If you are looking for the best electronic keyboard, you have probably been bombarded with a plethora of choices.
How will you know exactly which one is right for you? It may be easier for you to make a decision if you determine not only what you want in your digital piano but also what is available.
You can find an electronic keyboard from many well-known names in musical instruments, including Casio and Yamaha. Most of them are relatively inexpensive, costing only between $50 and $300.
Furthermore, they all tend to be portable designs, which is possibly one of the most important features when choosing a keyboard.
If you need a flexible keyboard, you could look into a midi controller. Otherwise, you will probably find exactly what you need in a full-size electronic keyboard.
Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned professional, you can find a keyboard that will fulfill all your needs and possibly allow you room to grow in your budding craft.
Top 5 Electronic Keyboard Reviews 2020
- 61 responsive piano style keys with built in speakers perfect for practicing and performing to your friends and family
- The RockJam 561 keyboard piano super kit includes a digital keyboard with 61 full-size keys giving you that traditional piano feel whilst maintaining a portable and compact design that can be powered by either mains power (power supply included) or batteries
- This RockJam keyboard piano features 54 full size keys that gives this keyboard a traditional piano feel
- STANDARD SIZE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD: Complete with 61 keys, 255 timbres, 255 rhythms, 50 demo songs, 32 types of keyboard percussion, and a starting tempo of 120 BPM
- Suitable for beginners: With 3 teaching modes, having a piano keyboard is equivalent to have a piano teacher for you at the same time.
Last update on 2020-11-22 at 15:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1.amaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano
Want to learn how to play the piano but could not afford to buy a real one? The Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Digital Grand Piano may just be your answer. Or maybe are you having difficulty finding a replacement keyboard that fits your budget?
It is a reasonably priced keyboard with 76 piano-style keys, as well as excellent features ranging from computer connectivity, backlit LCD, and a six-track sequencer for recording music. This musical instrument is great for any type of musician, whether an amateur is trying to improve his skills or a professional wanting to perfect his craft.
This keyboard is packed with features that make playing music fun and enjoyable.
Thanks to its two-way speaker system, this keyboard delivers clear, precise, and powerful audio. Imagine playing a classical piano piece such as Mozart’s Sonata No. 11 on this instrument, and you’ll undoubtedly be impressed by the piano-like sound.
The realistic sound is due to Yamaha’s advanced wave memory technology. It also has a bass boost system featuring a port on each speaker that enhances the bass sound reproduction if you want to further improve the sound, tinker with the sophisticated digital effects like reverb and harmony.
Music lovers who love to play the piano will surely be interested in purchasing the Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Digital Grand Piano due to its full keyboard mode. Not like it’s the younger brother, the Yamaha Piaggero NP11, which has only 61 keys.
This is a function that enables users to play it as if using a piano. Thus, he can play a chord with the right hand with the bass notes on the left side. This feature sets the Yamaha YPG 235 apart from the other portable keyboard models, which generally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard.
But what if your piano-playing skills are basic and you want to learn more? This instrument still is a good fit for you with its 30 integrated songs, aside from the 70 songs included in a CD-ROM. Use the Yamaha Education Suite to learn how to play the keyboard.
You can also use the three keyboard modes to help you in learning. There’s the waiting mode that stops song playback and allows you to find the correct note, which would only be the time that the playback continues.
There’s also the tempo mode, which you can use to play the right notes with the right timing, with the playback tempo adjusting according to the speed you are playing. Finally, the minus one mode allows you to master your technique as the song playback will be at the normal tempo except for the part that you have selected to play, so you can play along while listening to the piece.
Learning how to play the piano is not only possible with this instrument because it also lets you compose and record your songs. Unleash the budding music producer in you with the six-track sequencer, which lets you record one or several instrument parts at a time and then assign each to specific tracks. If you are a professional, you’ll find this feature interesting and handy, exceptionally when accommodating melodies, chords, and rhythm parts.
But recording a song is not as fun if you are not able to share it with friends and loved ones, right? With this instrument, that won’t be a problem at all because it can be connected to a computer through a USB port. So aside from recording your compositions, you can also edit your songs if necessary and email them to anyone. The Internet connectivity can likewise be taken advantage of by downloading more songs online that you can learn how to play through the Yamaha Education Suite.
Arranging songs is also quick and easy with this keyboard. Simply press the Easy Song Arranger button and re-mix any type of MIDI file. Your favorite song, like “My Way,” can be arranged differently, like jazz or rock. You’ll be in awe at how fast and convenient song arrangement is with this function.
This keyboard may have numerous functions, yet if it’s not user-friendly, then all of the features will be put to waste, right? You don’t want to spend a few hundreds of bucks on an instrument that you can hardly comprehend to operate. Worry not as the Yamaha YPG 235 is so convenient to control with many user-friendly tools and buttons, much like the Casio PX 850.
Take, for instance, the One Touch Setting that allows you to choose an appropriate voice with effects for a particular style of music. Or the registration memory tool, which assures its users that the keyboard won’t play the incorrect note or melody. Simply press the button for this function and play any song. As you move up the keyboard, the pitch automatically moves up and goes down as you go down the keyboard. Imagine how fun playing this keyboard would be when you turn on the performance assistance.
Pros:
- Superior sound quality.
- Easy to use.
- Plays like a piano.
