. | I want to compare different sounds and accompaniments for the programme. Around 23% of consumers prioritise these arrangement options. |
| Key range | Check the lowest and highest notes in your parts and compare them with the instrument's range. | I want to practise piano parts across the range they require, even if that means choosing a larger instrument. Around 18% of consumers prioritise piano range. |
| Music software | Check that your computer, software, cable and audio output are compatible with your setup; a MIDI controller does not produce sound on its own. | I'm taking my laptop with music software and mainly want keys for entering ideas. Around 18% of consumers prioritise entering ideas into software. |
| Quiet practice | Check that your chosen model has a suitable headphone socket and take the right headphones if needed. | I practise in a shared space and don't want to disturb anyone. Around 12% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
What should you look for when choosing?
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Assuming a MIDI controller produces sound on its own
MIDI contains control data, not sound. Without suitable software and audio output, you won't hear the notes you play.
Choose this option only if the computer and audio setup you need fits your travel plans.
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Looking only at the number of keys
A wider range may be necessary for piano parts, but it also takes up more room when travelling. Korg specifies that the Liano is 1.282 mm wide and weighs 6,0 kg without batteries or a music rest.
First check the range your parts require, then measure how much space you have available for transporting the instrument.
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Treating stated battery life as guaranteed playing time
Casio specifies around 19 hours on alkaline batteries for the CT-S300, but notes that battery type and playing style affect operating time.
Test your chosen power supply and expected playing time before you leave. Playing on AA batteries also means taking the batteries you need with you.
Brands to consider
Casio
The CT-S300 is a compact option for anyone who prioritises portability and battery power.
- Casio specifies a weight of 3,3 kg, a carry handle and around 19 hours of use on alkaline batteries for the CT-S300.
- Casio warns that operating time may be shorter depending on the battery type and playing style; this is not an independent usage test.
Yamaha
According to Yamaha, the PSR-E383 is designed for trying out pieces independently, with velocity-sensitive keys, sounds and accompaniment styles.
- Yamaha specifies 61 velocity-sensitive keys, battery power using six AA batteries, and a USB audio/MIDI interface.
- Check what else you need for your setup; the features listed apply to the PSR-E383.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is designed for developing musical ideas using sounds, chord progressions and accompaniment.
- Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as an instrument with 61 keys and more than 1.000 sounds.
- Roland specifies eight AA batteries of the stated types for the GO:KEYS 3; check the power requirements for this exact model.
Korg
The Liano is a portable 88-key piano for when piano range matters more than keeping the instrument as compact as possible for transport.
- Korg specifies battery power and a headphone socket, and includes an adapter and pedal switch.
- According to Korg, the Liano is 1.282 mm wide and weighs 6,0 kg without batteries or a music rest.
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is a MIDI controller for anyone who works with music software while on the go.
- Novation specifies 25 mini keys and USB bus power.
- MIDI data does not contain sound; to hear what you play, you'll need suitable software and an appropriate audio setup.
Joybuy product selection
This Joybuy selection focuses on a standalone keyboard for trying out sounds and rhythms while you're on the go.
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MLS-931 61-key keyboard, black
The built-in speakers and optional AA battery power listed in the product details may suit anyone who wants to try out sounds on the go without a laptop.
The product name lists 61 weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI and a headphone socket. According to the product information, AA batteries are optional. Check the CE marking and product information for the specific item; the NVWA states that CE marking is required for electrical and electronic products.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a standalone keyboard or a MIDI controller to try out arrangements?
If you want to hear sounds straight away without a computer, choose a standalone instrument. A MIDI controller may suit you if you already use music software; Novation explains that MIDI data does not contain sound and that you'll also need software and audio output.
What should you check before taking your keyboard on a trip?
Check the power requirements for the exact model, take the required batteries or adapter, and test the connections in your own setup. Roland specifies eight compatible AA batteries for the GO:KEYS 3.
How can you practise quietly while travelling, and dispose of flat batteries?
Check whether your chosen model has a headphone socket; Korg specifies one for the Liano. Milieu Centraal advises taking flat batteries to a collection point.
What are your rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to the Government of the Netherlands, when you buy online from a business, you usually have 14 days to change your mind. You're also entitled to a product that works properly; there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. Contact the seller if you have a problem.
Is CE marking required for an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?
The NVWA states that CE marking is required for electrical and electronic products. This does not automatically confirm that a particular item for sale complies; check the marking and product information for the specific product.