Are you excited to learn the keyboard but confused about where to begin? With so many options in the market, choosing your first musical keyboard can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you step by step.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to choose a keyboard that fits your needs, your goals, and your budget.
Step 1: Know Your Purpose
Before you start shopping, ask yourself:
- Are you learning just for fun or planning to take formal lessons?
- Do you want to produce music, perform live, or compose at home?
- Do you need a portable keyboard or one that stays in one place?
Knowing your goal helps you avoid overspending or buying something too basic.
Step 2: Understand the Types of Keyboards
There are several types of keyboards. As a beginner, focus on these three:
- Portable Keyboards (Arranger Keyboards)
- Ideal for beginners
- Comes with built-in tones, rhythms, and learning functions
- Examples: Casio CTK-2550, Yamaha PSR-F52
- Digital Pianos
- Best for those who want to learn piano seriously
- Weighted keys for realistic feel
- Examples: Yamaha P45, Roland FP-10
- MIDI Keyboards
- For music producers
- Requires connection to a computer and DAW
- Examples: M-Audio Keystation, Akai MPK Mini
Step 3: Decide on the Number of Keys
Keyboards come in different key counts:
- 32 to 44 keys – Good for kids and absolute beginners
- 61 keys – Most popular for beginners
- 76 keys – Ideal for extended range without full 88 keys
- 88 keys – Full range like an acoustic piano
👉 For most beginners, a 61-key keyboard is the best balance between functionality and portability.
Step 4: Must-Have Features for Beginners
Here are key features you should look for:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Touch Sensitivity | Allows dynamic expression based on how hard you press the keys |
| Built-in Tones & Rhythms | Helps explore various musical styles |
| Lesson Mode / Learning Features | Useful for self-learning |
| Metronome | Helps you keep time while practicing |
| Sustain Pedal Input | Adds expressive control like a real piano |
| Headphone Jack | Practice quietly without disturbing others |
Bonus Features (Nice to Have)
- Recording Function – Record your performance and listen back
- Dual/Layers Mode – Play two sounds (like piano + strings) at once
- Split Mode – Divide the keyboard into two instruments (e.g., bass + piano)
- Transpose Button – Easily shift keys without learning new fingerings
Step 5: Consider Connectivity
Modern keyboards often include:
- USB to Host: Connects to PC for learning apps or DAW
- MIDI Output: Used for music production
- AUX In/Out: Connect external audio or speakers
This is important if you plan to record music or use learning apps.
Step 6: Set Your Budget (With Examples)
| Budget | What You Can Expect | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 | Mini keyboards for kids | Casio SA-80 , 81, Yamaha PSS-F30 |
| ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 | Entry-level 61-key models | Yamaha PSR-F52, Casio CTK-2550 |
| ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 | Advanced beginner models | Yamaha PSR-E373, Casio CT-X700 |
| ₹20,000+ | Digital pianos, workstations | Roland GO:KEYS, Yamaha P-45 |
Step 7: Don’t Forget These Accessories!
- Keyboard Stand
- Sustain Pedal
- Headphones
- Keyboard Cover
- Power Adapter (some brands sell it separately)
Final Tips Before Buying
- Try before you buy – Visit a store if possible to test the feel and sound.
- Watch video demos – YouTube has reviews and sound tests for most models.
- Check return policy – In case it doesn’t suit your needs.
Conclusion: Start Smart, Play Happy!
Choosing your first keyboard doesn’t have to be confusing. Think about your musical goals, compare features, and pick a model that grows with you.
👉 At HavenMusicals.com, we help beginners make smart musical choices. Check out our keyboard reviews, comparisons, and buying guides to explore the best beginner-friendly models!
Casio cheapest 61 keys keyboards
Casio make keyboards in many sizes like keyboard with 32 keys , 44 keys , 61 keys , 88 keys etc . out of these , keyboards with 44 or less keys are considered as mini keyboard whose keys size are small and mostly suitable for small kids , junior students .
but for starting music journey with serious intension . one should always buy branded 61 keys keyboard and if you decided to buy Casio keyboard .
the cheapest Casio 61 piano style keys keyboard available to purchase in Our Indian market is Casiotone CT-S100
The Casio CT-S 100 is a lightweight, user-friendly 61-key non touch responsive portable keyboard designed for beginners and new musicians. Weighing just 3.3 kg and measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm, it’s compact and easy to transport. Its sleek design includes a built-in handgrip and rounded corners for added portability.
Pros and Cons of Casio CT-S 100
| Pros | Cons |
| 61 piano style keys | non touch responsive |
| 122 tones | |
| 61 rhythms | no display |
| 60 built in songs | no dance music |
| 2 way power supply , battery(6) , Dc power | no port for running from power bank |
| weight 3.3kg | no pitch bender wheel |
| Grab handle for portability | no registration memory bank |
| metronome beat available | |
| sustain function present(panel sustain) | |
| Reverb, transpose ,tuning | |
| USB port (micro B) , phones/output 3.5mm |
All Indian tones in Casio CT-S 100
there are total 11 Indian tones present from tone no 96 to 106 . Sitar(2) ,TANPURA (2) , Harmonium(2) , SHANAI(2) , SANTUR(2) , TABLA .
All Indian rhythms in Casio CT-S 100
there are total 12 Indian rhythms present in Indian categories of rhythm from rhythm no 33 to 44 . BHANGRA , DADRA , GARBA , KEHARWA , TEEN TAAL , DANDIYA , BHAJAN , INDIAN POP 1 , INDIAN POP 2 , QAWWALI , KERALA , RAJASTHANI .
My setup button in Casio CT-S 100
Register your favorite settings to easily recall tones and rhythms such as those learned in music class when you practice at home. my setup button can be used to save
- Tone , Rhythm , Song
- Tempo
- Tone number
- Metronome Beat
- Metronome volume level
- Sustain
- Rhythm No
- Song No
- Count
- Transpose
- Reverb
- Pedal etc .
Can we use headphone in CASIOTONE CT-S 100
Yes definitely , due to presence of Phones/Output jack in port section of Casio CT-S 100 we can easily use headphone even without any converter jack .
Is Casio CT-S 100 is touch responsive ?
no , Casio CT-S 100 is not a touch responsive keyboard , but it comes with full size piano style keys .
Can we connect Casio CT-S 100 with laptop or pc ?
yes definitely , due to presence of USB micro B port we can easily connect our Casio CT-S 100 with pc or laptop .
Casiotone Casio CT-S 100
actually Casio CT-S 100 is the first 61 keys keyboard of all Casiotone lineup . after CTS 100 their is CT-S 200 , CT-S 300 , CT-S 400 , CT-S 500 . all of these keyboards are very unique due to their design and portability
Casio CT-S 100 price
The Casio CT-S 100 Casiotone keyboard is easily available in Indian Market both online and offline but the price is not same all day , if you want to check the current price on Amazon you can check out the link below
buy link of Casio CT-S 100 : -https://amzn.to/43ZRxTz
Casio CT-S 100 vs Yamaha PSR F52
both of these keyboards Casio CT-S 100 and Yamaha PSR f52 are the first 61 keys keyboard from their company and also available under 8000INR but their are so many differences between these two models