Maurice – Page 2 – Piano Keyboard Reviews

We spent dozens of hours researching the best piano keyboard under 200 dollars and our pick is the Casio CTK-2550. With 61 keys, a wide range of piano sounds, and a reasonable price point, the CTK-2550 is a solid choice for beginners who want a versatile instrument from a proven brand. We also recommend the following models: Best piano keyboard for kids under 200: Casio LK-265Best piano keyboard for beginners under 200: Hamzer 61-Key Electronic PianoBest portable piano keyboard under 200: Yamaha PSR-E363 And if those don't tickle your fancy we show you 5 other keyboard models that are excellent choices and come in below $200. Our Picks: Best Piano Keyboard Under 200 Dollars (Overall): Casio CTK-2550 view on Amazon Casio is known for making quality piano keyboards, so it’s no wonder one of their models made it to the top of our list. The first factor that really makes it worth buying is obviously the price. This Casio model is ideal for beginners since it’s affordable and offers a range of features. The instrument offers 400+ sound options so that you can have fun creating your own, unique music. It’s very lightweight (a mere 7.3 pounds!) and easy to carry around, especially if you plan on busking in the streets or playing at a local bar or you just want to carry it to your piano lessons. That being said, the keyboard does lack certain features, especially those required by intermediate and professional players. The keyboard features 61 keys (instead of the standard 88) and is ideal for helping beginners figure out how a keyboard works. One thing you’ll need to keep in mind is that the keyboard does not have weighted keys. Weighted keys resemble the function of an actual piano and are essential for those who intend to play one someday. For beginners who start with a non-weighted keyboard, such as this one, the transition to playing on a proper keyboard will be harder. You may also notice some differences in the sound quality as compared to some of Casio’s more premium models. Pros Affordable 400+ sounds 110 built-in songs Portable Cons Non-weighted keys Compromised sound quality 61 keys - not a full keyboard Conclusion The Casio CTK-2550 is a decent piano keyboard for beginners and is quite budget-friendly. However, for someone who is seriously interested in playing the piano with the aim of playing professionally, it is better to start with an instrument that has weighted keys. One way is to start out with this, and once you have the hang of playing on a keyboard, you can transition to a full piano with weighted keys. Best Piano Keyboard for Kids Under 200 DollarsCasio LK-265 view on Amazon This electric keyboard is a little pricier than the last, but it offers quite a few features that make it a great learning keyboard for children. It comes with 400 built-in tones and 150 rhymes to help you create the perfect melodies - with drum beat tunes, bass lines, etc., the possibilities are endless. You can practice your music by plugging your headphones in your keyboard so that you don’t get disturbed by anyone around you. At only 7.94 lbs, this instrument is portable and can be operated by batteries, if there isn’t a power outlet around so you can take your music wherever you go. This Casio model also has some new, unique features, such as the Dance Music Mode that lets you create your own music and even your own remixes! Pair this with Casio’s Step-Up lessons and you’ll be able to learn how to play well in no time. Connect your instrument to the Chordana app and learn how to play your favorite songs. You can also use the MIDI mode for this. The keyboard has 61 keys, which is a good starting point for beginners who might find a full 88-key instrument a little overwhelming. Its sound quality is a little better than that of some of Casio’s cheaper models, but it’s still not as good as their premium range. Moreover, the keys are touch-sensitive, which will make the transition to a proper piano easy for a beginner. Pros Affordable 400 built-in tunes MIDI compatibility Chordana app compatibility Music Dance Mode Step-Up LessonsLight-up keys Portable Cons 61 keys Keys not weighted Conclusion Overall, the keyboard is ideal for children, especially since the light-up keys make learning musical notes easier for them. It should be noted that it is still a beginner keyboard and over time, students will need to transition to a different instrument. Best Piano Keyboard for Beginners Under 200 DollarsHamzer 61-Key Electronic Piano view on Amazon Like the previous 2 models, this one also has 61 keys, and yes, you guessed it, it’s an affordable instrument for newbies. It comes with a stand, bench, headphones and a microphone and is quite a solid package. Despite its price point, the keyboard offers good sound quality and has built-in 255 timbres, 255 rhymes, 24 demo songs and 61 keyboard percussions. It has an interactive LCD display that makes using the instrument more enjoyable. The keyboard also has a record and playback option so that you can fine tune your melodies until you get them just right. This instrument is significantly heavier than the other two (17.6 lbs), but is still okay if you need to take it to your piano lessons or somewhere close by. An important thing to remember is that a digital piano will not give you the same experience as an acoustic keyboard - the acoustic keyboard also has the full 88 keys. However, this is not a deal breaker if you’re a beginner. The keys are also smaller and not weighted, so for those who want to go pro, playing a full keyboard later will be more difficult. Pros Affordable Comes with a stand and headphonesGood sound quality LCD display Cons Keys are fewer and smaller than a full 88-key