The Best Piano Keyboard for Learning in 2023
Every learning is different, but there are some things that can make the best piano keyboard for learning. As a beginner, it is important that you don’t overcomplicate things. It can be a little pointless to buy a complex synth as it can be counterproductive to learning. Features aimed at advanced players can be a distraction for beginners and detract your focus from developing the fundamental skills. So, here we’ll explore the best piano keyboard for learning options on the market today.
- [Yamaha YPT 260](#Yamaha YPT 260)
- [Yamaha P71](#Yamaha P71)
- [Alesis Recital Pro](#Alesis Recital Pro)
- [Casio CTK 3500](#Casio CTK 3500)
- [Korg EK 50](#Korg EK 50)
Kindly remind that feel freel to check our previous posts of How to Teach Yourself Piano, and Best Keyboard Pianos for Beginners.
Our Choice of 5 Best Keyboards Piano for Learning
Yamaha YPT 260
This is another Yamaha offering that is designed for complete beginners. This piano keyboard has been developed to take players from nothing to playing a complete song. There are 61 velocity sensitive keys and 32 key polyphony. The YPT 260 also has hundreds of voices, including 16 drum kits and 100 rhythms to help you to develop your composition skills.
There are also some nice touches, including interactive lessons and tutorials via an app. The YPT 260 also features a split function where the same range is replicated on both halves of the keyboard for teacher/student playing. This model also has USB connectivity to connect to compatible devices and play along to a backing track.
This keyboard over delivers for a model in this price range, easily taking you from A to B and have fun while you learn.
Yamaha P71
The Yamaha P71 features 88 weighted keys and ten sounds, with layering effects. The compact, light design makes it easier to store while offering the feel of playing a genuine piano. The weighted action keys feature the Yamaha Graded Hammmer Action for an authentic feel. However, what makes the P71 stand apart is that it is beginner friendly. Yamaha has aimed at bringing an instrument to guide beginners musically, without compromising on sound quality. Yamaha has used digital audio acoustic piano sampling for realistic sounds.
As a stand out feature, the P71 has a Duel Mode that allows you to play sounds with your music to create a fuller performance. This provides the sophistication to allow you to develop your skills without outgrowing your new piano keyboard.
Alesis Recital Pro
This is easily one of the best piano keyboard for learning offerings on the market today. It is even supplied with a premium subscription for three months of online interactive lessons. This can allow you to learn to play at home with an adjustable touch response and 88 semi weighted keys.
To support learning, the keyboard can be split using the lesson mode. This allows you to follow along with a tutor playing on one half of the keyboard. Both halves of the keyboard have an identical voice and pitch to match your tutor as he or she plays. The Recital Pro can also be connected to a computer using USB Midi.
The Recital Pro is also simple to use. There are numerous built in voices, and switching between is easy as the buttons light up, and the voice name is displayed. There are also additional features, including layering mode to play two voices together, split mode, and the option to use the Recital Pro with batteries for portability.
Casio CTK 3500
Casio specializes in making keyboards for beginners and learning, and the CTK 3500 is a great example. It has 61 velocity sensitive keys and 48 note polyphony. Despite the modest price tag, the CTK 3500 has 100 rhythms, 50 dance rhythms, and over 400 voices. There are also a variety of learning features, including auto accompaniment modes that can help you build basic chords.
The CTK 3500 also features built in lessons to develop both your right and left hand technique and USB connectivity to allow smart device connection to the Casio Chordana Play app.
This keyboard offers fantastic value for money with a great deal of versatility. You can play along with songs using the built in lessons and enjoy lots of learning materials through the app.
While there are keyboards offering better sound quality, the CTK 3500 offers fantastic versatility, making it one of the best entry level models on the market that can take you through to intermediate playing.
Korg EK 50
This is one of the most expensive models on this list, making it quite controversial as it doesn’t appear to offer much more than the other keyboards we’ve listed. However, it does provide value for money due to its longevity.
The EK 50 is fantastic for beginners, but it is the features and sound quality that make it so that you won’t outgrow it quickly. There is an incredible 702 voices and superb sound quality that will help you develop your compositions.
The EK 50 also features the performance aid Styles. This allows you to trigger different accompaniments including fills, intros, and other musical styles with more that can be downloadable from Korg.
The layout has been designed to offer a simple layout for beginners, and while there is no USB, it does feature an input jack for your external devices. While the EK 50 does cost more, it is worth investing a little more to have a keyboard that will also be suitable for advanced players.
How to Choose the Best Piano Keyboard for Learning?
The full question should be: how to choose the best piano keyboard for learning for you? Each individual has special needs, and not always the same.
Care much about touch feeling? Weighted keys are a must
Choosing the right piano keyboard for beginners is not just about the features, but rather the playing experience. If you’re taking lessons on an acoustic piano, and need a piano keyboard for practice, then weighted keys are a must. While these are more physically demanding as you play, they do have more of a real piano feel. Too great a difference between your lesson piano and your practice instrument can create inconsistencies in your touch control.
Try to teach yourself piano? App compatibility can be a real plus
It is also important to look for features that can aid your learning. If you plan to learn solo, then compatibility with an app can be a real plus. This will allow you to connect your mobile device to follow the lessons and tutorials on a compatible app.
What's more, we have posted a step by step guide to help you teach yourself piano, check it and you may be suprised.
Find a best budget piano? Check our budget piano lists
Before you start shopping, you should set a budget to allow you to find an ideal balance of features and value. If you tend to pick up and put down hobbies frequently, a budget offering will allow you to grasp the fundamentals to determine if you would like to continue playing. However, if learning to play has been a dream for a while, it may be worth spending a little more on an instrument that can take you from beginner to advanced player.
Final words
Finding the best piano keyboard for learning can be a little daunting, but as we’ve shown here, there are lots of fantastic options on the market to suit all budgets and learning preferences. It is well worth taking some time to explore the options to ensure that you will be comfortable using the keyboard for many years to come. If you are still unsure about the model best suited to your specific requirements, please speak to us. Our team members are available to answer any of your questions and would be delighted to guide you through the options.