The SoundPro Buyer’s Guide to Digital Keyboards and Pianos

Posted by Laura Strommen - SoundPro on Dec 13th 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 9 Minutes

Experience a technological twist on the classic piano with digital keyboards and pianos. These instruments offer you a wide range of tools to improve your music, express your creativity, and experience hands-on sound. In this article, we’ll discuss the distinction between digital and acoustic key instruments, compare differences between various instrument types, and provide helpful tips on discerning what model is right for you.

DIGITAL VS. ACOUSTIC KEY INSTRUMENTS

An acoustic piano generates its sound via the vibration of physical strings as they are struck by a series of internal hammers. The musician manipulates the hammers by pressing external keys. The sound created by the strings’ vibration is naturally amplified within the piano itself. The musician can further control the volume, intensity, and tone by how hard or soft they press the keys, as well as by using a set of foot pedals at the base of the piano.

Digital keyboards and pianos are electronic instruments that imitate the playing experience of their acoustic counterpart—with a few differences that we’ll cover throughout this article. Unlike an acoustic piano whose design includes built-in amplification, digital models require an amplifier and either a loudspeaker or headphones to distribute the audio.

Digital key instruments generally use one or a combination of two popular methods to replicate audio:

Sampling – This is the most popular method, which uses recordings of acoustic or synthesized audio to reproduce sounds. These samples range from classic acoustic piano to other instruments including strings, wind instruments, drums, and even sound effects. In addition to individual notes, samples can be excerpts of songs. Samples are generally recorded at different velocity levels to help simulate the difference in volume and intensity when pressing the keys.

Physical Modeling – Rather than working from pre-saved recordings, modeling produces audio sounds “from scratch.” Some digital key instruments use only this method, but most use a combination of sampling and modeling to achieve a more natural sound.

Pros and Cons of Digital Key Instruments

There are multiple benefits to choosing a digital keyboard or piano:
They’re less expensive than acoustic pianos.
They’re much lighter and take up less space (making them more portable).
They don’t go out of tune with time and are unaffected by environmental changes such as fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
They require little maintenance.
Many models can be used with headphones or silent play (which is great for practicing without disturbing others in your space).
Many feature built-in functions such as speakers, metronomes, recording and playback abilities, and even a selection of other instrument samples to change your sound.
Some models connect to other electronic instruments and devices, as well as music apps.
Some models can be connected to your computer to use as a MIDI controller when creating music.

However, there is a tradeoff for these benefits that should also be considered when deciding whether a digital option is best for you:

Digital models need to be connected to an external power source.
You may need to purchase additional gear such as headphones, amps, or speakers.
May come with fewer pedals (or none), requiring you to purchase them separately.
If a part breaks or wears out, it can be difficult and expensive to find someone to repair it—meaning you may have to buy a new instrument altogether.
As new models are introduced and audio technology advances, the value of each digital key instrument model quickly depreciates, and its technology may become obsolete over time.
They’re generally not as aesthetically attractive or visually impressive as acoustic pianos (particularly grand pianos).
The keys of a digital keyboard or piano do not provide the same amount of resistance, which is crucial for building the strength and dexterity necessary to develop proper techniques.
Although digital keyboards and pianos have made great advancements in replicating the feel and sound of acoustic pianos, they simply can’t quite beat the sound and touch of acoustic.

COMPARING DIGITAL PIANOS AND KEYBOARDS

Once you decide to go digital, you’ll find a wide range of models to choose from. One way to narrow down this selection to a more manageable list is to decide between purchasing a digital piano or a keyboard. This can be tricky to discern: Not only do the two look similar, but digital pianos are a subset of keyboards.

In general, digital pianos are designed to recreate the authentic playing experience and sound of an acoustic piano, while a digital keyboard may not stick so closely to the feel or layout, but instead may offer a wider range of features and effects. Here are some other differences that will help you decide which is best for you:

Price Point

As a rule, digital pianos tend to be of higher quality than keyboards, which results in higher costs. That said, there are plenty of high-end keyboards on the market, such as options intended for professional musicians on tour, so you’ll find both categories offer a wide range of prices.

