If you’re new to the world of music or considering an upgrade from your current instrument, you might be wondering about the differences between a keyboard and a digital piano. While both instruments share similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that cater to different musical needs and preferences. In this blog post, we’ll explore these differences to help you make an informed decision.
Is a Digital Piano Different from a Keyboard?
A digital piano and a keyboard are distinct musical instruments, each tailored to different musical needs. A digital piano is designed to closely mimic the sound and feel of an acoustic piano. It typically features high-quality piano samples and weighted or graded hammer-action keys, providing an authentic piano-playing experience. Digital pianos prioritize delivering a realistic piano sound and touch, making them ideal for pianists who want to learn, practice, perform, or compose music on the piano.
Conversely, a keyboard is a versatile instrument known for its wide range of sounds and features. While some keyboards can emulate piano sounds, they often prioritize flexibility, offering various instrument sounds, rhythms, and effects. Keyboards are suitable for musicians exploring different musical genres and styles and are favored by beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike due to their portability and adaptability to various musical contexts.
Differences Between a Digital Piano and a Keyboard
Digital pianos and keyboards differ in their manufacturing and uses. Digital pianos are meant to emulate and enhance the experience of using a high-quality acoustic piano, while a keyboard is used for portability and, often, a greater diversity in sound and effects.
1. Sound Quality and Authenticity
One of the most significant differences between a keyboard and a digital piano is the sound quality and authenticity. Digital pianos are designed to closely replicate the sound of an acoustic piano. They often use advanced sampling technology to capture the nuances of a grand piano, including the variations in tone and dynamics. This results in a more authentic and expressive piano sound.
This is most pronounced in high-quality digital pianos such as the Yamaha Clavinova CVP-805, which features nuanced sound sampling from two of the top concert grand pianos worldwide, the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial. Digital pianos will also offer additional instrument sounds, and in higher quality digital pianos, these sounds will have phenomenally detailed nuances such as breath sounds in wind instruments.
Keyboards, on the other hand, prioritize versatility and portability over sound authenticity. While they can produce piano sounds, they put just as equal a focus on additional instrument sounds, including synthesizers, strings, and more. The piano sound on a keyboard may not be as rich or realistic as that of a digital piano.
2. Key Action
Key action refers to how the keys on the instrument respond to touch and how closely they mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. Modern digital pianos are designed with weighted or semi-weighted keys to replicate the resistance and feel of traditional piano keys. Technologies such as the Yamaha GrandTouch™ Keyboard with 88-key linear graded hammers have such a realistic touch and feel that pianists can play with the same nuanced expression as with a high-quality grand piano.
Keyboards usually have non-weighted or semi-weighted keys that are easier to play quickly but lack the authentic piano touch. For pianists looking for a piano-like feel, a digital piano is the better choice.
3. Number of Keys
Another significant difference between digital pianos and keyboards is the number of keys. Digital pianos typically have a full 88-key keyboard, matching the standard size of an acoustic piano. This is essential for those who want to practice classical piano pieces or develop their piano skills.
Keyboards come in various sizes, but many have fewer than 88 keys, making them more compact and portable. This is ideal for musicians who need a versatile instrument for live performances, studio work, or music production.
4. Portability
Portability is a key consideration when choosing between a keyboard and a digital piano. Keyboards are generally lighter and more compact, making them easy to transport and suitable for musicians on the go. They are a popular choice for gigging musicians and those with limited space at home.
Digital pianos, while still movable, are heavier and bulkier due to their authentic piano-like design. They are better suited for stationary use in a home, apartment, or studio environment.
5. Price
Price is often a deciding factor for many musicians. Keyboards tend to be more affordable than digital pianos, making them a budget-friendly option for beginners or those with limited funds. Digital pianos, with their higher-quality sound and key action, are usually more expensive but offer a more authentic piano-playing experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a keyboard and a digital piano ultimately depends on your musical goals, preferences, and budget. For pianists looking for an instrument that closely replicates the look, feel, and sound of an acoustic piano, a digital piano provides a much better replication of these qualities than a keyboard does. On the other hand, for versatility, portability, and affordability, a keyboard might be a better fit.
