88
Choose a Digital Piano
88 keys and a weighted hammer-action keyboard support classical piano technique, dynamic playing and the long-term study of piano repertoire.
Musikhaus Korn Buying Guide
Keyboard or Digital Piano? Find the Right Keyboard Instrument
Do you want to learn piano seriously over the long term, or would you rather experiment with lots of sounds, rhythms and automatic accompaniment? Digital pianos and keyboards both have keys and built-in sounds, but they are designed for different goals. Keyboard action, number of keys, learning objective, available space and the type of music you want to play are the deciding factors.
61 or 88 keys
Hammer action explained
For children & adults
Related Keyboard Topics
Browse Keyboard Categories
The Decision in One Minute
When Should You Choose a Keyboard and When a Digital Piano?
First ask yourself what you want to be able to play on the instrument in one or two years. If you want to learn serious piano technique, two-handed piano literature and pedal technique, a digital piano has clear advantages. If you want to accompany songs flexibly, explore many sounds or play with rhythms, a keyboard is often the more direct starting point.
61
Choose a Keyboard
A compact keyboard, numerous instrument sounds, rhythms, automatic accompaniment and learning functions provide a versatile entry into making music.
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The Learning Goal Is Decisive
A keyboard can motivate with rhythms and learning programs. If classical piano lessons begin, a weighted piano-style keyboard is generally the more suitable long-term foundation.
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Both Options Are Possible
A keyboard is particularly compact. If you still want 88 weighted keys, a slim digital piano or a portable stage piano on a separate stand can be a good solution.
Rule of thumb:
if “learning to play piano” is your number-one goal,
begin with digital pianos. If sounds, accompaniment,
song-based learning and mobility are more important,
begin with keyboards.
Similar Appearance, Different Concept
What Is the Difference Between a Keyboard and a Digital Piano?
A Digital Piano Is Based on the Acoustic Piano
The most important difference is not the cabinet but the keyboard. A digital piano normally has a complete 88-key piano keyboard. Weighted hammer actions simulate the resistance of an acoustic piano and support differentiated control from very quiet to powerful playing.
Piano Comes First
- 88 keys
- weighted or fully weighted keyboard
- piano sound as the main focus
- pedal technique is important
- headphones for quiet practice
A Keyboard Prioritises Features and Compact Dimensions
Home keyboards frequently have 61 keys. They are lighter and more compact and provide many immediately playable sounds. Piano, electric piano, organ, strings, wind instruments and synthesizer sounds can all come from one instrument.
Features Come First
- usually 49 to 76 keys
- lighter keyboard action
- many instrument sounds
- rhythms and accompaniment functions
- compact and transport-friendly
Automatic Accompaniment Changes the Way You Make Music
Many keyboards generate complete accompaniments with drums, bass and additional instruments to match the chords you play. You can therefore accompany complete songs with relatively simple chord progressions. A traditional digital piano instead places greater emphasis on your own two-handed performance.
Modern Instruments Increasingly Overlap
Digital pianos may include additional sounds, Bluetooth and recording features. Some keyboards have 76 keys and high-quality piano sounds. The main distinction is therefore still the priority: piano-style keyboard action or functional versatility.
Direct Overview
Keyboard and Digital Piano Compared
The table shows the most important differences between the two instrument concepts.
| Feature | Keyboard | Digital Piano |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Versatile music-making | Authentic piano playing |
| Keys | Frequently 61, sometimes 49 or 76 | Typically 88 |
| Action | Light or touch-sensitive | Weighted hammer action |
| Sounds | Frequently a very large selection | Piano focus plus additional sounds |
| Automatic Accompaniment | Frequently available | Depends on model |
| Speakers | Typically integrated | Typically integrated |
| Pedals | Sustain usually optional | Frequently three pedals integrated |
| Transport | Usually very easy | Furniture models are significantly heavier |
| Ideal For | Pop, hobby, learning, accompaniment | Piano lessons and pianist-oriented playing |
Consider Key Count and Action Separately
61, 76 or 88 Keys – What Do You Really Need?
49
Very Compact
61
Common Keyboard Standard
76
More Range, Moderate Size
88
Full Piano Range
Touch Sensitivity
Touch-sensitive keys detect how strongly you play. Volume and tonal character can therefore respond more musically. Touch sensitivity is an important quality feature on a keyboard as well.
Hammer Action
A mechanical resistance is additionally simulated. If you want to play an acoustic piano later, this more familiar playing feel is particularly useful.
