Start with what you want to do: practise chords and dynamics, experiment with electric piano sounds or record your playing. An instrument with built-in speakers can be played on its own; a model without speakers needs headphones or external audio equipment. Manufacturer specifications for the keyboard, sounds and connections can help you compare your options, but they can’t tell you which keyboard action will feel best to you.
You want to practise chords, changes and dynamics, and compare different keyboards for yourself. Yamaha specifies 88 GHS keys for the CK88, Roland specifies an 88-key weighted PHA-4 keyboard for the RD-08, and Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys for the D1. These specifications are not a direct comparison of how they feel to play.
You want to listen back to your practice or work with music software. Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the instrument’s sound as audio, or both; connections and upgrade options vary by model.
You want to use electric piano, organ or rhythmic accompaniment as well as piano sounds. The models reviewed differ in their choice of sounds, direct controls and built-in rhythms.
First compare the keyboard and recording connections, then decide whether you mainly need a wider range of sounds, accompaniment or a simple home set-up.
A good fit if: you want to control organ sounds as well as piano, and built-in speakers are important to you.
Bear in mind: the extra controls may be unnecessary if you’re only looking for a simple piano sound; also check which accessories are included with the version you’re considering.
A good fit if: you’re looking for a weighted 88-key keyboard, a choice of piano sounds and built-in speakers.
Bear in mind: extra features for the Roland RD-08 are offered as upgrades; check which recording features are available in the standard version.
A good fit if: you already use headphones or external audio equipment and want sounds such as electric piano, organ or clavinet.
Bear in mind: the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need external audio equipment if you want to play without headphones.
A good fit if: you want to practise at home with built-in rhythms and automatic accompaniment.
Bear in mind: check that the connections and recording features suit your studio set-up; this option prioritises different features from direct stage controls.
The percentages below show the priority consumers put first for each row. They are not a measured breakdown of the Dutch market.
| Consideration | What to look for | Who might prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and control | Try playing softly and firmly, repeating notes and changing chords. Compare the keyboard action and pedal response of the exact models you’re considering. | If you mainly want to develop your touch and dynamics while practising blues, you’ll want to try the keyboard for yourself. Around 36% of consumers put touch and feel at the top of their list. |
| Recording MIDI or audio | Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the instrument’s sound as audio, or both. Check the connections and any upgrade options available for the version you’re considering. | If you want to listen back to your playing in music software, it matters whether you need MIDI or the piano sound as audio. Around 29% of consumers give recording and computer connectivity top priority. |
| Sounds and accompaniment | Listen to the model’s electric piano and organ sounds, then decide whether you need built-in rhythms or would rather play along with an external track. | If you want to switch between blues sounds while practising or need accompaniment, the available sounds and rhythms will be key. Around 21% of consumers choose mainly on the basis of sound variety and accompaniment. |
| Quiet practice and set-up | Check for a headphone socket and built-in speakers, and look at the dimensions. With a model without speakers, remember that you’ll need external audio equipment. | If you practise at home with headphones or have limited space, a practical set-up matters. Around 14% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and saving space. |
A MIDI connection for performance data doesn’t automatically mean that the instrument’s sound will be recorded as audio through the same connection.
Before you buy, decide whether you want to record MIDI, the piano’s own sound or both. Then check the connections and any upgrade options for the exact model.
The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. According to their manufacturers, the Yamaha CK88 and Roland RD-08 do.
Consider your complete home set-up: check whether you need headphones or external audio equipment, and whether you already have them.
Roland offers extra features for the RD-08 as upgrades. Korg lists accessories for the D1 as available separately.
Check the exact product listing to see what’s included and which features come with the standard version.
The CK88 is a stage keyboard for players who want weighted keys and direct control of piano, organ and other sounds.
According to Roland, the RD-08 combines a weighted keyboard with acoustic and electric piano sounds and built-in speakers.
The D1 is a digital piano without speakers, with a weighted keyboard, designed for use with headphones or an existing external audio set-up.
The Privia PX-S3100 is a digital piano option for players looking for built-in rhythms and automatic accompaniment as well as piano sounds.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you want a simple home set-up and connections for external audio.
You’ll need to listen to the speaker-free Korg D1 through headphones or external audio equipment. The Yamaha CK88 and Roland RD-08 have built-in speakers; for quiet practice, check that your chosen model has a headphone socket.
Not with every model: Yamaha specifies a USB audio interface for the CK88, while Korg lists MIDI IN/OUT and line outputs for the D1. The Kawai ES120 manual describes its USB connection as being for MIDI data. Check how to record audio with the exact instrument and any upgrades you’re considering.
Use the power supply intended for your exact instrument and keep liquids away from it. The Kawai ES120 manual says to stop using the instrument, unplug it from the mains and contact the retailer if liquid gets inside or it becomes abnormally hot. Don’t assume these model-specific instructions apply to other pianos.
According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the retailer is your point of contact if it’s faulty; the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period. For many eligible online consumer purchases, a 14-day cooling-off period applies. Check the terms and exceptions that apply to your purchase.
No. The European Commission describes CE marking as the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with the relevant EU rules, not as a certificate issued centrally. The rules that apply depend on the specific product and its features, so check the product information for the version you’re considering.
