Digital Piano vs Keyboard: Which One Is Right for You?
Many beginners ask the same big question: Should I buy a digital piano or an electronic keyboard? It’s a common debate in the music world. The short answer? It depends on you. Both can be great, but in different ways. The best choice depends on who you are, what you need, and how you want to play.
But that answer leads to even more questions, right?
So let’s go back to the beginning. In this guide, I’ll clear up the confusion, explain the main differences, and answer some common questions. Whether you’re buying for yourself or your child, you’ll learn what to look for—and how to pick the right instrument for your music journey.
What’s in a Name? Understanding Keyboard Instruments
It’s easy to get confused by the many names for keyboard instruments. Even the names themselves cause a lot of questions!
Before we dive in, I want to clear up some confusion and simplify things. In this article, I’ll focus on three main types of keyboards: digital pianos, portable digital pianos, and electronic keyboards. I’ll explain what each one means, so it’s easy to understand.
To make things clearer, let’s remove a few terms that often cause mix-ups:
Stage piano: This is a keyboard with 73 or 88 keys that feel like a real piano (weighted keys). It doesn’t have built-in speakers, so you need to connect it to an amplifier or speakers. It usually has extra features for live performances.
Electric piano: This is a special kind of piano that uses electric parts to make sound when hammers hit metal parts inside. Famous examples are the Fender Rhodes and Yamaha CP-70. These are mostly vintage or older instruments.
Portable keyboard: Since all electronic keyboards are easy to carry, the word “portable” isn’t needed. So, we won’t use this term to keep things simple.
Now, with these terms out of the way, we can focus on the keyboards you’ll hear about most: digital pianos, portable digital pianos, and electronic keyboard.
What Is a Digital Piano?
A digital piano is a type of keyboard that copies the sound, feel, and look of a real, acoustic piano. It’s made to give you the experience of playing a traditional piano but with some modern features.
Sounds and Voices
Digital pianos focus mainly on creating high-quality grand piano sounds. While they might include other sounds like electric pianos, organs, or strings, the main star is always the grand piano tone. Most digital pianos come with about 10 different sound options, but the best ones concentrate on making the piano sound as real as possible.
Built-in Speakers
Unlike stage pianos, which need extra speakers or amplifiers, a digital piano usually has built-in speakers. This means you can play and hear the music right away, without plugging in extra equipment.
Keys and Feel
Most digital pianos have 88 keys, just like an acoustic piano. Sometimes, you might find smaller versions with 73 keys, but those are less common. The keys usually have a hammer action, which means they feel heavier and respond like real piano keys. Some budget models might have lighter, semi-weighted keys, but these don’t feel as close to a real piano.
Many digital pianos also have special keys that feel like ebony and ivory, which gives a more natural touch and grip when you play.
Looks and Design
When people say “digital piano,” they usually mean a keyboard built into a wooden cabinet or stand that looks like a traditional piano. This can be similar to an upright piano or even a small grand piano.
These digital pianos often come with features like:
A music stand to hold your sheet music
A key cover or lid to protect the keys
A set of three pedals, just like a real piano
If you want something easier to move around, a portable digital piano has all the sounds and keys but without the big wooden cabinet. It’s lighter and smaller, making it simple to carry.
For a nicer look, you can also buy a wooden stand with pedals to give your portable piano a more classic style — almost like an upright piano but without the heavy size.
What Is an Electronic Keyboard?
An electronic keyboard is a lightweight, easy-to-carry musical instrument. It’s perfect for beginners of all ages because it often includes fun and helpful features to make learning simple.
Key Features of Electronic Keyboards
Portable: You can take it anywhere because it’s light and easy to carry.
Affordable: Electronic keyboards usually cost less, making them great for first-time players.
Versatile: They come with many sounds and styles, so you can try different music types.
Fun: Built-in songs and rhythms keep practice interesting and exciting.
How Many Keys Does an Electronic Keyboard Have?
Most electronic keyboards have between 25 and 61 keys. The most common size is 61 keys, which is a good number for beginners who want to eventually play on a full-size piano.
What Are the Keys Like?
The keys on electronic keyboards are usually lighter to press than those on real pianos. They can be velocity-sensitive (meaning they respond to how hard you press) or semi-weighted, but they don’t feel exactly like a traditional piano.
Extra Features
Built-in Speakers: So you don’t need extra equipment to hear the sound.
Battery Power: You can play without plugging in, which makes it easy to play outside or on the go.
Lots of Sounds: Many keyboards come with hundreds of sounds—from pianos to drums to electronic effects—so you can have fun experimenting.
Practice Tools: Most keyboards include demo songs, rhythms, and lessons to help you learn. Sometimes lessons come through apps you can connect to the keyboard.
Who Should Buy an Electronic Keyboard?
Because they are easy to use and affordable, electronic keyboards are perfect for kids, beginners, and anyone trying music for the first time. They’re a great way to see if you enjoy playing before spending more money on a bigger instrument.