For vocal melodies and simple chords, a compact 61-key keyboard may be enough. If you want to practise with built-in accompaniment, compare the styles and controls on the exact model too. A digital piano with 88 weighted keys may be a better fit for written piano parts, but it needs more space. For any model, check the headphone socket and exactly what the transpose function changes.
If you want to learn a vocal melody or simple chords at a modest volume, a manageable keyboard may suit you. Check the headphone socket on the exact model; Yamaha, Casio and Korg describe a range of keyboard models and features.
If you want to practise chord changes and tempo with built-in accompaniment, compare the styles and transpose controls on each model. Yamaha, Korg and Roland describe features that vary from one instrument to another.
If you’re practising a written piano accompaniment where range and key feel matter, compare the keyboard with the notes you need to play. Yamaha specifies that the P-145 has 88 weighted keys.
Start with the part you’re rehearsing. Then check that the keyboard, accompaniment and connections suit the way you like to practise.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and whether you need an adaptor. Headphones won’t stop singing or key noise being heard in the room; VeiligheidNL recommends well-fitting headphones so you don’t need to turn up the volume to drown out background noise. | If I want to listen at home without using the speakers as my listening source, I also check what sound will still be audible in the room. Around 33% of consumers say quiet practice is their main reason for buying. |
| Key for singing | Check the model’s transposition range and whether it applies to what you play, the accompaniment or external audio. Roland says that the transpose control described for the GO:KEYS 3 changes only the part played on the keyboard. | If I want to practise a vocal part in a suitable key, I check exactly which part will change. For around 27% of consumers, the key for singing is their main reason for buying. |
| Accompaniment and tempo | Compare the built-in styles and controls with the part you want to practise. Yamaha lists 260 accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383; Korg lists styles for the EK-50. | If I want to practise chord changes and tempo with built-in accompaniment, I check whether the available patterns suit the part. Accompaniment is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Range and key feel | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your part with the keyboard’s range. Yamaha specifies 88 weighted keys and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145; the PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys. | If I’m practising a piano part, I weigh up the range and touch against the space available. Piano range and key feel are the main buying consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
The Roland manual describes the GO:KEYS 3 transpose control as applying to what you play on the keyboard. That doesn’t automatically mean a recording or every accompaniment part will change too.
Check the manual for the exact model to see which part you want to transpose, then test the control with your practice set-up.
The PSR-E383 reviewed here has 61 keys; the Yamaha P-145 has 88 weighted keys. A piano part may include notes outside the range of a smaller keyboard.
Compare the lowest and highest notes in your part with the keyboard’s range. If you’re considering a digital piano, measure the space you have available for it too.
According to Korg, the EK-50 has a 3.5 mm headphone socket; Korg lists pedals as accessories available separately.
Before buying, check what’s included in the exact offer, the plug size and pedal compatibility.
For the EK-50, you may need to arrange a suitable pair of headphones, an adaptor or a pedal separately; check what comes with the offer.
The PSR-E383 is a portable keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys; the P-145 is a digital piano with 88 weighted keys.
Casio describes the CT-S400 as a compact keyboard with rhythm patterns, worth considering if space and playing along are important to you.
The GO:KEYS 3 is a 61-key keyboard with a range of sounds; its manual describes transposing and practising with accompaniment.
The EK-50 is worth considering if you want to combine accompaniment, transposing and headphone listening.
These instruments are aimed at practising melodies and rhythm at home: a 61-key keyboard and a digital piano that also has 61 keys.
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A 61-key option for practising melodies and rhythm. Before buying, check that the connection suits your headphones and that the set-up will work in your practice space.
The product name lists 61 keys, a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
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A 61-key option to consider if you’re looking for a digital keyboard instrument. Check that its range suits your piano part and that this model’s features fit the way you like to practise.
The product name lists 61 weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
No. Headphones won’t stop singing or other sounds being heard in the room. VeiligheidNL recommends well-fitting headphones so background noise doesn’t tempt you to turn up the volume.
According to Korg, you don’t need external accompaniment to use the EK-50’s built-in styles. If you want to practise with your own recording or software, check the connections and computer functions on the exact model separately.
With normal use, a product in the Netherlands must meet what you could reasonably expect from it. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the seller must put right a fault that occurs too soon by offering an appropriate solution, such as a repair or replacement. For online purchases, you’ll usually also have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery; terms and exceptions may apply.
Don’t assume that one time limit applies to every home. The Dutch government recommends first agreeing arrangements with your neighbours about noise; depending on your situation, your landlord, homeowners’ association or local council may also be able to help.
