Digital Piano vs Keyboard: What’s the Difference

If you're pretty much undecided about what instrument to go for, then maybe knowledge of the difference between both would help you out. This article fully explores the pros and cons of both keyboards and digital pianos. This would especially come in handy for you if you are a beginner or you've only begun to explore the world of piano playing.

Digital pianos are designed to be an exact digital replica of acoustic pianos. They are supposed to give you that acoustic piano feeling. Keyboards, on the other hand, are designed with the intention of giving musicians portability. They are very lightweight and mostly come with 61 or 76 keys.

Digital pianos may come to be a cabinet, furniture upright model, or a piano with a stand and 88 keys that are completely weighted.

Detailed Differences Between Digital Pianos and Keyboards

In order to select the one that would suit you the most, it is important to understand the major differences between both. These details could be very instrumental in your selection process.

Therefore, this section would be considering the differences between both in relation to their features which are of course essential to your decision-making process.

Price

Digital pianos are very cost-effective especially if you want to do your learning like a professional. Similarly, they give the sensation of playing the real deal - an acoustic piano.

The feel and touch of this are what is replicated in digital pianos. Keyboards, on the other hand, are pretty inexpensive. This implies that they are a lot more affordable than digital pianos.

Also, they are a great way to introduce music to beginners and young children who have never played musical instruments. Therefore, in terms of the price tag, digital pianos take a higher standard than the keyboard.

Keys

The keys on digital pianos and the keys on a keyboard are also another major difference between both. The keys differ in some major areas, all of which would be discussed.

Number of Keys

The shape and size of keys on a keyboard are usually somewhat similar to those on the piano, however, a full-sized digital piano typically comes with 88 keys. The keyboard, on the other hand, boasts of 61 keys which implies two fewer octaves to play with.

Weighted Keys

Piano keys are weighted a lot heavier than keys on the keyboard. Keys on the keyboard are very much lighter to touch and would not react as well as piano keys would.

A significant number of pianos come with a feature called the ‘graded hammer effect’ and this implies that the notes are heavier in bass and then as they reach the top, they begin to become lighter.

The ones that do not have this come with either ‘weighted’ or ‘semi-weighted’ keys. Weights keys bear similarities in heaviness to 'hammer action' but do not have that same hammer effect.

Meanwhile, semi-weighted keys are heavier than keys you would find on a keyboard but lighter than keys found on the piano.

This goes a long way in making playing very enjoyable and gives you a greater sensation when playing the piano than you would get on the keyboard.

Recall that digital pianos are replicas of acoustic pianos which means that you would typically get a similar sensation to what you would have if you played an acoustic piano when playing the digital piano.

Keyboards that come with a cheaper price tag typically have a constant volume irrespective of how hard or soft they are pressed. While this doesn't constitute an issue for beginners, it is however highly recommended if you can get keys that have touch sensitivity.

This would lend expression to your play. Also, certain high-end keyboards also come with graded keys. However, you must be ready to spend a significantly large amount.

Size of Keys

Piano keys are typically larger in depth and thicker as we. Keyboard keys, on the other hand, are considered to be pretty thin and are not at all deep.

However, they are very similar in shape and size to those present on a piano.

Portability

Portability is one of the major considerations when deciding whether to pick a piano or a keyboard, it is also a major difference as well. Pianos take up space, so if you have sufficient free space that can house a piano, then going for one is a great idea.

However, if you have only very limited space or you're looking to get an instrument you can carry along with you on trips, the keyboard is best for you. Keyboards allow for relocation at a moment's notice.

Keyboards are very lightweight and relatively compact compared to digital pianos. This makes them very suitable for musicians constantly on the move. Keyboards are also designed to successfully withstand wear and tear that would be brought about by loading and unloading.

Sounds

Sound is one of the most important aspects to discuss when comparing the piano and the keyboard. Digital pianos are specially designed to feel like an acoustic piano but it goes a step further. It is also designed to sound exactly like an acoustic piano as well.

The sound is gotten by taking great acoustic piano sound samples and recording them using top-notch technology. However, this doesn't imply that the acoustic sounds are perfectly simulated.

Typically, the more expensive or high-end that a piano is, the better the sound quality would be. Also, they come with various sounds from other different instruments as well as a set of effects. All of these just serve to lend a very high level of versatility to the instrument.

Digital pianos may have sounds such as different pianos, organs, harpsichords, and strings. However, the main focus always remains the piano sounds.

