A sustain pedal is more than just an accessory; it’s an essential tool for expressive piano and keyboard playing. The right pedal adds nuance, emotion, and professional control to your performance, allowing for smooth transitions and sustained notes that mimic an acoustic piano. With options ranging from simple switches to advanced units with half-damper sensitivity, choosing the best one can significantly impact your playing experience.
This roundup covers ten of the best sustain pedals available, designed for various needs and setups. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable universal pedal, a gigging musician needing a sturdy non-slip option, or a serious player requiring triple-pedal functionality, there’s a model here for you. We’ve evaluated key features like build quality, compatibility, and special functions to help you find the perfect match.
Our Recommended Sustain Pedals for Every Player
- Roland DP-10 Real-Feel Pedal with Non-Slip Rubber Plate
- Studiologic SLP3-D Triple Pedal for Keyboards & Midi Controllers
- Damper Pedal DS-1H
- Casio SP-20 Piano-Style Sustain Pedal
- Yamaha FC4 Piano Style Sustain Pedal
- Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal
- Sustain Pedal for Keyboard Universal, Premium Sustain Pedal by karmiero
- BOSS Un-Latch Footswitch (FS-5U)
- Donner DSP-001 Sustain Pedal for Keyboard, Universal Piano Pedal
- Roland DP-10 Damper Pedal for Digital Pianos and Keyboards
Roland DP-10 Real-Feel Pedal with Non-Slip Rubber Plate
The Roland DP-10 is a professional-grade sustain pedal designed for stability and realistic feel. Its heavy-duty construction and non-slip rubber plate ensure it stays firmly in place during even the most energetic performances. The pedal offers a satisfying resistance and travel that closely replicates the experience of an acoustic piano damper.
This model is compatible with instruments that support half-damper control, allowing for nuanced playing where the amount of sustain varies with pedal pressure. The extra-long cable is a practical benefit for players with stacked keyboard setups or larger studio arrangements, providing flexibility in placement.
Studiologic SLP3-D Triple Pedal for Keyboards & Midi Controllers
For keyboardists seeking the full functionality of an acoustic piano, the Studiologic SLP3-D triple pedal is an excellent solution. It provides three distinct pedals: damper (sustain) with continuous control for half-pedaling, sostenuto, and soft. This setup allows for advanced techniques and a more authentic playing experience on compatible digital pianos and MIDI controllers.
A major advantage is the simplified single-cable connection using a stereo jack, which reduces clutter and setup time. As a product from a premier keyboard manufacturer, it is built to reliable standards, making it a solid investment for serious players and home studio owners.
Damper Pedal DS-1H
The Korg DS-1H is a heavy-duty, professional piano-style damper pedal built for longevity and precise control. Its robust construction can withstand regular use, making it a trustworthy choice for both stage and studio environments. The pedal offers a solid feel that musicians appreciate for consistent performance.
It is designed to provide half-damper action when used with keyboards that support this feature, offering greater expressiveness in your playing. While it pairs perfectly with Korg instruments, its standard connectivity makes it a viable option for many other keyboards with a sustain pedal input.
Casio SP-20 Piano-Style Sustain Pedal
The Casio SP-20 is a straightforward and reliable piano-style sustain pedal made specifically for compatibility with Casio keyboards and digital pianos. Its design offers the familiar feel of an upright piano pedal, which is helpful for beginners developing proper technique. The included long cord provides ample length for comfortable setup.
This pedal is a practical and official accessory for Casio instrument owners, ensuring full functionality without compatibility concerns. It serves as an essential upgrade from basic switch pedals, adding a more authentic element to practice and performance.
Yamaha FC4 Piano Style Sustain Pedal
Yamaha’s FC4 is a versatile piano-style sustain pedal known for its durability and wide compatibility. It works with any keyboard that uses a standard 1/4″ connector for sustain, making it a universal option beyond just Yamaha instruments. The pedal body is designed to offer a comfortable and realistic playing angle.
An interesting feature is its dual functionality; it can also be used as a footswitch (FS) controller for synthesizers, tone modules, and drum machines. This flexibility makes it a useful tool for musicians who work with various types of gear in their setup.
Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal
The Boss CS-3 is a compressor/sustainer pedal primarily designed for guitar, but it can be a creative tool for keyboard players looking to shape their sound. It works by evening out the dynamics of your playing and increasing sustain, allowing notes to ring out longer. This can add a smooth, polished character to keyboard leads or pads.
Its low-noise design ensures clean operation without introducing unwanted hiss. Featuring standard Level, Tone, Attack, and Sustain controls, it offers detailed adjustment over your compression effect. This pedal is for the experimental musician wanting to add studio-style compression directly into their signal chain.
Sustain Pedal for Keyboard Universal by karmiero
This universal sustain pedal from karmiero is built with a premium alloy and high-strength plastic construction, promising strength and stability for long-term use. The pedal action is engineered to be smooth and responsive, providing a reliable feel during play. Its design focuses on delivering core functionality without complexity.
Key user-friendly features include a non-slip rubber bottom to prevent movement and a polarity switch on the side to ensure compatibility with different keyboard brands. The generous 91-inch cable allows for flexible placement, making it easy to position the pedal comfortably in any setup.
BOSS Un-Latch Footswitch (FS-5U)
The BOSS FS-5U is a versatile un-latching (momentary) footswitch with a simple, durable design. It is not a sustain pedal in the traditional sense but is commonly used to control sustain or other functions on keyboards and synthesizers that can be mapped to a momentary switch. It sends a signal only while the pedal is held down.
