[2025] 12 Electronic Keyboard Recommendations! How to Choose and Popular Keyboards for Beginners Ranking

Many of you may be thinking, “I want to start playing a keyboard! But even if I buy an expensive piano, I am not sure if I can even play it.” In such cases, we recommend electronic keyboards. The price is relatively lower than that of an electronic piano, and there are many models with enhanced functions. Many models are light in both body and touch, making them easy to play even for beginners. In this issue, I will introduce how to select such an electronic keyboard and show you some of my recommended models.

■ How to Choose an Electronic Keyboard

There are three summary points you should check when selecting an electronic keyboard. ① number of keys, ② power supply method, and ③ size and weight.

① Number of Keys

Unlike electronic pianos, which basically have a fixed 88-key keyboard, electronic keyboards have a variety of keyboard keys to choose from, depending on the intended use! Many manufacturers offer portable keyboards with 61 keys. For small children and beginners who want to play easier things, I recommend the “mini keyboard” models with a smaller keyboard size, or models with fewer keys, such as a 44-key model.

② Power Supply Methods

Some models of electronic keyboards can be powered with dry batteries or USB cables, in addition to a power adapter that connects to an outlet. Some keyboards are rechargeable, so be sure to check if you wish to play outdoors where there are no power outlets! If you do have a desire to play outdoors without an outlet, be sure to check out these models.

③ Size and Weight

Size and weight are also important factors in choosing a keyboard that can be carried around and played, or some may want one that can be set up in the home and not get in the way. If it is light and compact, it can be transported anywhere without stress! It is a good idea to check the size and weight while taking into consideration the installation location.

Now that we have reviewed how to select an electronic keyboard by dividing it into three categories, I will now introduce my recommended electronic keyboards according to your intended use!

■ The First Type that I Recommend! The Three Standard Types

1. PLAYTECH / PTK150

This slim 61-key keyboard has a depth of only 20 cm. LED lights light up as you press the keys, making practice fun! Bluetooth connectivity allows you to play along with sound sources played on your smartphone or other devices. The built-in rechargeable battery supports cordless use. It is highly convenient and easy to have fun!

2. Roland / GO:PIANO GO-61P Digital Piano

Roland's keyboard is recommended for beginners. 61 piano-like keys provide a realistic playing feel. Compact size for easy portability. It has 40 built-in tones, including electric piano, organ, and voice tones, for a variety of musical styles, and can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth to play music from your music library or video sites while you play.

3. PLAYTECH / PTK200II Portable Keyboard

A multifunctional, high-cost portable keyboard with 61 keys. It has 480 built-in tones for playing a variety of music genres. It is loaded with convenient features such as a chord dictionary that displays the chords you press on the screen. An arpeggiator provides optimal accompaniment, making it easy for even beginners to enjoy playing!

■ Three Recommended Keyboards for Young Children and Music Education!

1. PLAYTECH / PTK050

This 32-key mini keyboard has a cute rounded shape. The keyboard has a small keyboard size so that it is easy to play even for small hands. It is also USB bus-powered for maximum convenience. This is an ideal first keyboard for children!

2. Yamaha / PSS-E30 Keyboard with USB connection

A mini keyboard for children by Yamaha. Weighing only 1.2 kg, it is lightweight and easy to carry around. It can produce not only instrument sounds but also many sound effects such as vehicle sounds and animal noises that will stimulate children's curiosity. It can also be used as an educational instrument with a built-in “sound-guessing quiz” to help children guess the pitch of a major scale and sound effects.

3. PLAYTECH / PTK070 Mini Keyboard

A compact yet multifunctional 44-key mini keyboard. With 128 built-in tones and 200 built-in rhythms, it can be used to play a variety of genres with a single device. It is equipped with a convenient button that allows one-touch switching between typical tones, making it easy to change tones during a song. This mini keyboard is recommended for a wide range of applications, from children who are trying out a musical instrument for the first time to adults who want to play as a hobby.

■ Three Compact Models Recommended for Carrying Around!

1. PLAYTECH / PFK61 Foldable Keyboard

This 61-key portable keyboard can be folded in half for easy storage and transport. It has 128 built-in rhythms and tones, each with a wide variety of sounds. It also has many convenient functions for playing, such as demo songs, metronome, automatic accompaniment, and a button sustain function. The rechargeable battery and the dedicated soft case allow you to take it anywhere you want to play.

2. Casio / Casiotone CT-S200 Red 61-key Keyboard

A slim and stylish 61-key portable keyboard. It has a full range of functions for enjoying music, including automatic accompaniment and a metronome. Weighing only 3.3 kg, the CT-S200 is lightweight and comes with a handle, making it easy to take with you on the go. It can run continuously for about 16 hours on alkaline batteries.

3. PLAYTECH / PRP61BT Roll-up Piano

A thin and lightweight 61-key roll-up piano. It is compact enough to fit in a handbag when folded. The Bluetooth connection allows you to play along with the music on your device. This portable keyboard will expand your fun.

■ It's cool when you can use it! 3 models

1. PLAYTECH / PTK500

PLAYTECH's flagship model, a 61-key portable keyboard. The touchpad and pitch bend wheel allow intuitive tone control. It also has a sampler function that allows you to record using the built-in microphone and use it to play the keyboard. An arpeggiator adds the most appropriate accompaniment makes it easy for even beginners to enjoy playing.

2. Casio / Casiotone CT-S1000V Keyboard with Vocal Synthesis

A 61-key portable keyboard equipped with CASIO's unique new sound source technology “Vocal Synthesis”. It combines lyrics and voice tone information to create a singing voice. Equipped with a variety of effects such as Compressor, Phaser, Distortion, and Wah, the keyboard allows you to express yourself freely. It is also equipped with a sampling function that allows you to create your own sound source from your smartphone or tablet.

3. Yamaha / sonogenic SHS-500B Shoulder Keyboard

Yamaha's shoulder keyboard, also known by the nickname “Shorkey,” is a lightweight compact size with 37 keys. You can perform while dancing or singing. It is also ideal for performing on stage! Battery operation is also supported. Equipped with 30 tones including synthesizer, guitar, bass, piano, strings, wind instruments, drums, many more, allowing you to play various genres of music.

■ Final Remarks

I have introduced 12 keyboards in 4 categories. I have introduced many keyboards, but in the end, I think it is good to choose one that really caught your attention! I hope this blog will be helpful for your keyboard debut.

（2023-07-13 published 2025-01-23 updated）