Musicians choosing pieces
If you’re running through melodies and parts for a concert programme, you can match the keyboard’s range to the notes in your repertoire.
Who is a portable keyboard suitable for?
Musicians who travel often
If you regularly take your instrument with you, you can weigh up its size, weight and battery power against the extra keys you need.
Musicians in shared spaces
If you want to check your parts in a café without sound coming through the speakers, look for a suitable headphone socket.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and playing feel | Compare the highest and lowest notes in your pieces with the range of the exact model. Check the keyboard type separately from the number of keys. | If I want to play through my parts without any notes missing, I’ll check the range first; around 40% of consumers give repertoire range their top priority. |
| Size, weight and power | Measure the space available and check the weight and the batteries or adapter required. Find out what power supply comes with the version you’ve chosen. | If I often take my keyboard to a café or can’t use a mains socket, size and power matter a lot to me; around 30% of consumers put portability first. |
| Practising in a shared space | Check whether the model has a headphone socket and whether your headphones are compatible. Headphones prevent sound coming through the speakers, but may not eliminate the physical sound of the keys. | If I don’t want to disturb others with amplified sound, I’ll look for a suitable headphone socket; around 20% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Practice features and accessories | Check that the recording or accompaniment features you want are available and see what’s included with the exact version. | If I want to listen back to recordings or need accessories straight away, I’ll compare the features and box contents; around 10% of consumers put this need first. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming 88 keys automatically means weighted piano keys
The number of keys and the type of keyboard are separate features. Korg’s Dutch specifications for the Liano list 88 keys and an LS keyboard; this does not indicate a weighted hammer-action mechanism.
Check both the range your pieces require and the specified keyboard type.
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Assuming a bundle contains the same as the standalone version
What’s included can vary between versions. Korg states that the stand for the Liano is sold separately; Alesis lists different contents for the Melody 61 MK4 and its bundle.
Check the contents of the exact version you’re considering before deciding which accessories you need.
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Expecting headphones to eliminate all sound
Headphones can prevent sound coming through the speakers, but may not make the physical sound of the keys inaudible.
Check the connection and be considerate of others when using the keyboard in a café.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a portable 61-key keyboard with touch sensitivity. The PSR-EW320 has 76 keys, while the NP-15 is designed for piano playing.
- According to Yamaha Netherlands, the different key counts and features give you options to compare with your repertoire.
- Check that each model’s range and features suit your pieces; these differences between models are not the result of an independent performance test.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a 61-key option with a carry handle and battery power.
- Casio Europe lists a weight of 3,3 kg and around 19 hours of use with alkaline batteries.
- Casio says actual battery life may depend on the type of battery and how you play. These details apply to the CT-S300, not to other Casio models.
Korg
The Liano has 88 keys for those who need a wider range.
- Korg’s Dutch specifications list an LS keyboard, a weight of 6,0 kg without batteries and a headphone socket.
- 88 keys do not automatically mean a weighted hammer-action mechanism. The stand is sold separately.
Alesis
The Melody 61 MK4 is a portable entry-level model with 61 compact keys and a recording mode.
- Alesis lists a headphone output that mutes the speakers, with optional power from six AA batteries.
- The standalone keyboard version has different contents from the bundle; check which version is on offer.
Joybuy products to explore
These portable 61-key models are suited to repertoire within that range. Check each version for the connections, features and accessories you need for your practice setup.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable for parts within the 61-key range; the product description lists a headphone socket and recording and playback features.
The keyboard is described as weighted and touch-sensitive. The description also mentions USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
An option for parts within the 61-key range; the product description lists a headphone socket and recording and playback features.
The description also mentions a metronome and music stand. Check the contents of the exact version.
Frequently asked questions
Are 88 keys always better for your concert pieces?
No, it depends on the notes in your repertoire. An 88-key instrument offers a wider range, but Korg’s Dutch specifications for the Liano list an LS keyboard, not a weighted hammer-action mechanism. You’ll also need to consider how much space it requires.
Can you play without a mains socket?
It varies by model. Yamaha lists six AA batteries as a power option for the PSR-E383; Korg lists six AA batteries, sold separately, for the Liano. Before choosing, check what power supply comes with the exact version.
Does the keyboard come with everything you need?
Not necessarily. Korg lists an adapter, music stand and pedal switch for the Liano, but sells the stand separately. Alesis lists different box contents for the standalone Melody 61 MK4 and the bundle. Check what’s included with the specific version.
What warranty and cooling-off period apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, when you buy as a consumer, you’re entitled to a product that meets what you can reasonably expect under normal use. If it doesn’t, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate remedy free of charge. Online purchases generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. This is not a fixed two-year warranty period.