Its reversible polarity switch makes it compatible with a wide array of equipment, from keyboards to amplifiers and effects units. Built with the ruggedness associated with the BOSS brand, it’s a dependable utility pedal for triggering samples, switching effects, or controlling sustain on compatible gear.
Donner DSP-001 Sustain Pedal for Keyboard
The Donner DSP-001 is a robust universal sustain pedal designed for broad compatibility and everyday use. It is constructed with a top-grade chrome plate to resist deformation and features a premium rubberized shell that contributes to its extended lifespan. This build quality offers good value for musicians needing a dependable pedal.
It includes a polarity switch to work with various keyboard brands and an anti-slip rubber bottom to keep it securely in place. With a standard 1/4″ input plug and a 63-inch cable, it provides a practical and no-fuss solution for sustain control on digital pianos, MIDI keyboards, and synthesizers.
Roland DP-10 Damper Pedal for Digital Pianos and Keyboards
Roland’s DP-10 damper pedal is a compact and reliable choice for sustaining notes on digital pianos and keyboards. It is engineered to offer a stable performance with a design that prioritizes functionality. The pedal likely features a non-slip base to prevent sliding during use, a common trait in Roland’s pedal designs.
As a damper pedal from a leading instrument manufacturer, it promises compatibility and quality construction. It is suited for players who need a straightforward, effective sustain pedal from a trusted brand to complete their keyboard setup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sustain Pedal
When I first started looking for a sustain pedal, I thought they were all basically the same. I quickly learned that’s not the case. The right pedal can feel like a natural extension of your instrument, while the wrong one can be a frustrating distraction. So, let’s talk about what really matters when you’re picking one out.
First, you need to decide between the two main types: switch-style and continuous (or half-damper) pedals. The classic switch-style pedal is an on/off button. Press it, and all the notes sustain fully; release it, and they stop. It’s simple, affordable, and works with every keyboard. The continuous pedal, however, acts more like a real piano damper. You can press it part-way down for subtle, partial sustain, just like on an acoustic grand. This gives you way more expressive control, but you need a keyboard that supports this feature (often labeled as “continuous pedal input” or “half-damper capable”). If your keyboard has it, a continuous pedal is a game-changer.
Next up is the physical build. Feel under your foot is everything. Look for a pedal with a non-slip rubber base—the last thing you want is it sliding across the floor mid-performance. The pedal’s resistance is personal; some players like a light, easy action, while others prefer the heavier, more realistic feel of a piano-style pedal. If you’re a pianist at heart, you might want to consider a damper pedal with a piano-style form factor, which is larger and mimics the real thing. For portability, the small, square sustain pedals are unbeatable.
Don’t forget about polarity. This sounds technical, but it’s just about which way the “on” and “off” signals are wired. Most modern pedals have a polarity switch, so you can flip it to be compatible with any keyboard (Yamaha and Casio, for example, often use opposite polarities). A pedal without this switch might not work with your gear. Finally, consider the connector. It’s almost always a standard 1/4″ jack, but some keyboards, especially beginner models, use a smaller 1/8″ input. You can easily get an adapter, but it’s one more thing to remember. Taking a few minutes to think about these points will help you find one of the 10 best sustain pedals for piano and keyboards that perfectly matches your playing style and setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sustain pedal seem to work backwards?
This is almost always a polarity issue. It means the “on” and “off” signals from your pedal are the opposite of what your keyboard expects. The fix is usually simple. Many pedals have a small polarity switch on the side or bottom. Just flip that switch while the pedal is plugged in, and the problem should be solved. If your pedal doesn’t have a switch, some keyboards let you reverse the pedal polarity in their system settings menu.
Can I use a piano-style sustain pedal with any keyboard?
In most cases, yes, as long as it has the correct plug (usually a 1/4″ jack). The bigger consideration is whether your keyboard supports continuous control. A high-quality piano-style pedal will send continuous data, but if your keyboard only reads on/off switch signals, you’ll only get the basic sustain function. You won’t get the half-pedaling effects, but the pedal itself will still work for sustain. Always check your keyboard’s manual for the type of pedal input it has.
What is half-pedaling, and do I need it?
Half-pedaling is that expressive technique where you partially press the damper pedal to create a more nuanced, blurred sound, rather than a full, bright sustain. It’s a standard technique on acoustic pianos. If you play a lot of classical, jazz, or any genre where detailed dynamic control is important, it’s a hugely valuable feature. You need two things for it to work: a keyboard that supports continuous pedal input and a compatible continuous pedal. For casual playing or pop music, a basic switch pedal is often perfectly fine.
Are expensive sustain pedals worth the money?
It depends on what you’re looking for. A more expensive pedal typically gets you a sturdier metal construction (instead of plastic), a heavier base that won’t slide, a smoother, more realistic action under your foot, and reliable continuous control for half-pedaling. If you play frequently, especially live, the durability and superior feel are absolutely worth the investment. For a beginner, a student, or someone with a basic keyboard, a budget-friendly pedal is a great and completely functional starting point.
My keyboard has three pedal inputs. What are the other two for?
If you have three inputs, your keyboard is designed to work with a triple-pedal unit, which mimics the three pedals on an acoustic piano: damper (sustain), sostenuto, and soft (una corda). The sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes you are holding when you press it. The soft pedal slightly shifts the keyboard’s action or sound to create a quieter, muted tone. These are for advanced expression. You can absolutely just use a single sustain pedal in the main damper jack and ignore the other two.