What to expect from keyboard pianos under $200?
It is possible to find a good piano keyboard under $200. But can you expect to have weighted keys? Probably not. It is, actually, one of the features that you will compromise on. That does not mean that there are not great starter instruments. Most models come as a full kit, like a traditional piano. Not only are they lightweight, but you can install them using their stand, stool, and power supply.
Next, some models are portable and are specifically designed for performances. If you are a musician who likes to move from place to place, you can bring your instrument with you at your events. Also, these models are easy to adjust in a matter of seconds.
They provide you with high-quality sounds, a variety of demo songs, more than enough rhythms, and polyphony. All these features help make a difference and improve your learning and user experience.
Things to consider before buying a keyboard piano under $200
What are the criteria to consider when trying to purchase the best keyboard piano under $200? This is the question you probably ask yourself. We know that there is a variety of models available on the market, and making the right choice can be difficult. First, it is important that you keep your needs in mind: how often are you going to use the instrument? Will you need to transport it, or do you want to install it at home only? What is your playing experience? With all these questions answered, you will know which model will satisfy your needs.
Apart from that, it is also crucial to check some useful features. We have put them together, and comparing them will also help you make an informed choice.
Keys
The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a piano keyboard is the number of keys provided. Concerning the number of keys, they vary and range from 25 to 88, like in a traditional piano. The more keys are available, the more you benefit from an accurate piano experience. If the size is limited, this means that playing some songs can be a bit difficult.
We generally recommend going for the range of 44 to 88 keys, with 61 keys being enough for your needs as a casual player or a debutant.
With that being said, all of the models available in our keyboard piano under $200 reviews above range from 44 to 61 keys, with the RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano being a great model at the higher end of the scale.
Polyphony
Polyphony is another important factor to consider when searching for the best cheap keyboard piano under $200. It refers to how many individual sounds or notes you can play at once. It goes without saying that if you are looking to play your instrument without being limited by the cutting of some notes, you must have all the flexibility you need. That can be achieved by buying a keyboard piano that has polyphony. Also, this characteristic is important if you plan to play along backing tracks or layer multiple sounds on top of each other.
In our keyboard piano under $200 reviews above, the Casio CTK-2550 and Casio Casiotone CT-S200 are two models that possess the highest polyphony (48 notes each). By purchasing them, this means you can produce 48 sounds at once.
Functions
Whatever piano keyboard you are purchasing, you want to make sure that you’ll have unique experience. This means paying attention to small details like the functions provided on the instrument so that you can decide whether or not it is worth your money and if it will suit you.
If you want to be able to switch between different rhythms and sounds while playing, you might consider purchasing a model that has an LCD display, as it helps to go through the menu. If you are a beginner, a model with a learning system will best suit your needs and help you hone your skills.
Other functions worth considering include a quiz and record and playback options. The latter comes in handy if you want to record and listen back to your recordings to monitor your progress.
Number of tones
It may not seem like a big deal, but the number of tones available on a piano keyboard is important. You might want to consider this criterion when purchasing your instrument. Tones or sounds they create have an impact on the quality of the music created. Not only will the music be rich, but it will also sound beautiful and enjoyable.
The number of tones varies from model to model. Whatever instrument you are buying, having hundreds of tones to choose from will enhance your sound and improve your creativity. For example, the Casio Casiotone and Casio CTK-2550 models in our reviews above have the highest number of tones (300).
Rhythms
The rhythms represent another category of sounds available on a piano keyboard. They are also an important feature to look for when purchasing the instrument. Drumbeats and other rhythms that are programmed into this type of equipment vary. They are available for different musical styles, and the choice will depend on your preferences.
We recommend choosing one that is versatile and provides you with as many rhythms as possible. In our reviews above, that will be the Alesis Melody 61 MKII model.
Songs
Another criterion to consider when purchasing the best piano keyboard under $200 is the number of songs provided. Here, we mean the demo songs available. They help you learn more and improve your playing technique.
Moreover, you can use the demo songs to show off the keyboard’s sound capabilities, and you will know exactly how your instrument performs. The number of built-in songs varies, and the more there are available, the better you will enjoy your piano keyboard. The Yamaha PSR-E273 model from our review, for example, comes with 112 songs.
Inputs and outputs
The inputs and outputs are important on a piano keyboard. They help you make better use of your instrument.
Some models come with headphones. They help you practice in silence without disturbing others around you. You might also want to make sure that your instrument has a microphone that will help you record and/or sing. Moreover, a few of them include MIDI. This is used to connect your keyboard to your computer.
Accessories
Accessories improve the experience that you get from a piano keyboard. You might want to consider purchasing an instrument that is provided with some useful accessories. These include a microphone, a stool, headphones, stickers, a stand, a power adapter, etc. Almost all of the models available in our reviews above come with accessories.
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions and weight are other important features to consider when buying your keyboard piano under $200. They determine whether you will be able or not to transport your instrument and carry it around.
Concerning the dimensions, we recommend that you consider the space you have at home and buy an instrument that will fit right in.
Concerning the weight, it is advisable to buy a lightweight instrument that you will transport without needing help. That is the case of the Casio SA76 Keyboard in our review. It is ultra-light and weighs only 3 lbs.
