What is the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano?

For many people, music is a good way to relax and unwind. In the current market, keyboards and digital pianos are a wide segment.

The difference between a keyboard and a digital piano is not entirely obvious at first hearing. It seems that in both cases we sit down, press the keys and play. The difference is primarily in functions and use. You can find certain functions on both types of instruments. However, it is important to note that while some digital pianos have the functionality of keyboards, not all keyboards can equal digital pianos.

The main differences between a keyboard and a digital piano

Digital piano

A digital piano can replace standard acoustic pianos in many ways. Quality instruments have a sensitive keyboard - they react to how hard you press the keys.

Other advantages may include various electronic innovations, such as the selection of different piano sounds or a built-in metronome, and the possibility of recording or connecting headphones.

They have the necessary range and, of course, a pedal. The price of a digital piano is around 500 euros or more.

The possibilities of producing tones remain limited compared to a standard acoustic piano, but digital pianos are an excellent choice for players who are really looking for an alternative to acoustic pianos. Popular and sought-after brands of digital pianos include, for example, Kurzweil or Yamaha.

Keyboard

Keyboards offer a lot. You can choose different sounds - one moment you play like a flute, another moment like a guitar, then like a whole orchestra.

The keyboard also has an interesting function – a rhythmic drum accompaniment. You can record or program. The instrument is easily portable and does not take up much space.

It is especially suitable for dance music. The cheapest keyboards start at 100 euros. However, the price depends on the variety of its functions and the number of sounds that the keyboard has. Very popular keyboard brands are for example Casio, Yamaha or Roland.

Number of keys

Since the purpose of digital pianos is to replicate the experience of playing a standard piano, almost all digital pianos have a full set of 88 keys. However, there are exceptions with fewer keys. This includes, for example, the Yamaha NP-12 model, which has only 61 keys but is classified as a digital stage piano.

Keyboards have an average of 61 keys and a range of 5 octaves. The keys are often narrower as well. They don't match the range of an acoustic piano, but they're ideal instruments for someone who wants to learn the basics of music or get into recording dance or electronic music.

Sensitivity and speed

When playing an acoustic piano, the strength and volume of each note depends on how hard you press the given key. The volume of the sound is sensitive to the speed of each keystroke - if you play gently, you will get soft tones, otherwise the sound will be louder.

When playing an acoustic piano, the strength and volume of each note depends on how hard you press the given key. The volume of the sound is sensitive to the speed of each keystroke - if you play gently, you will get soft tones, otherwise the sound will be louder.

Digital pianos and high-quality keyboards imitate this behaviour by having a sensor under each key that detects the intensity of playing. It makes the sound louder or quieter accordingly.

Digital pianos share the same hammer action key mechanism with acoustic pianos, so they maintain the same playing feel. However, they have a slightly different sound that is created electronically. The sound comes out of the speakers.

Keyboards do not have this mechanism, and the keys do not offer any resistance when playing. The dynamics is somewhat more difficult to create on this instrument.

Sound type

Digital pianos generally contain fewer sounds than keyboards, although there are some exceptions. Since the acoustic piano has only one sound, the role of the digital piano is to imitate it as faithfully as possible. The emphasis is on the sound quality of the piano.

However, keyboards have dozens of different sounds that substitute every possible instrument. The sounds also include synthesizer tones, sound effects or rhythmic accompaniments.

The automatic accompaniment function

If you want to create music and even represent the whole band by yourself, a keyboard is the ideal choice for you. Keyboards usually have a lot of interesting sounds and automatic accompaniments in different styles. The player generally plays the chords or bass line with the left hand and the main melody with the right hand. All this together with the automatic accompaniment of percussion instruments.

Digital pianos in most cases do not have these functions, although today you can already play a few basic rhythms on some of them as an accompaniment. However, you can choose your preferred piano sound.

The Yamaha PSR-E373 keyboard has more than 200 styles available in a wide variety of different genres from around the world.

Pedals

The standard acoustic piano has 3 pedals. The soft pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the sustaining pedal which prolongs the tone. Keyboards do not have these three pedals, although in many cases it is possible to connect and fully make use of the tone extension pedal.

Digital pianos are already equipped with them.

Which keyboard instruments are perfect for a beginner?

If you are a complete beginner who is seriously interested in learning how to play the piano, a keyboard is not exactly the best choice, as it is not possible to advance technically in piano playing on a keyboard. Keyboard is ideal for those who are looking for an entertainment to unwind, but know that they will not fully devote themselves to playing the piano.

Digital pianos, on the other hand, offer an almost identical playing experience. It is a great choice for everyone who is starting to play the piano. Unlike an acoustic piano, it is more accessible and storable.

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