Keyboards also tend to have a lot of different sounds such as those from regular musical instruments. These instruments may include pianos, guitars, bass guitars, string instruments, wind instruments, synthesizers, and percussion.

Similarly, it may also have certain exotic instruments such as a sitar. The sound quality that you get from a keyboard mainly varies depending on the make and model that you purchase.

However, there is a very low chance that the sound quality a keyboard offers would match that you would get from a digital piano. Generally, keyboards are great instruments for practicing and learning too. They also boast of some gear features that can be used while learning or making music.

Weight and Space

In terms of weight and space, digital pianos simply shift to the heavier angle. A digital piano would typically require that you have some extra space in your house so that it can be custom fitted in there.

They can also be moved and transported relatively easily. However, they weigh significantly and cannot be transported as easily as keyboards. Keyboards, on the other hand, come at a much lighter weight and also takes up little or no space.

They are very easy to transport and this is why they are called the traveling musician's companion. They are designed to be very durable and lightweight at the same time.

Pedals

Pedals are a very essential part of the play and are necessary for players to better express themselves. Pedaling allows players to include their personal feelings and expressions into their performance.

However, this essential aspect is not taken care of with a keyboard. This is present on the digital piano. High-quality digital pianos in recent times come incorporated with an enclosed 3 pedal system.

This allows the players to express themselves to the fullest and have this touch in their music as well.

Digital Piano VS Keyboard: Which is the Better Choice?

As is typical of cases like this, the better choice is mainly dependent on yourself and what you want. Both digital pianos and the keyboard may be great choices in themselves, however, you need to be sure of what you are getting into.

First of all, you need to be certain of what you intend to achieve or accomplish. This and other factors are what would guide you in making that choice.

Digital pianos are a great choice for anybody who has only just begun to learn to play the piano. If offers them a chance to have a feel of the traditional piano using an option that is very convenient in terms of price, space and portability or compactness.

In general, it offers a high degree of convenience. They are a great option for players or beginners who do not have enough cash to spend on the actual thing. However, they still want to get a measure of realism.

Digital pianos come at a relatively affordable price that gives a great amount of value. This value, of course, is in terms of the high-quality sound and the feel that the acoustic piano gives. Irrespective of your level of play, you would enjoy learning or playing when using a digital piano.

However, if you are really intent on playing the keyboard and maximizing various options that it offers, then a keyboard it is. This is because a digital piano might not be able to do so much for you.

What are the Best Options for Various Players?

Keyboards are a great option for the regular learner who just wants to learn the basics. This implies that he would just like to have fun while learning or playing and it isn't anything major. This is also very suitable for beginners or very young children who have little or no music background. This means that they do not have any learning background with a piano-like instrument or even instruments generally.

Similarly, for beginners with a very limited budget of say $300, the keyboard is a better option. Similarly, for very young children who are only just starting out, parents are inclined to buy a keyboard for starters.

This is because they are the least expensive. If there is a music teacher in the equation, it is best to inquire from them as to which is best for the young student. More often than not, music teachers would advise that beginners start on digital pianos. This is due to the fact that digital pianos have fewer distracting options and the requisite number of weighted keys.

When play begins on the keyboard, it might be extra difficult for the child to adjust to playing on a digital piano or traditional piano. Therefore, parents who have sufficient budget are often advised to purchase a digital piano for their kids.

Music teachers are somewhat experts in this area so it would be a great idea to ask them for their preferences. This way, they would be able to guide you on which one is the best in terms of the sound and cost.

If the teachers themselves are more exposed to a particular brand, they could help you kid master playing on it faster. Therefore, it is essential that you consult with your kid's teacher before making a purchase.

However, there are cases where the kid specifically decides that he is a lot interested in playing the keyboard. In such a case as this, a less expensive keyboard with fewer features would be a great option to start with.

Also, for adult beginners who want a home piano, a digital piano is the best option.

Best Digital Pianos and Keyboards on the Market

Digital Pianos:

Keyboards:

Our Review Lists:

Conclusion

The main purpose of differentiating between digital pianos and the keyboard is so that their unique features are clear. Each has its own unique benefits and functions and one differs from the other. In order to determine which is best for you, you need to, first of all, understand exactly what you need.

After identifying what you need, you can then go ahead to analyze to determine which would suit your needs best. The instrument that offers all the features that you need is, of course, the perfect one to go for. Digital pianos and keyboards have a wide range of models and also come with different price tags.

When selecting your instrument, you would, of course, need to recall factors like your budget and the quality of the keyboard. When you get a piece of reasonable equipment that would work for you, then you can end your search.