You may also be interested in...
Tips for Buying an Affordable Piano
What it usually looks like is a former piano player in a home that is in desperate need of a piano so they can reinvigorate their passion for the art. Or a family that is prioritizing the development of musical skills and the additional benefits children receive by...
Should I Buy a New or Used Piano?
When customers come into one of our piano stores, they're often unsure whether to buy a new or used piano. Should You Buy a New or Used Piano? Since pianos hold their value for a long time, a new acoustic piano, when cared for, can be an investment that will last your...
14 Favorite Christmas Piano Songs of All Time
Christmas music is perhaps the fastest way to evoke the spirit of Christmas in our homes and workplaces. Whether we’re children still learning the lyrics or adults filled with nostalgia, Christmas music is the source of warm, joyful emotions that move our hearts. Over...
What Are The 4 Types Of Upright Pianos
There are 4 different types of Upright Pianos in the world. If you are an expert in the world of pianos or just started playing, we are here to inform you of the different types of upright pianos, their purpose, and the best one out of the group. #1 The Spinet Piano ...
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Piano
Music makes the world go ‘round. Investing in instruments makes music and its creation an easily accessible part of daily life. Adding regular practice to your daily routine has so many benefits that extend into other aspects of life, like improving cognitive...
How Often do you Need to Tune a Piano?
A piano is an investment. Proper care of your investment, which includes things like dusting and polishing in addition to professional tuning, ensures the longevity of your piano and maintains the quality of sound it produces. One of the most common questions we are...
What to Look for in a Piano Teacher
Searching for a piano teacher is about so much more than cost and location. You want to choose a teacher who fits your learning style, teaches the type of music that interests you, and works well with your personality. Your (or your child's) piano teacher will have a...
Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano
What are the benefits of buying a digital piano? If you’re like us, you probably grew up with an acoustic piano in y our home and always dreamed of having the same for your family. It’s no wonder why—the classic feel of an acoustic piano, when it’s a new grand piano...
Best Time of Year to Buy a Piano
When is the Best Time to Buy a Piano? While owning a piano is great any time of year, there are certain times of the year that may offer additional perks and discounts for buying a new or used piano. Just like any other retail business, piano stores cycle through...
Tips for Selling Your Old Piano
When it’s time to sell your piano, you have several different options. Most piano stores will accept your old piano in good condition as a trade-in. You could also sell privately or work with a consignment store to sell. The most important thing is to do your research...
Is a Piano a Good Investment?
High-quality pianos can come with notable price tags, so many in the market want to ensure that this large purchase is an investment that will hold its value. With proper care, a piano will depreciate only slightly; in some cases, notable brands have even appreciated...
Piano Buying 101
There’s more than a price tag to look at when you’re considering purchasing a piano. This new fixture will undoubtedly bring music and joy into your home, but it comes with additional considerations such as future maintenance and your purpose of purchase. Think to...
Best Family Piano 2018
The results are in, and the best family piano of 2018 is hands down the Yamaha CVP-701! This digital piano is the perfect combination of real piano touch and feel, fun and engaging features, and a realistic piano sound that will satisfy even the most disbelieving...
6 Pianos to Look for at our Piano Sale This Weekend
The Piano Gallery of Murray is having a HUGE piano liquidation this weekend to make room for some holiday stock! We love the opportunity to host sales like this since it means we can get even more amazing pianos into homes of people in our Utah community....
8 Reasons Summer is a Great Time to Buy a Piano
Sitting beside a pool full of summertime visitors, you may be missing out on some great piano deals. While many people may not think of buying a piano over summer vacation, savvy shoppers know that summer is one of the best times to buy a piano. Not only are there...