instrument Non-weighted keys Conclusion This is a good beginner keyboard to help you decide if you’re interested in playing the piano or not. Once you reach an intermediate level, you will need to upgrade your instrument, especially if you’re learning classical music (which requires an 88-key keyboard). Best Portable Piano Keyboard Under 200 DollarsYamaha PSR-E-363 view on Amazon This 61-key Yamaha instrument features touch-sensitive keys with in-built lessons that make it a great beginner piano. It consists of 154 demo songs, has a touch tutor and practice songs for chord progression. It also has 574 instrument sounds, 26 harmonies and 165 styles. The dual keyboard function helps you play alongside your piano instructor so that you learn how to play faster. You can also plug your headphones in if you’re practicing alone and don’t want to be disturbed. With the option to attach a sustain pedal, your digital piano can give you the feel of a true, acoustic piano. With the record and playback features, you can tweak your music until it’s perfect. The instrument weighs 10 lbs, which makes it very portable. The keys are touch-sensitive, but not weighted like an acoustic piano. Weighted keys are essential for piano students to develop the right playing technique and produce different ranges of sound. Pros Affordable Portable Touch-sensitive keys similar to an acoustic piano Easy-to-use LCD display Numerous built-in instrument sounds Split keyboard function for piano lessons Connectivity to sustain pedal, headphones, microphones Cons Non-weighted keys Not compatible with the Yamaha Piano Controller App Conclusion This Yamaha keyboard offers great sound quality and a number of features, such as the split keyboard and the touch-sensitive keys that makes it a good beginner instrument. It’s also great for anyone who wants to start a one-man band and create the sounds of multiple instruments through a single keyboard. Runners-Up: Yamaha PSR-E263 view on Amazon With Yamaha being one of the dominant players in the piano keyboard market, it’s no wonder another one of these made it to the list. With its portable and user-friendly design, it’s great for piano players of all ages. It features 61 keys with 400 instrument sounds and 130 different styles so you can explore different types of music. This Yamaha model also has a learning mode, known as YES (Yamaha Education Lesson Function), which has a listen mode, timing mode and wait mode, so that you can be your own piano instructor. With the phrase recorder, you can even record your own sounds. If you do have an instructor, you can use the Duo mode and play side by side. Within a very affordable price, this keyboard has an expanded stereo and offers excellent sound quality. There is also aux connectivity, allowing you to play your favorite songs on your piano. It also has headphone connectivity to let you practice privately. Pros Affordable YES learning mode Dual keyboard option AUX and headphone connectivity Touch-sensitive, full-sized keys Record and playback option Cons 61 keys Non-weighted keys Conclusion The Yamaha PSR E263 is a good entry-level instrument with great sound quality and many built-in learning features. Its touch-sensitive keys offer the true acoustic piano experience. Casio CTK-3500 view on Amazon The Casio CTK-3500 has built-in rhythms and the Dance Music Mode that’ll have even the most basic piano player creating melodies in no time. It has 61 touch-sensitive keys (with 2 levels of sensitivity) and can also be connected to the Chordana App, so that you can make your music lessons more fun by playing your favorite songs. It weighs just 7.5 lbs and it’s compact enough to be taken wherever you go. The user-friendly LCD display makes it easier to figure out how the instrument works. It also has 400 in-built instrument sounds, 50 rhythms, 60 songs and 10 reverb levels. The instrument also has ports for sustain pedals, headphones and a USB port. It also has MIDI compatibility. However, the keys are not weighted and do not emulate the function of an actual acoustic piano. Pros Affordable Touch-sensitive keys Built-in instrument sounds and rhythms Ports for sustain pedals, headphones and a USB MIDI Compatibility Dance Music Mode and Step-Up lessons Cons Non-weighted keys No record and playback function Average sound quality Conclusion Despite many amazing learning features, this keyboard has compromised sound quality and doesn’t have a record and playback option. This is why it’s not the number one option, but it’s affordability and built-in rhythms still make it a decent choice for a beginner piano. RockJam RJ761 61 Key view on Amazon This is another one of those keyboards on a budget that comes with the full package. It comes with a stand, a bench, a sustain pedal and a set of headphones. The keyboard has 61 full-sized keys like a traditional piano but is more compact at the same time. It has a touch screen display that is simple and easy to use and has a number of built-in features, such as 200 rhythms, 200 tones, a teaching mode and 30 demo songs. It also has one of the most important features for beginners: the record and playback that allows you to listen to your melodies and adjust them. It also has MIDI compatibility and you can connect your phone to the keyboard to play your favorite songs. It is also quite heavy and weighs 26.5 lbs, so it’s a good thing it comes with a stand and bench. Otherwise, you would have problems storing it. Traveling with it is difficult so if you plan on taking piano lessons, do so online. Pros AffordableRecord and playback option Full package with a stool, stand and sustain pedal and headphones Cons Non-weighted keys Stool is of poor quality Compatible apps require