Who is this choice for?

Pianists working on their touch

You want to play arpeggios at different speeds and with varying dynamics. Roland, Korg and Yamaha describe different keyboards; try them for yourself to find the feel that suits you.

Players in a small shared space

You want to make room for the piano, music rest and playing position, and may want to practise with headphones. Casio, Korg and Yamaha list dimensions for specific models; these can change when you use a music rest.

Players who also perform

You’re looking for an instrument you can use outside your practice space too. Roland describes USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX, while Yamaha lists built-in speakers among the CK88’s features. Decide whether features like these suit the way you plan to use it.

What should you consider when choosing?

What to consider What to look for when buying Consumers who prioritise this
Keyboard and touch Play the same pattern slowly and quickly on the exact model. Compare the keyboard type and adjustable touch sensitivity, where specified. If I want to practise arpeggios at different speeds and dynamics, I want to judge the keyboard for myself. Around 29% of consumers prioritise keyboard response.
Space for your set-up Measure the width and depth, including the music rest and playing position. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without a music rest and 362 mm with one; Korg lists the D1 as 263 mm and 375 mm respectively. If the piano needs to fit in a small space, I want to know how much room the complete set-up will take. Around 24% of consumers prioritise the space it occupies.
Quiet listening Check the headphone socket and whether the model has built-in speakers. Korg lists the D1 as having no built-in speakers; Roland describes the FP-30X as having two headphone outputs and built-in stereo speakers. If I practise in a shared space, I want to be able to listen through headphones. Around 23% of consumers prioritise quiet listening.
Pedal and accessories Check the pedal connection, compatibility and what’s included with the version you’ve chosen. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the D1, while a half-damper pedal is available separately. If I want to practise arpeggios with a pedal, I want to know in advance which pedal suits my playing style and set-up. Around 12% of consumers prioritise pedal use.
Use beyond the practice space Decide whether you need performance features or computer connections. Roland lists USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX, while Yamaha describes features including line outputs and built-in speakers for the CK88. If I want to use the same instrument for performances or with a computer, those features matter to me. Around 12% of consumers prioritise use beyond the practice space.

What to look out for when buying

  • Measuring only the body depth

    A piano’s stated depth doesn’t tell you how much space you’ll need for both the music rest and your playing position.

    Measure the space available for the complete set-up and, where possible, compare the dimensions with and without the music rest.

  • Assuming a stage piano without speakers can be heard on its own

    Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear its electronic piano sound.

    Decide how you want to listen before buying and check that the connections are compatible with your equipment.

  • Assuming a pedal and stand are always included

    Included accessories and pedal options can vary by model and version.

    Check what’s in the box and confirm that the pedal and stand are compatible with the exact version you’re buying.

Brands to consider

Roland

The RD-88 EX is worth considering if you want to use performance controls or computer-based instruments as well as practise.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard, built-in speakers and USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX.
  • Those extra features won’t tell you whether the keyboard feels right for practising arpeggios; try the model for yourself.

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable digital piano, while the CK88 is designed for use with a wide range of sounds and connections.

  • Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-225 and gives dimensions with and without the music rest. For the CK88, Yamaha lists an 88-key GHS keyboard and switchable speakers.
  • The stated depth of the CK88 is greater than that of the P-225 without its music rest; compare the complete set-up before you decide.

Korg

The D1 is a portable piano for players who use headphones or existing external audio equipment.

  • Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, a headphone socket and an included damper pedal for the D1.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear the sound.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100 is worth considering if the depth of the piano body is an important constraint.

  • Casio lists the PX-S1100’s body depth as 232 mm.
  • The body depth doesn’t tell you how much space the complete set-up needs, including the stand, pedal and player.

Joybuy products for piano practice

This selection focuses on portable digital pianos for practising in a small space. Compare the number of keys and the listed features with what you need for your arpeggios and listening set-up.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

If you’re looking for a 61-key digital piano, the product title lists a weighted keyboard.

The product title also mentions 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest. According to the stated limitation, this model isn’t suitable for arpeggios that span more than 61 keys.

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Digital piano, 61 keys, black

Digital piano, 61 keys, black

If you’re looking for a 61-key digital piano, the product title lists a music rest and built-in speakers.

The title also mentions a MIDI controller, recording function and metronome. According to the stated limitation, this model isn’t suitable for arpeggios that span more than 61 keys.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I compare keyboards specifically for arpeggios?

Play the same pattern in several registers on each exact model, both slowly and quickly, with a light and a firm touch. Yamaha, Roland and Korg specify different weighted keyboards; those specifications won’t tell you which keyboard will feel most comfortable to play.

Can I use a stage piano without speakers and no other equipment?

You’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear the electronic piano sound from the Korg D1. Also check that your headphone plug fits the socket.

What should I check about the stand, music rest and pedal?

Measure the set-up with the music rest in place and check what’s included with each version. Korg lists a music rest and damper pedal for the D1; a half-damper pedal is available separately.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For a standard online consumer purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind, subject to exceptions. The statutory guarantee also applies: if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must offer an appropriate solution.