Start by choosing a keyboard that feels comfortable for practising soft verses, more powerful passages and pedal use. If you’ll mainly be practising in one small room, a portable digital piano with a headphone socket and built-in speakers may be easier to set up. A more stage-focused model is worth considering if you also want to combine sounds or connect equipment. Measure the space you have, including the music rest and stand, and check the pedal options and listening facilities for the exact version.
If you want to master soft and powerful passages and pedal use, compare the keyboards and pedal options on the exact models. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai describe different keys and versions; those specifications don’t tell you which playing feel you’ll prefer.
If space is limited and you sometimes want to play with headphones, consider the complete set-up and how you’ll listen to the instrument. For example, Yamaha lists different depths for the P-225 with and without the music rest; Korg states that the D1 has no built-in speakers.
If you want to combine sounds or connect equipment as well as play the piano, check zones and audio and MIDI connections separately. Roland describes the RD-88 EX as having three zones and USB audio/MIDI.
First compare the touch with what feels comfortable to play, then check whether the complete listening and pedal set-up will fit in your space.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and expression | Play the same passage softly and powerfully on the exact keyboard; check the key type and touch settings. | If I want to play soft verses and powerful passages with nuance, I want to know how the keyboard responds to my playing. Around 36% of consumers put touch first. |
| Space and quiet practice | Measure the space you have, including the music rest and stand; check for a headphone socket and whether the model has built-in speakers. | In a small or shared space, I want to practise without the complete set-up getting in the way, and be able to use headphones if needed. Around 29% of consumers prioritise space and quiet practice. |
| Pedal and complete set-up | Check which pedal unit and stand are compatible with the exact model and what the specific version includes. | If I want to practise using the sustain pedal, it needs to suit the piano and the set-up I’m actually putting together. Around 21% of consumers put the pedal and a complete set-up first. |
| Extra sounds and connections | Decide whether you’ll only be playing, want to use MIDI or want to record audio; check the connections you need for each purpose. | If I want to develop the ballad with other sounds or equipment, zones and connections are relevant. Around 14% of consumers prioritise extra sounds and connections. |
According to Yamaha, the P-225 is 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it. The space you need therefore also depends on the other parts of your set-up.
Measure the space for the instrument, music rest, stand and seat together before choosing a model.
A stand, music rest or other parts of the set-up may take up extra space.
Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear it.
Decide in advance whether you’ll always use headphones or also want to listen without them.
You may need suitable headphones or an external audio set-up.
Roland and Kawai list compatible stands and pedal accessories, but the options don’t tell you what’s included with each specific version.
Check what’s included and confirm that the pedal unit and stand are compatible with the exact model.
A compatible stand or more advanced pedal unit may be sold separately.
The P-225 is a portable model to consider if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard for a limited space.
The FP-30X is a portable practice option; the RD-88 EX is a more stage-focused model with extra features.
The ES120 is a portable model to compare if you want to practise both with headphones and through its built-in speakers.
The D1 is a slim model to consider if you play with headphones or already have suitable external audio equipment.
These Joybuy products have 61 keys and their product names describe features for listening or practising. Check that the key range suits the passages you want to play.
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Could be suitable if 61 keys are enough for the passages you want to practise.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms, USB MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.
The range is more limited than that of an 88-key keyboard; check that the music you want to play fits within 61 keys.
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Could suit practice in a compact set-up if a 61-key range works for your music.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Check that the passages you want to practise fit within the 61-key range.
Not through the body of the Korg D1: according to the manual, you’ll need headphones or external audio equipment connected to the line outputs.
It depends on the specific version. Roland and Kawai list separate stand and pedal options for the models mentioned; check what’s included before planning your complete practice space.
According to the Dutch government, distance purchases are often covered by a 14-day cooling-off period; check the purchase information and any applicable exceptions. A seller must also provide a solution if there’s a problem with a product. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period.
Don’t assume that the same playing hours apply in every space; check the arrangements that apply to your home or practice space. The Dutch government advises people to agree arrangements with their neighbours first if noise is a problem.
Follow the manual for the exact model. Korg recommends using a clean, dry cloth on the outside of the D1 and warns against liquid cleaners; Kawai warns against moisture and a damaged mains cable on the ES120.