additional payment Conclusion This keyboard is a good option if you’re looking for a complete package with a sustain pedal to help you figure out how a real piano works. You can also play different instrument sounds, so this is ideal for someone who wants to play pop and hip-hop music. However, it has 61 non-weighted keys and is meant for beginners, which means you will eventually need to progress to a proper keyboard. Alesis Recital view on Amazon The Alesis Recital is not only affordable, it also has a very sleek design that’ll make even the most budget-bound pianist feel good. Complete with LED buttons and a slim body, the keyboard is easy to transport and even store at home. One of the most amazing things about this one is that it has the full 88 keys that are also semi-weighted, which makes it a great beginner keyboard. It also makes the transition to an actual piano with hammer function easier. The feel of the keys is also similar to that of an actual piano. The sound quality is quite good for its price point and it has built-in instrument sounds of an electric piano, organ, synth and bass, so you can experiment with different tunes. Use the Layer Mode to build up sounds and create complex melodies. The Lesson Mode acts as a split function, which you can play alongside your instructor and pick up notes faster. As the keyboard has 5 different styles, you can customize the sounds you produce. It can be connected to your headphones and also has a USB port (MIDI connectivity) so that you can connect your phone to your keyboard. This way, you can connect to piano lessons through an app and even learn how to play your favorite songs. It weighs around 15 pounds and is easy to transport. Pros AffordableFull 88 keys Semi-weighted keys Premium sound quality MIDI compatibility Lesson and split keyboard mode Cons Keys not fully weighted Quality might fluctuate over time Conclusion With its 88 semi-weighted keys, this is one of those few budget options that is suitable for both beginner and intermediate level piano players. The instrument will deteriorate over time, but it’s a good way to find out how a true acoustic piano works. Yamaha YPT360 This Yamaha model features a touch-sensitive keyboard and a power adaptor and is another good option in the range of affordable keyboards for beginners. It has 574 high quality sounds, 165 styles and 150 Arpeggio types. It also has a USB port and MIDI compatibility that allows you to connect your phone to your keyboard and play your favorite songs. The Duo mode allows two people to create music together on this instrument. The LCD display makes figuring out the features of the piano quick, easy and fun. Like many of the previous models, the keys are not weighted, which means that while the instrument is fine if you’re learning to play a single song for a single event. But, if you want to go pro, you’ll need to change your keyboard at some point. Pros Touch-sensitive keys MID compatibility Decent speakers 574+ sounds Portable Dual keyboard mode Sustain pedal port Cons Non-weighted keys Conclusion This instrument isn’t exactly a buyer’s choice, but at its price range and with the features it offers, it’s a good instrument for the pianist on a budget. With the sustain pedal, you can even get the true feel of an acoustic piano. RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano This is another instrument that has 88 semi-weighted keys, and like the Alesis Recital, is a suitable keyboard for both beginners and intermediates. Apart from being semi-weighted, the keys are also touch-sensitive, and the touch can also be adjusted to suit your playing needs. It has powerful speakers that provide a quality of sound that is rare at such an affordable price. It also has a sustain pedal port, aux port and headphone jack, all of which are essentials for any serious piano player. With MIDI compatibility, you can connect your smartphone or tablet and take digital piano lessons and rock out to your favorite tunes. The split and layer modes allow you to practice comfortably, alongside your piano instructor. However, it weighs a solid 21.2 lbs, which makes it difficult to move around and you’ll most probably need to get a stand for it since you won’t be able to move it around your house, depending on where you have space for it. Pros Affordable 88 semi-weighted keys Sustain pedal portHeadphone jackMIDI compatibility Split and layer mode Cons Average sound quality Heavy for a digital keyboard Conclusion This instrument is a great starting keyboard for the serious pianist. The full 88 keys allow you to play any type of music, including classical, and the split mode makes playing with a partner easier. You can use the MIDI feature to connect it to your phone and download some e-lessons and when you have the budget and the level of expertise, you can advance to an instrument with full weighted keys. Buying your First Digital Piano | MusicRadar Basics Wrapping Up You really can find good keyboards within a $200 budget! While you may have to compromise on certain features, such as the lack of weighted keys, you will also find some great starter instruments that will help you figure out the basics of a piano keyboard. Most of our budget picks offer MIDI compatibility and the record and playback feature as well as a split keyboard function, all of which aid beginners trying to figure out how a keyboard works. Some of the Casio and Yamaha models also offer their own apps and lessons that make learning easier and fun. Essentially, you can learn the basics of playing the piano and even make some great melodies, even if you’re on a tight budget. Over time, you can save up for a full-sized weighted keyboard and further advance your piano playing skills.