Who is this relevant to?

Practising at home with housemates

You want to repeat an intro without the electronic piano sound filling the room. So, pay attention to both the headphone socket and the sound of the keys themselves.

Working on touch and dynamics

You’re practising the timing and dynamics of a piano part, and want to assess the keyboard and pedal response even when playing softly.

Switching between intro sounds

Your intro might call for piano, electric piano, organ or layered sounds. In that case, quick access to different sounds may matter more than having just a piano sound.

What should you look for?

Stage piano with speakers

Suitable for: switching between practising with headphones and playing quietly through the instrument.

Bear in mind: check whether you need the extra stage sounds and controls; the mechanical key noise may still be audible.

Stage piano without speakers

Suitable for: headphone use or an existing external sound system.

Bear in mind: you’ll need external monitoring to play without headphones; check the connections and pedal setup too.

Portable digital piano

Suitable for: an intro focused on piano keys and dynamics, where extensive live controls are less important.

Bear in mind: compare the available sounds, controls and pedal setup with what your song requires.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Practising quietly Check the headphone socket and plug size; listen to the key noise while playing softly too. Kawai warns that mechanical key noise may stand out more when the electronic volume is turned right down. If I often repeat my intro while other people are at home, I want to hear the electronic sound through headphones and know how much noise the keys themselves make. Around 36% of consumers put practising quietly without disturbing others first.
Touch, range and pedal Play your own intro and check the required key range, touch and which pedal is included or supported. Roland lists 88 weighted PHA-4 keys for the RD-08; Kawai specifies an on/off damper pedal for the ES120. When I’m practising dynamics and sustain in a piano part, I want to assess the keys and pedal using the part itself. Around 29% of consumers give touch, range and pedal the highest priority.
Sounds and controls Make a note of the sounds and changes your intro requires, then check how to select them. Yamaha describes piano, electric piano and organ sounds, among others, in the CK series; compare the features of the exact version. If my intro switches from piano to, for example, organ or another sound, I want to be able to select those sounds easily while playing. Around 21% of consumers put sound selection for the intro first.
Setup without extra equipment Check whether the instrument has built-in speakers and which headphone or audio connections are available. A model without speakers requires headphones or external monitoring to hear the electronic sound. When I want to play at home without separate equipment, I want to know whether the instrument produces sound itself and suits my setup. Around 14% of consumers give playing independently and the required setup the highest priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming headphones make the piano completely silent

    You hear the electronic sound through your headphones, but the mechanical noise of the keys may still be audible, especially when the electronic volume is very low.

    Listen to the key noise without the electronic sound as you play your intro.

  • Choosing a stage piano without speakers for playing independently

    According to the Dutch product listing, the Studiologic Numa X Piano 88 has no built-in speakers. Without headphones or external monitoring, you won’t hear the electronic sound through the instrument itself.

    Before buying, decide whether you’ll use headphones or what external monitoring you’ll use.

  • Assuming every sustain pedal offers the same level of nuance

    Kawai specifies a standard on/off damper pedal for the ES120. If you want to use half-pedalling, check which compatible pedal version you need.

    Compare the pedal function with the sustain your intro requires, and check compatibility with the exact version.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The CK88 combines an 88-key keyboard with access to a range of intro sounds and built-in speakers.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHS keys, a 6.3 mm headphone socket and speakers that can be switched off for the CK88.
  • Yamaha lists piano, electric piano, organ and other sounds in the CK series.
  • Try the key feel for yourself and check which pedal setup comes with the version you choose.

Roland

The RD-08 is a stage-focused option with a keyboard that Roland says is designed for piano playing.

  • Roland lists an 88-note PHA-4 keyboard with weighted keys for the RD-08.
  • A Dutch product listing specifies built-in speakers and a 6.3 mm stereo headphone output.
  • Roland’s description of the playing feel is a manufacturer claim; check which expansion features are included as standard.

Studiologic

The Numa X Piano 88 is suited to headphone use or existing monitoring, and to setups with multiple connections or zones.

  • Studiologic specifies audio inputs, USB audio and a 6.3 mm headphone output.
  • The Numa X Piano 88 has no built-in speakers; a Dutch product listing says a sustain pedal is included.
  • The manufacturer’s claims about sound and key feel are not an independent assessment.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is a piano-focused option for practising at home or playing on stage.

  • Kawai lists 88 weighted keys, speakers, a metronome and 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm headphone sockets.
  • Kawai specifies an on/off damper function for the standard F-1SP pedal. Check whether it suits the sustain in your intro.

Joybuy products for practice

This electronic keyboard is an option for practising intros with headphones; check that its key range and touch suit your needs.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

The headphone socket makes this keyboard a useful option if you want to listen to the electronic sound privately while practising.

The product description lists 500 sounds, dual tone, sustain, a recording function, a metronome, built-in stereo speakers and a headphone socket.

The 61-key range may be limiting if your intro requires keys outside it. If you need a weighted touch, check whether the keyboard meets that requirement.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise in complete silence?

No, not always. You hear the electronic sound through your headphones, but Kawai says the keyboard itself may still make a percussive noise. Try it out while playing your intro to see how audible it is.

Which plug do I need for my headphones?

It depends on the model. Yamaha specifies a 6.3 mm socket for the CK88, as does Studiologic for the Numa X Piano 88; Kawai lists both 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm sockets for the ES120. Check the socket on the exact version before choosing an adapter.

Do I need speakers to play without headphones?

You need a way to hear the electronic sound. An instrument with built-in speakers can do this itself; with a model without speakers, you’ll need headphones or external monitoring.

What should I look for in a sustain pedal?

Check which pedal function comes with the instrument and whether it suits your intro. Kawai lists an on/off damper function for the ES120’s standard pedal; check compatibility if you need to use half-pedalling.

Is there a set time when I can practise quietly at home?

Don’t assume that the same time applies to every home. The Dutch government advises talking to your neighbours and agreeing on arrangements together if there’s a noise disturbance; also check the rules that apply to your home and local area.