The Additional Weight Has a Purpose
The more elaborate action makes digital pianos heavier. This extra construction effort is useful for pianists, while a lighter keyboard remains more practical for frequent transport.
The Learning Goal Matters More Than Age
What Is Suitable for Children and Beginners?
Digital Piano with 88 Weighted Keys
If lessons follow a classical piano method, a digital piano with 88 weighted keys is particularly useful. The student practises from the beginning on a keyboard designed for pianist-oriented technique.
Keyboard with Learning Functions
Keyboards can provide quick musical successes through rhythms, many instrument sounds, learning programs and, on some models, illuminated keys. This can be particularly motivating for an informal introduction to music.
61- or 76-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard
A touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 or 76 keys is a versatile starting point. If serious piano playing develops later, you can then move deliberately to a digital piano.
Apartment, Child's Room or Music Room
How Much Space Does the Instrument Need?
A keyboard can be removed from its stand after playing and stored in a bag. A traditional furniture-style digital piano is instead planned as a permanent playing position and also requires a suitable bench.
- measure width and depth before buying
- allow space for sitting position and pedals
- check for a headphone connection in an apartment
- consider stand height and stability for keyboards
- consider weight and a bag for frequent transport
Six Different Starting Routes
Keyboards and Digital Pianos in Direct Practical Comparison
These six examples show how differently the two instrument groups can be designed, from a compact 61-key keyboard to a full furniture-style digital piano.
Two Product Groups Clearly Separated
50 Suitable Keyboards and Digital Pianos
First choose one of the two instrument types. Afterwards, models within the same group can be compared meaningfully by keyboard, functions, connections and construction.
Compact, Versatile and Ready to Play
- Soundsation Jukey 610
- Casio LK-S250
- Casio CT-S100
- Yamaha PSR F52
- Yamaha PSR-E583
- Casio CT-S1 76 BK
- Yamaha PSR-EW320
- Casio CT-S1 BK
- NUX NEK-110
- Casio CT-X700
- Yamaha PSR-E283
- Casio CTK-240
- Yamaha PSS-F30
- Yamaha PSR-E483
- Casio CT-S1 76 WE
- Yamaha EZ-310
- Casio CT-X800
- Yamaha PSR-E360 DW
- Casio CT-S400
- Yamaha PSR-E383
- NUX NEK-100
- Midiplus EK490 Plus
- Casio CT-S300
- Alesis Harmony 54
- Yamaha PSS-E30
Piano-Oriented Instruments for Home and Lessons
- GEWA DP 520 Black
- Roland F107-BKX
- GEWA UP 540 Black
- Roland RP701-CB
- Casio AP-S450 BK Celviano
- Kawai CN-201 R
- Casio AP-300 BK Celviano
- Kawai CX202B
- Kawai CX202W
- Casio AP-S200 BN
- Casio AP-S200 WE
- Casio AP-S200 BK
- NUX NCK-430
- Henry's Veretis HDP301
- Henry's Jr. Initi HDP051
- Henry's Jr. Vila DPV055
- Korg C1 Air Brown
- GEWA DP 510
- Casio AP-750 BK Celviano
- Yamaha YDP-S56 B
- Korg B2+ White
- Kawai CX102B
- Kawai CN-301 R
- Casio AP-300 WE Celviano
- Kawai CA 401 W
The Complete Keyboard Setup
Which Accessories Do You Need?
Keyboard Stand
A stable stand is part of the basic equipment for a keyboard or portable piano. Height and legroom must suit your sitting position.
Bench or Stool
The correct sitting height is particularly important when learning piano. Your forearms and hands should be able to approach the keyboard in a relaxed position.
Sustain Pedal
The damper pedal becomes part of piano technique early on. With a keyboard, check whether a suitable sustain pedal is already included or has to be purchased separately.
Headphones & Bag
Headphones allow quiet practice. Mobile keyboards additionally benefit from a suitable bag and, where appropriate, a protective cover.
Choose for the Long Term, Not Only by Price
Common Mistakes When Choosing
Choosing Only by Price
An inexpensive keyboard can be perfect for a playful introduction, but it does not automatically replace a weighted piano keyboard for classical lessons.
Looking Only at 88 Keys
The number alone says nothing about the keyboard mechanism. For pianist-oriented playing, the weighting and action are at least as important.
Overvaluing the Number of Sounds
A thousand sounds are no advantage if you mainly need one convincing piano sound. Choose according to the functions you will actually use regularly.
Forgetting Space and Weight
A furniture-style digital piano needs a permanent location. If the instrument is going to be transported regularly, a keyboard or portable piano is often more practical.
