Start with a keyboard whose feel and range suit your left-hand patterns, and try your own exercises on the exact model you’re considering. In a loft with neighbours nearby, headphones help keep sound from the speakers down, but Yamaha and Roland point out that mechanical key or pedal noise and vibrations may still be audible. A model with built-in speakers is more practical if you also want to play without headphones; for other models, check what audio equipment you’ll need for your setup.
You want to try repeated bass patterns, leaps and dynamics on a keyboard; key feel and playing range matter more than extra sounds. Yamaha, Studiologic and Nord describe the keyboard features of the models mentioned here.
You want to practise with headphones while also considering key and pedal noise, vibrations and where to position the instrument in the building. Yamaha and Roland outline points to bear in mind about noise and vibrations.
You want to be able to move the instrument or play without headphones too. Dimensions, weight, speakers and connections can help you work out which setup is right; Studiologic and Yamaha list these kinds of model specifications.
Choose this if: you want to play in your loft without an external amplifier and use sounds other than piano tones.
Bear in mind: extra sounds don’t tell you whether the key feel suits your left-hand technique; try the keyboard for yourself.
Choose this if: a piano-style keyboard and audio connections are important, and you usually use headphones or your own audio setup.
Bear in mind: check that your complete setup includes speakers if you also want to play without headphones.
Choose this if: practising at home matters more than having direct control for the stage, and built-in speakers or headphone outputs would be useful.
Bear in mind: a digital piano isn’t the same as a stage piano; compare the controls and connections with the way you plan to use it.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and playing range | Try your own left-hand patterns on the exact model; check the number of keys and the keyboard type. | If I’m practising repeated bass patterns and leaps, I want to judge the key feel and control for myself. Around 36% of consumers put key feel and left-hand control first. |
| Noise and vibrations affecting neighbours | Check the headphone connection and try the keys and pedal where you plan to play. | If I’m practising in a shared loft, I want to consider noise that can also come from the keys or pedal. Around 29% of consumers give quiet practising conditions top priority. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space, including the stand, bench, cables and pedal; consider whether you’ll need to lift the instrument. | If my playing area is limited or I want to move the piano regularly, its dimensions and weight matter. Around 21% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
| Speakers and connections | Check the speakers, headphone output, audio outputs and included accessories for the exact model. | If I sometimes play without headphones or want to connect other equipment, I want to know in advance what audio setup I’ll need. Around 14% of consumers prioritise standalone sound or stage connections. |
Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but mechanical noise from the keys and pedal, as well as vibrations, may still be audible.
Try your intended setup where you’ll be playing and, if needed, discuss practice times with your neighbours, as advised by the Dutch government.
If your chosen model doesn’t have speakers, you’ll need a suitable external audio setup to play without headphones.
Check the speakers and audio outputs on the exact model before choosing the rest of your setup.
Sound selection and keyboard feel are different things; a list of extra sounds won’t tell you how the keyboard feels for your exercises.
Try your own bass patterns, leaps and soft playing before giving extra stage features too much weight.
The CK88 is a stage keyboard for anyone looking for 88 keys, a range of sounds and built-in speakers in one instrument.
The Numa X Piano 88 is aimed at players looking for a hammer-action keyboard, zones and audio connections.
The Piano 6 88 is aimed at pianists looking for piano and synth layers, along with straightforward stage controls.
The FP-30X is a portable, home-focused digital piano alternative if stage controls aren’t a main priority.
This Joybuy selection focuses on practising at home with a digital piano as an alternative to a stage piano, with built-in speakers and a headphone connection.
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A digital piano alternative for practising at home if you want built-in speakers and a headphone connection.
61 weighted keys; built-in speakers; headphone connection; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; music stand.
No. Yamaha says that headphones only reduce sound from the speakers; key and pedal noise, as well as vibrations, may still be audible. Try the piano where you plan to use it in your building.
It depends on the exact model and how you play. Yamaha lists built-in speakers for the CK88; check whether your complete setup for the Numa X Piano 88 and Nord Piano 6 88 includes speakers if you want to play without headphones.
Try your setup where you’ll be playing. Roland suggests a stable, vibration-damping mat as one possible measure, although results vary from building to building. The Dutch government advises discussing and agreeing on noise levels together first.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer also explains that if a product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use, you can ask the seller for an appropriate solution.
