When choosing between a keyboard vs. piano, you need to know which will suit your playing ability, the type of music you want to play, and the environment you’ll be performing in. They’re very similar instruments, which can make it confusing, and in fact, there’s a lot of overlap, especially when it comes to digital pianos. But in this article, we’ll show you their differences and how you can decide which is right for you.
Any instrument with black and white keys is considered a keyboard, but not all keyboards are digital pianos! Keyboards are packed with a range of songs and sounds – great for players wanting some accompaniment. They’re usually quite compact and are ideal for beginners or those needing a portable instrument.
Digital pianos, on the other hand, replicate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano, using high-quality samples of an acoustic piano and a weighted key action. They’re a better choice if you’re looking for an authentic-feeling playing experience that will make it easier to move to an acoustic piano in future.
We’ll go through all these differences and more, and at the end of the article, we’ll sum up the pros and cons of each instrument.
In a hurry?
Here are the key features you’ll find in a keyboard and a digital piano:
| Keyboard | Digital piano | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of keys | 61 - 76 | 88 |
| Key action | Waterfall | Hammer action and waterfall action |
| Number of sounds | 200 - 1000 | 20 - 300 |
| Connectivity | USB, Headphones, Audio in | MIDI, Line out, USB, Headphones, Bluetooth |
| Price range | £50 - £4,0000 | £300 - £10,000 |
| Types | MIDI keyboard, synthesizer etc | Digital upright, stage piano etc |
| Weight | 10kg | 40kg |
| Speakers | 4 - 14W | 16W - 30W |
| Polyphony | 30 - 128 | 64 - 256 |
Keyboard vs. piano
Keys
Key action is one of the main differences between a keyboard and a digital piano – and it’s a very important one!
Keyboards tend to have unweighted or semi-weighted keys, which feel light and bouncy under your fingers. They’re great for music that has few dynamic or expressive changes, such as synth music or entry-level piano pieces. Some keyboards mitigate this lack of expressive action with touch response technology; for example, the Casio CT-S1 76 Key Portable Keyboard has three sensitivity levels of touch response.
Digital pianos often have weighted keys to mimic the resistance and feel of an acoustic piano; this is particularly useful for learning correct technique, making it easier if you transition to acoustic pianos.
Some models even use faux ivory or ebony materials or a matte finish on the keys to replicate the texture and playing feel of their acoustic counterparts. A great example of an entry-level digital piano with weighted keys is the Yamaha P45 digital piano, which has a graded hammer action keyboard, meaning the keys feel heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher.
Another difference is the number of keys. Keyboards vary in size, and you’ll usually find either 61 or 76 keys – ideal for portability but not so ideal if you need to access the full range of notes. Digital pianos, however, typically come with 88 keys, just like a traditional piano.
Sounds
Keyboards generally offer a wider variety of sounds than digital pianos. A typical keyboard might have hundreds of tones, including synths, drums, and effects, making them more versatile for experimenting with different genres.
In contrast, digital pianos usually focus on fewer sounds, prioritising high-quality acoustic and electric piano tones to give you an authentic playing experience. Sound quality is another key difference, with digital pianos often using more sophisticated sampling technology, which leads to more realistic piano sounds.
Additionally, a digital piano’s built-in speakers usually have higher wattage – often around 15 to 30 watts – providing a richer, fuller sound.
Keyboards, however, often come with lower-wattage speakers, usually between 2 to 10 watts, which results in a less powerful sound that suits small practice sessions. Rememeber, if you’re using a keyboard to perform on stage – if you’re playing synth, keyboard sounds, or any other sounds – you’ll be hooked up to a PA system anyway.
So, if sound variety is your priority, a keyboard may suit you. But for superior piano tones and better speaker output, a digital piano is the better choice.
Connectivity
Keyboards come with USB and MIDI connectivity, which means you can link them up to your digital audio workstation (DAW). They also often feature auxiliary ports which are useful for live performances.
Digital pianos, on the other hand, provide a range of modern connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and sometimes Bluetooth. This means you can wirelessly connect to your smartphone and play music through the piano’s speakers or learn using a piano education app.
Types
Within the world of digital pianos and keyboards, you also get various types of each instrument.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that all keyboards are for beginners! Yes, you can get entry-level keyboards, but there are also variations on the instrument that suit different purposes. For example, a workstation keyboard is designed for composers and producers. It usually has multiple synth engines and various sampled instruments (you can also load your own samples), and it gives you very detailed control.
MIDI keyboards are used in conjunction with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and electronic instruments, sending data rather than audio that allows synthesisers, drum machines, samplers, and computers to work together. If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard for your studio, we recommend the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4, the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3, and the Arturia Keylab 88 MK3. Check out our MIDI guide to learn more.
You’ll also find arrangers and electric organs under the umbrella of “keyboards”.
