Anyone who wants to practise quietly at home
You share a home and want to practise melodies regularly using headphones. Also bear in mind that sound can travel through the keys, stand or floor.
Who is this instrument for?
Beginner pianist
You’re learning folk melodies, but also want to practise key action and pieces for both hands on a piano keyboard.
Anyone short on storage space
You need to be able to move or store the instrument after playing, and want to balance its range against the space available.
What should you look for?
Stage keyboard with a shorter keybed
A good fit if: you mainly play melodies, want to explore different sounds and are looking for a shorter instrument. Yamaha specifies 61 FSB keys and built-in speakers for the CK61.
The trade-off: the keybed doesn’t offer the full range of an 88-key piano. Also check the connections on the version you’re considering.
Digital piano with a weighted keybed
A good fit if: you want to practise piano technique and pieces with a wider range of keys, as well as melodies. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145; Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keybed for the FP-10.
The trade-off: measure the space for the instrument, stand, sheet music and seat. Headphones won’t eliminate audible key or contact noise.
88 keys with light, touch-sensitive keys
A good fit if: you want 88 keys and a headphone output, but don’t require weighted piano keys. Korg lists 88 touch-sensitive LS keys and a headphone output for the Liano.
The trade-off: touch-sensitive keys aren’t the same as a weighted keybed. Try the keys if piano technique is important to you.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this particularly relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with other people at home | Check for a headphone output and try the setup in the intended spot. | If I practise at home while other people are around, I want to be able to avoid using the speakers and find out whether key noise carries. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Piano touch and key range | Compare the range of your music and distinguish between touch-sensitive keys and a weighted keybed. | If I want to learn pieces for both hands and piano technique as well as melodies, I look at both the key action and the number of keys. Around 29% of consumers prioritise piano playing. |
| Setting up and storing the instrument | Measure the space for the instrument, stand, music rest and seating. | If I have limited space, I want to know whether the instrument will fit and can be stored after use. Around 21% of consumers prioritise setup and storage. |
| Sounds for folk melodies | Check which sounds are available and how to switch between them while playing. | If I want to try melodies with different instrument sounds too, I check which sounds the instrument offers and how to select them. Around 14% of consumers prioritise sound variety. |
Things not to overlook when buying
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Headphones don’t mean nobody else will hear you
Headphones let you listen to the instrument privately, but they won’t necessarily prevent audible key noise or vibrations travelling through the stand and floor.
Try the setup you intend to use and agree practice times with the people you live with. Yamaha distinguishes between airborne sound and contact noise in its guidance on sound transmission.
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Touch-sensitive keys aren’t the same as weighted piano keys
Korg specifies touch-sensitive LS keys for the Liano, while Yamaha specifies a GHC keybed for the P-145. So the number of keys alone won’t tell you what playing feel to expect.
Decide what kind of playing feel you want to learn and try the keybed if possible.
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Measure more than just the instrument
The practice setup needs to fit with the stand, music rest and seating in place too. What’s included, or needs to be bought separately, can vary by model and version.
Measure the complete setup and check what’s included with the exact offer before ordering.
Depending on the instrument and version, you may need to buy a stand, seat, headphones or a compatible pedal separately.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The CK61 and P-145 offer two different keybed options: a 61-key stage keyboard and an 88-key digital piano.
- Yamaha lists a 61-key FSB keybed and built-in speakers for the CK61. For the P-145, the brand specifies 88 GHC keys and a width of 1.326 mm.
- These model specifications aren’t an independent comparison of playing quality or noise levels. Measure the space available for the complete setup.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable, piano-focused digital piano to consider if you want to play at home through speakers or headphones.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keybed, a metronome and headphone use for the FP-10.
- Headphones won’t necessarily eliminate key or contact noise, so consider how the setup will work in your home.
Korg
The Liano is an 88-key option with touch-sensitive keys and a headphone output.
- Korg lists 88 LS keys and a USB connection for the Liano.
- The keys specified are touch-sensitive. If you’re looking specifically for a weighted piano keybed, don’t choose based on the number of keys alone.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a piano-focused option to consider if simple operation and practising with sheet music are important to you.
- Casio lists operation via CASIO Music Space for the CDP-S110, including PDF sheet music display. For the Dutch version, Casio specifies an SP-3 sustain pedal included in the box.
- Check whether the exact version or offer includes the same pedal.
Joybuy products
These product options have 61 keys and are worth considering if you’re looking for a shorter keybed for practising melodies.
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MLS-931 electronic keyboard, 61 keys
With 61 keys, this is an option to consider if a shorter keybed suits the melodies you play.
The product lists a weighted keybed, 300 sounds, a metronome and a headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
This 61-key model is worth considering if a shorter keybed suits your practice space and the melodies you play.
The product lists 500 sounds, a metronome, a recording function, USB-MIDI and a headphone output.
Frequently asked questions
Do headphones make practice completely silent for the people you live with?
No, a headphone socket doesn’t guarantee that. You’ll hear the instrument through your headphones, but key noise and possible sound transmission through the stand and floor may still be audible. In its guidance on sound transmission, Yamaha distinguishes between airborne sound and contact noise; this isn’t a sound measurement of the digital models mentioned.
How can I start practising without buying extra equipment straight away?
First, check what’s included with the exact version. Roland lists a metronome for the FP-10; Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal for the CDP-S110 and says you can control the metronome via CASIO Music Space. Don’t assume the same accessories are included with a different version.
What if the keys feel different at home from what I expected?
For online consumer purchases in the Netherlands, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the cooling-off period and the relevant terms and exceptions. Check what applies to trying the instrument carefully and returning it. Your statutory guarantee for faults is separate from any manufacturer’s warranty.