Who is this choice for?

Pianist learning melodies

You want to practise folk melodies with control over your touch, so you’re mainly looking for a keyboard that suits your playing rather than as many stage features as possible.

Home studio recorder

You want to use your playing in a computer-based setup. Compare audio, USB audio and MIDI separately: Yamaha and Roland list these connections for each model.

Player exploring sounds

You want to combine melodies with other instrument sounds or accompaniment. Yamaha describes the CK88’s range of sounds, Roland lists zones for the RD-88 EX, and Casio specifies rhythms and automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100.

What should you look for?

Start with a keyboard that feels comfortable for practising melodies. Then decide how you want to listen and record at home, and whether you need extra sounds or accompaniment.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and melodic playing Compare the specified type of weighted keys and the key range of the exact model. Try the keyboard yourself if possible. If I want to practise soft and powerful passages deliberately, touch comes first; around 33% of consumers give the keyboard top priority.
Connecting to a recording setup Check USB audio, USB-MIDI, MIDI and line outputs separately, and compare them with the inputs on your computer and audio equipment. If I want to record the instrument’s sound or work with virtual instruments, the connections need to suit my setup; around 27% of consumers prioritise studio connections.
Quiet and convenient practice at home Check for headphone connections as well as built-in speakers. A model without speakers requires headphones or suitable external audio equipment. If I want to play quietly at home or listen without headphones, listening options matter; quiet practice is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Sounds for folk arrangements Consider which instrument sounds or accompaniment you want to use, and how you’ll select or combine them while playing. If I want to use other parts or accompaniment as well as piano, I compare the range of sounds and how they’re controlled; around 20% of consumers prioritise variety of sounds.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    This varies by model: Korg lists no built-in speakers for the D1, while Yamaha specifies speakers for the CK88 and Roland for the RD-88 EX.

    Check the speaker specifications for the exact model and decide in advance how you want to listen at home.

    To hear a model without speakers, you’ll need suitable external audio equipment.

  • Confusing MIDI with a recording of the instrument’s sound

    MIDI and audio are different signals. The connection you need depends on whether you want to record your playing data, the instrument’s sound or both.

    First decide what you want to capture, then compare the instrument’s connections with those on your computer and recording equipment.

  • Assuming the stand and pedals shown are included

    Accessories vary by model and offer. Korg lists a damper pedal included with the D1 and a stand available separately; Yamaha describes a three-pedal unit as optional for the P-225.

    Check the box contents for the exact model or bundle before ordering.

Brands to compare for this choice

Yamaha

The CK88 is aimed at players looking for a weighted keyboard, speakers and a range of instrument sounds; the P-225 is a more compact, piano-focused alternative.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHS keys and a USB audio interface for the CK88.
  • The CK88 and P-225 have different key actions, and specifications alone can’t tell you how a keyboard will feel to play. Yamaha also notes that Bluetooth audio availability may vary by country.

Roland

The RD-88 EX is designed for combined stage and studio use; the FP-30X is a portable digital piano for practising at home.

  • Roland lists three zones and built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX; the brand specifies two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • Claims of a superior playing feel aren’t an independent measure of performance. Compare the keyboard and the connections you need for your own use.

Korg

The D1 is a slim stage piano without built-in speakers, designed for players who already use headphones or external audio equipment.

  • Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, line outputs, MIDI IN/OUT and a damper pedal included in the box.
  • You’ll need external audio equipment to play audibly without headphones. The listed connections don’t include a USB audio interface.

Casio

The PX-S3100 is an alternative worth comparing if built-in rhythms and automatic accompaniment are important to you.

  • Casio lists built-in speakers and accompaniment for this model.
  • Casio’s ‘slimmest’ claim is based on the brand’s own research from July 2021 within a product category defined by the brand. It isn’t a current, independently verified comparison of the market.

Related products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the piano sound directly via USB?

Not every USB or MIDI connection carries audio. Yamaha lists a USB audio interface for the CK88, while Roland specifies USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX. For the Korg D1, Korg lists line outputs and MIDI IN/OUT. Compare these connections with the inputs and software in your own setup.

What do I need to hear a stage piano without speakers at home?

According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. You can use the headphone socket or connect suitable external audio equipment to the line outputs. Check what equipment you already have first.

Does a stage piano always come with a stand and pedal?

No, the contents vary by model and offer. Korg lists a damper pedal included with the D1 and a stand available separately. Yamaha describes a three-pedal unit as optional for the P-225. Check the contents of the specific bundle.

How do the cooling-off period and warranty work when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, consumers who buy online generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the date of delivery, subject to some exceptions. The Dutch government states that there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; however, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, and you can contact the seller if there’s a problem.

Does a CE logo alone prove that every instrument on offer has been checked?

No. According to the European Commission, CE marking is only required for products covered by applicable harmonised EU rules. The manufacturer assesses conformity, so don’t assume that a logo alone confirms conformity for a specific model.