Digital pianos are often seen as more permanent fixtures in homes, studios, or stages. Some models are designed to resemble acoustic pianos and are meant to stay in one place, such as a digital upright or grand. Others, like stage pianos, are lightweight and designed for portability.
Weight and portability
Keyboards are typically lighter and far easier to transport than digital pianos thanks to their compact structure that can be quickly assembled and packed away. This makes them ideal for gigging musicians. An example of an extremely light keyboard is the Yamaha PSR E383 Portable Keyboard, which weighs just 4.5 kg
Digital pianos, however, are heavier and more suited to permanent setups. For comparison, the Kawai KDP75 weighs 36kg – not very portable! Some digital pianos also come with a built-in stand or a full console design, making them a permanent fixture in homes, studios, or performance spaces.
If you need an instrument that you can move around often, a keyboard is more convenient. Digital pianos are a better choice when you want a more stable, long-term setup that stays in one place.
Price range
Keyboards are generally more affordable, with entry-level models starting around £50 to £300. These are ideal for beginners or those on a budget. The K1+ 61Note Key Lighting Keyboard with Bluetooth by Gear4music is a great beginner model at an affordable price point. Mid-range keyboards with additional features can range from £300 to £600, while high-end models can exceed £1,000.
Digital pianos tend to be more expensive due to their focus on replicating an acoustic piano’s feel and sound. Entry-level digital pianos start around £300, such as the VISIONKEY-500 Digital Piano by Gear4music, to £500, with mid-range options between £600 and £1,500. Premium models, particularly console-style digital pianos, can cost over £2,000. The choice depends on your budget and musical needs.
Keyboard pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight, making it portable | Doesn't replicate the feel and response of an acoustic piano |
| A range of sounds and settings | Often have lower-watt speakers, meaning the sound can be quite thin |
| Ideal for beginners | |
| Usually more affordable than a digital piano |
Piano pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Realistic playing feel | Tend to be pricier |
| High-quality samples | Limited bank of sounds |
| Offer a long-term setup | Not as portable as their keyboard counterparts |
| Higher-wattage speakers for a fuller, richer sound | |
| Better range of connectivity options |
Keyboards vs. piano – which one should I buy?
The choice largely depends on your needs, budget, and how you plan to use the instrument.
If you plan to take the instrument to rehearsals, gigs, or lessons, a keyboard will be your best bet. Keyboards also tend to offer a wider variety of sounds – ranging from pianos and strings to synths and drum kits – which is great if you want to experiment with different musical styles.
They typically come with fewer keys, usually 61 or 76, so if you’re just learning the basics or don’t need the full number of octaves, a keyboard is perfect. Plus, in terms of price, a keyboard is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
Digital pianos, on the other hand, are designed to replicate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano more closely, so they’re great for learning correct technique and preparing you well for acoustic piano playing. They usually come with 88 fully weighted keys to simulate the resistance of real piano keys, giving you a more authentic playing experience.
If you’re after an instrument that can be a home, studio, or stage staple, opt for a digital piano.
FAQs
Are pianos better than keyboards?
Pianos aren’t necessarily “better” than keyboards; it depends on what you’re looking for. Acoustic pianos and digital pianos offer a more authentic playing experience, particularly for those who want the feel and sound of a traditional piano. They have weighted keys and a richer sound, which can be important if you’re looking to play classical music or want to develop proper piano techniques.
Keyboards, however, offer versatility and portability. They’re usually lighter, more affordable, and come with a variety of sounds, making them ideal for beginners, casual players, or those interested in different music styles.
Should I practise on a piano or a keyboard?
Whether you should practise on a piano or a keyboard depends on your goals and circumstances. If you’re learning classical piano or want to develop proper technique, practising on a digital or acoustic piano is ideal. Pianos have weighted keys that build finger strength and improve your ability to control dynamics, giving you a more authentic playing experience.
However, if portability, budget, or space are concerns, a keyboard can still be a good option. Many modern keyboards have touch-sensitive or semi-weighted keys, which can help mimic some aspects of piano playing.
Is a keyboard harder to play than a piano?
A keyboard is generally easier to play than a piano, particularly for beginners. Most keyboards have lighter, unweighted keys, which require less finger strength and effort to press down. This can make it easier to play fast passages or chords, especially if you’re just starting.
On the other hand, pianos – both acoustic and digital with weighted keys – require more finger strength due to their heavier action. This helps in developing proper technique and control over dynamics, but it can feel more challenging at first.
Final thoughts
There are many things to take into account when picking the right instrument for you. If you’re looking to learn keys, hopefully, our keyboard vs. piano guide has made that choice a little easier!
Whilst these two instruments are similar in many ways, they differ in size, sound samples, speaker power, and playing feel.
Check our some of our other articles to learn more about keys:
The 16 Best Keyboards for Kids and Beginners
The 14 Best Digital Pianos for Beginners
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