Brand Worlds at Musikhaus Korn
Manufacturers of Keyboards and Digital Pianos
Frequently Asked Questions Before Buying
Answers About Keyboards and Digital Pianos
What Is Better for Beginners: a Keyboard or a Digital Piano?
For classical piano lessons, a digital piano with
88 weighted keys is the more suitable foundation.
For a playful introduction with many sounds, rhythms
and accompaniment functions, a keyboard is particularly
attractive.
Can You Learn to Play Piano Properly on a Keyboard?
Basics such as reading music, chords and coordination
can also be learned on a keyboard. For more advanced
piano technique, however, many keyboards lack weighted
hammer action and the full 88-key range.
Does a Beginner Need 88 Keys Immediately?
Not for simple songs. If long-term piano lessons,
classical literature and complete piano technique are
planned, 88 keys are nevertheless the more sustainable
choice.
What Does a Weighted Keyboard Mean?
The keys provide greater mechanical resistance and
therefore feel closer to an acoustic piano.
On more sophisticated actions, the weighting may also
be graduated across the keyboard.
Which Is Better for a Child?
That depends on the learning goal.
A digital piano is useful for piano lessons.
For freely discovering music, the rhythms, sounds and
learning aids of a keyboard can be especially
motivating.
Which Instrument Is Better for an Apartment?
Both can be played very quietly through headphones.
A keyboard normally requires less space.
A slim digital piano combines 88 weighted keys with
apartment-friendly headphone operation.
Does a Digital Piano Also Have Other Sounds?
Many models additionally offer electric pianos, organs,
strings and further sounds. The main emphasis normally
remains on piano sound and piano playing feel.
What Is Automatic Accompaniment?
The keyboard generates accompaniment with rhythm,
bass and additional instruments to match the chords
you play. Complete songs can therefore be accompanied
with relatively simple chord progressions.
Is a 76-Key Keyboard a Good Compromise?
Yes, if you want more range than 61 keys while mobility
remains important. For classical piano technique,
you should additionally check which type of action
the keyboard uses.
When Should I Buy a Stage Piano Instead?
A stage piano is particularly useful when 88 weighted
keys are important but the instrument needs to be
transported regularly. Stage pianos are designed for
stand-based use, rehearsals, lessons, studios and stages.
Can I Connect a Keyboard or Digital Piano to a Computer?
Many current instruments provide USB or MIDI functions.
These can be used with learning programs, recording
software or virtual instruments. The exact connection
options differ from model to model.
What Do I Need in Addition to My First Keyboard Instrument?
With keyboards, a stand, bench, sustain pedal and
headphones are frequently useful.
Furniture-style digital pianos usually already include
their base and pedals; a suitable piano bench and
headphones complete the setup.
Compare the Keyboard Action Yourself
The Difference Is Particularly Clear under Your Fingers
Play the same simple melody and a few chords first on a keyboard and then on a digital piano. Pay attention to key resistance, dynamics and sitting position. You will quickly notice whether you prefer the direct, light feel of a keyboard or the more piano-oriented playing feel of a digital piano.
Continue after the Basic Decision
More Suitable Areas for Keyboard Instruments
Keyboard Guide
Compare key range, touch sensitivity, sounds, accompaniment functions and keyboard accessories in more detail.
Digital Pianos
Compare 88-key models by action, pedals, speaker system and cabinet design.
Stage Pianos
The mobile alternative for pianists who need 88 weighted keys for rehearsals, lessons, the studio or the stage.
Keyboard Instruments
Alongside pianos and keyboards, discover synthesizers, workstations and MIDI keyboards as alternative keyboard-instrument concepts.
Your Learning Goal Matters More Than the Number of Features
Keyboard or Digital Piano? Differences & Buying Guide
Keyboards and digital pianos are two different routes into the world of keyboard instruments. A keyboard is particularly suitable when many sounds, rhythms, learning functions, automatic accompaniment and compact dimensions are important. Home keyboards frequently have 61 keys, while larger 76-key models provide additional range.
If you want to learn piano technique over the long term, choose a digital piano with 88 weighted keys and hammer action. This type of instrument is more closely based on the playing feel, dynamics and pedal technique of an acoustic piano. For limited space, slim digital pianos and portable stage pianos provide alternatives, so you do not have to choose between a piano-style keyboard and an apartment-friendly setup.
Choose More Instruments and Equipment with Confidence
From musical instruments and home-studio equipment to DJ and event technology, find additional buying guidance in the central Musikhaus Korn shopping guide.