Size and Weight

Part of the reason that digital pianos tend to be more expensive is that they are usually larger and heavier than their keyboard counterparts. This can be beneficial if you’re setting up your digital piano in a permanent place, but for mobile applications (such as a gigging musician, or in small spaces where you must take down the instrument when it’s not in use) a keyboard may be preferable.

The Number (and Feel) of the Keys

Digital pianos almost always have a full 88 keys like an acoustic piano. Although some keyboards may also boast 88 keys, it’s far more common for them to only have 61-76 keys instead.

The feel of the keys is also different: digital pianos try to emulate the feel of an acoustic piano, using weighted or hammer-action keys, and sometimes using materials such as wood or synthetic ivory and ebony. In contrast, keyboard keys are usually unweighted and made of plastic, and use velocity-sensitive or touch-sensitive) technology to recreate the effect of controlling the volume and intensity by how much pressure is used on the keys.

The Range of Sounds

This is where a digital keyboard finds its edge. Digital pianos put a priority on creating a natural, nuanced sound, with possibly only a few dozen tones to choose from. On the other hand, keyboards emphasize quantity of selection, offering a lot more creative features that are great for playing around with different instruments, effects, and even song samples.

Auto-Accompaniment

Speaking of song samples, another reason for choosing a keyboard is because of its auto-accompaniment feature. These are onboard backup tracks that you can play along with, giving you the experience of playing and improvising along with other instrumental sounds.

Digital Pianos for Authentic Playing

Digital Keyboards for Expanded Creativity

OTHER KEY INSTRUMENTS: SYNTHESIZERS AND MIDI CONTROLLERS

Take your audio beyond piano playing. Basing their layouts on the classic keyboard, these unique electronic instruments are ideal tools for composing, producing, and other audio projects where versatility and experimentation are prized.

Synthesizers generate audio signals by electronically producing and controlling sound waves. Most synths have a classic piano key layout for easier operation, but others have unique controls. Generally compact and lightweight, synths are packed with features to simulate and blend a variety of sounds.

Originally gaining popularity in the psychedelic music of the 1960s and 70s, synths have branched out to become a staple in diverse music genres, and today they’re used in music and audio production of all kinds, from recording studios to indie composers to mobile artists.

A Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) controller is an electronic device used for playing, editing, and recording music. Primarily used to trigger sounds and control the parameters of electronically generated music, these controllers work with MIDI-enabled electronic instruments such as keyboards, electric guitars, synths, drums, electronic wind instruments, and more.

Whether you’re composing, mixing, mastering, or simply experimenting, MIDI controllers offer precision control and intuitive navigation. Many MIDI Controllers boast layouts like a traditional piano keyboard. Alternatively, they may have a performance pad layout, sliders, knobs, buttons, pedals, or other sensors for more hands-on adjustments.

COMPLETING YOUR SETUP WITH ACCESSORIES

Once you have the centerpiece for your playing style and project needs, accessories help make the creative process more efficient and fun. Sturdy keyboard stands set up fast and enables you to gig with confidence. Desks offer a more permanent home for your instrument. Keyboard benches or performance stools give you somewhere to sit down and relax as you play. Custom-molded covers protect your gear when you’re not using it, while cases let you safely take your audio on the road. Round out your sound with foot pedals and keyboard mixers and boost the volume with amplifiers.

GET HANDS-ON WITH DIGITAL KEYBOARDS, PIANOS, AND BEYOND!

Boasting a winning combination of intuitive layouts and versatile features, digital keyboards, pianos, and other similar instruments are an ideal fit for a wide range of people:

Students who want to learn how to play piano without investing in an acoustic piano.
Musicians in apartments or other environments where quiet practice is required.
Mobile performers who need instruments that are lightweight and compact.
Audio artists who crave versatile ways to create unique sounds.

No matter what your experience level, project, or music style, these digital key instruments are a great way to express yourself, learn new skills, and perfect your playing.

From beginners to seasoned performers, digital keyboards and pianos are fantastic tools for making and enjoying music. Find the perfect fit for your skill level, project, or space when you reach out to the SoundPro experts at info@soundpro.com or 800.203.5611.

Laura has been a part of the SoundPro team since July 2021. In honor of this article, she’d like to shout out to her piano teacher, Mrs. Peik, who taught her about music and so much more.