Yamaha
NP-15
$230
Yamaha's lightest piano-style keyboard — Piaggero series
5.7 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.7 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
61 4.5 kg
View Details Roland
Roland GO:KEYS 61 Review
A fun, ultra-portable keyboard that makes music creation instant
61 Keys 3.9 kg non weighted Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
4.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 500 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
6.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | non weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | +3 |
| Width | 877 mm | +1 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
2.1| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | non weighted (grade 1) | +0.6 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | ZEN-Core | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | plastic | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Roland GO:KEYS 61 is a battery-powered, 3.9 kg keyboard with 500+ sounds and a unique Loop Mix feature that lets absolute beginners create full-sounding music from their very first session.
Pros
- • Incredibly lightweight at 3.9 kg and runs on 6 AA batteries — truly play-anywhere portability
- • Loop Mix feature lets you build layered backing tracks by tapping pads, making music creation intuitive even for total beginners
- • 500+ onboard sounds covering piano, synths, drums, bass, and more provide endless creative possibilities
- • Bluetooth Audio lets you stream music from your phone and play along through the built-in speakers
- • At $300, it is one of the most affordable ways to start making music with a Roland instrument
Cons
- • Non-weighted 61-key keyboard will not develop proper piano technique — this is for fun and creativity, not classical training
- • 5W speakers are quiet and lack bass depth, suitable only for personal practice in a small room
- • No lesson function, no app connectivity, and no recording capability limit its usefulness as a learning tool
The Roland GO:KEYS 61 is not really a piano — it is a music creation tool that happens to have piano keys. And that is perfectly fine, because it excels at what it is designed to do. The Loop Mix feature is genuinely innovative and makes creating full-sounding music accessible to anyone, regardless of musical background. At 3.9 kg with battery power, you can take it anywhere. The 500+ sounds give you plenty to explore. The important caveat is that this will not teach you piano technique — the non-weighted keys and 61-key range are fundamentally different from what you need for classical study. Think of it as a gateway instrument: if the GO:KEYS sparks a love of music, you can always upgrade to a proper digital piano later.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GO:KEYS 61 uses a non-weighted synth-style action. The keys are light, springy, and offer no resistance — they feel nothing like an acoustic piano. This is by design: the GO:KEYS is built for speed and accessibility, not for developing classical technique. The light touch makes it easy for children and beginners to play without fatigue, and it works well for synth sounds, organ patches, and loop-based music creation. But if you are learning piano with the intention of eventually playing an acoustic instrument, you will need to move to a weighted-key model sooner rather than later.
Who Is This Piano For?
The GO:KEYS 61 is perfect for anyone who wants to start making music without the commitment of a full piano. If you are a complete beginner who is not sure whether piano is for you, this is a low-risk, high-fun entry point. The Loop Mix feature is the real draw — it turns the keyboard into a one-person band, letting you layer drums, bass, and chords with simple button presses. It is also a great travel companion or bedroom instrument thanks to its tiny size and battery power. However, if your goal is to learn traditional piano technique, look elsewhere — the non-weighted keys will not prepare you for an acoustic piano.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Non Weighted |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 500 |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio |
| Key Surface | Plastic |
| Sound Modeling | ZEN-Core |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 877×271×82 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
GO:KEYS 61 vs NP-15
The NP-15 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. The NP-15 costs $70 less. Choose the NP-15 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Yamaha NP-15 →GO:KEYS 61 vs GO:PIANO 61
The GO:KEYS 61 scores higher in Night Practice, while the GO:PIANO 61 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. Choose the GO:KEYS 61 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland GO:PIANO 61 →GO:KEYS 61 vs PSR-E373
The GO:KEYS 61 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the PSR-E373 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. Choose the GO:KEYS 61 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland GO:KEYS 61 good for beginners?
It's not ideal for beginners. The Roland GO:KEYS 61 scores 4.3/10 on our Beginner scale — it lacks key learning features. Consider a model with lesson functions and app connectivity.
Does the Roland GO:KEYS 61 have Bluetooth?
The Roland GO:KEYS 61 has Bluetooth Audio for streaming music through its speakers, but no Bluetooth MIDI for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Roland GO:KEYS 61?
The Roland GO:KEYS 61 weighs 3.9 kg (9 lbs). It scores 10/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Roland GO:KEYS 61?
Yes. The Roland GO:KEYS 61 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland GO:KEYS 61 have?
The Roland GO:KEYS 61 has 61 keys, which is smaller than a standard 88-key piano. This is fine for beginners and casual playing, but advanced pieces may require more range.
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7.3 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 2.2 Touch Reality 5.5 Value
61 3.9 kg
View Details Yamaha
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8.6 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 6.4 Value
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View Details