Digital Piano vs Keyboard: Are you looking for a new digital piano or keyboard? If so, you may be wondering what the difference is between the two and which is the best digital piano. Well, you are not alone. There are many piano lovers out there who want to know about digital piano vs keyboard.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between digital pianos and keyboards. By understanding the difference, you will be able to make an informed decision about which instrument is right for you!
Digital Piano vs Keyboard: What is the Difference?
A digital piano is a piano that uses digital technology to create its sound. A digital piano typically has weighted keys, which means that the keys feel like a traditional acoustic piano. Many digital pianos also have pedals, just like acoustic pianos.
Whereas a keyboard is an electronic instrument that does not have weighted keys. A keyboard typically has unweighted keys and no pedals. Most people get confused because a keyboard can have piano-like features such as weighted keys and a grand piano sound, but these are usually found on digital pianos and not keyboards.
So, what is the difference of digital piano vs keyboard? There are several aspects that are we going to discuss below.
Number of Keys
One of the key differences between digital pianos and keyboards is the number of keys. A standard piano has 88 keys, but most digital pianos only have 61 or 76 keys. And, even though a keyboard can also have 88 keys, it is more common to find 61 or 49 keys on a keyboard.
If you are a beginner, you may be wondering why the number of keys matters. The number of keys determines the range of notes that you can play. For example, a 61-key keyboard will have a 5-octave range (C2-C7), whereas a 76-key keyboard will have a 6 1/2 octave range (C2-F7).
So, if you want to play a wider range of notes, you will need a digital piano or keyboard with more keys. However, if you are just starting out, a 61-key keyboard may be all you need.
Key Action
Another important aspect of digital piano vs keyboard is the key action. The key action is the mechanism under the keys that determines how the keys feel when you press them.
There are three main types of key action: weighted, semi-weighted, and unweighted. Weighted keys have a heavier touch, which makes them feel more like acoustic pianos. Semi-weighted keys are a middle ground between weighted and unweighted keys. And unweighted keys have the lightest touch, which makes them easier to play for beginners.
Keyboards typically have unweighted keys, whereas digital pianos can have either weighted or semi-weighted keys, also see how to clean sticky digital piano keys.
Quality of the Sound
The quality of the sound is another important difference between digital pianos and keyboards. Digital pianos typically have better sound quality because they use samples of real acoustic piano sounds.
Some digital pianos even use multiple layers of samples to create a more realistic piano sound. For example, the Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano uses four different types of grand piano samples.
Keyboards, on the other hand, typically use synthesized sounds. Synthesized sounds are electronic sounds that are created using oscillators and algorithms. While some keyboard sounds can be realistic, they will never sound exactly like a real acoustic piano.
Size and Portability
The final difference we will discuss is size and portability. Digital pianos are usually larger and heavier than keyboards because they have more features (e.g., weighted keys, and pedals).
This makes digital pianos less portable than keyboards. If you need an instrument that you can easily carry with you, a keyboard may be a better option.
Price
Finally, price is a major difference between digital pianos and keyboards. Digital pianos tend to be more expensive than keyboards because they have a more robust feature set and better sound quality.
Keyboards, on the other hand, are more affordable and are a great option for beginner pianists or those on a budget. The average price of a digital piano is around $1,000, whereas the average price of a keyboard is around $300.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – digital piano vs keyboard. When deciding which instrument is right for you, it is important to consider your needs and budget. If you need a portable instrument with a lower price tag, a keyboard may be the best option. But if you are looking for an instrument with weighted keys and superior sound quality, a digital piano may be a better choice. Hope this article was helpful. Get back to Pianos Hub for more informative articles.