Cons:
- The keyboard stand may not be strong enough to support the piano, but it’s not a major issue.
Buyers of the Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Digital Grand Piano product are raving about the multi-function, good sound quality, and ease of operations of this keyboard.
2.Yamaha NP32 76-Key Lightweight Portable Keyboard
People are now buzzing about the new digital piano available over the market. It is already becoming the most talked-about instrument in town. This Yamaha NP32 review will let you figure out yourself all the reasons how did it get this wide acceptance from the industry of digital musical instruments.
This freshly produced instrument gives you many exciting reasons why you need to purchase one. Besides the fact that it is the first of its kind, which offers similarities to an acoustic piano, this Yamaha NP32 Portable Keyboard comes with a lighter touch and with a bigger quality and value.
- It has ten voices, including Harpsichords, Strings, and Organs, all of which sound beautiful.
- Features 76 Graded Touch Keys, which are enough for all music from the old school up to present. These keys are shorter than conventional keys. The only difference is that it’s not noticeable when playing.
- Armed with volume slider control, which allows you to modulate or tone down the sound of the piano, adjust its dynamics, and manage minimal sound. This feature is good for those who don’t want to use headphones.
- The sound of this type of piano coming from its built-in speakers is quite realistic.
- It also highlights cool slim designs that make it stand out against its competitors.
- Because it only weighs 12 pounds, this digital piano best fits those home recording artists who don’t want to add another piece of space in their place. Yamaha NP32 Portable Keyboard can be placed over the table for easy and space-free usage.
We have given you some of its features for you to think of. Now lets us proceed to some of its cons for you to consider before buying.
CONS:
- While it offers ten voices that individually sound pretty well when you decide to use a combination of them, the sound it produces technically proves that it is a real trade-off between price and quality.
- Its keys are quite hard to press, and in that case, you still need to go on some pressure re-adjustment until it suits your taste.
There you go. You already have all the reasons why you may wish to buy our innovation to musical instruments. But we will not end this review only to let you settle on its PROS and CONS; we also want you to know some of the things our consumers have said towards the product.
- The keyboard works very well though its keys are quite hard to press. And when you press several keys at the same time, the piano could not recognize either of them. But with a little adjustment on the pressure, the sound becomes clearer and realistic.
- You don’t have to suffer much bringer a huge piano or keyboard because this lightweight digital piano will not cause breaking your back. It is easy to carry and easy to keep.
- It is a practical instrument best for students who can easily bring anywhere they go without hesitation.
There you have it. Now you know everything about this great innovation to the world’s digital wonders. For the best price, click below the link now and get yourself a Yamaha NP32.
3.Casio CTK2550 61 Key Portable Keyboard Premium Package
While not everyone can be Mozart or Beethoven, there simply is no law barring anyone from trying out his luck in playing a musical instrument, and the Casio CTK-2550 61-Key Portable Digital Piano seems to be a popular choice for many for how many centuries now.
With the advent of more advanced technology, everything is fast becoming instant or portable, with screens getting smaller and functionalities becoming more and more state-of-the-art.
Talking about pianos, those who prefer to recreate its feel and to master it have often faced the issue of its size. Still, thanks to modern technology, most now have the option to invest on a portable keyboard, which aims to be a portable piano of sorts.
Casio is one of the pioneers when it comes to reliable electronic keyboards, and the Casio CTK-2550 model offers a rather attractive product when it comes to enhanced functionality and affordable.
The Casio CTK-2550 61-Key Portable Digital Piano has been devised to impress without necessarily leaving a big dent on your budget. As such, it has been packed with features that would prove to be helpful for both novice and advanced students alike. Whether you are just beginning to learn the respective keys needed for your do re mi, or already practicing for your grand recital, this model might just have the right combination of functionalities for you.
- 61 piano-type standard size keys
- Maximum 48-note polyphony and AHL sound source
- 400 built-in tones as well as stereo piano tone
- Ten types of reverb
- 150 rhythm sets
- 110 built-in songs, 20 of which are suitable for practice
- Step-up lesson system
- Metronome with adjustable tempo from 30 to 255
- Two built-in loudspeakers
As is evident in most models that have come out in this particular Casio series, the Casio CTK-2550 61-Key Portable Digital Piano seems to be targeting the general population of keyboard enthusiasts who are just starting. The price range makes it all the more obvious, with an initial price of USD150 that could be further brought down to just a little over a hundred if purchased on promo. Portability remains to be a priority, though, owing to its petite and lightweight body. Operating without electricity is still a possibility as long as you can get your hands on six AA-size batteries.
The Step-up Lesson Feature
Perhaps the biggest innovation Casio has come up with as of late would be its step-up feature, which has been a mainstay of most of its recent models, which goes to show how popular it has become for most consumers. The mechanism behind this feature is not that complicated. What happens is that the unit divides a song or a musical material into shorter parts, play those parts for the user, and then allow him to practice by simulating what has been demonstrated beforehand. This simple method of listening, watch and remember proves to be a useful added feature owing to it serving as some sort of tutor, although this does not go to show that there is a better substitute for a real and skilled individual.
Which Accessories Are Included?
By default, a Casio CTK-2550 package would include headphones, a stand, power supply, as well as a 6-feet USB cable and media instructional software. Such connectivity feature allows seamless convergence with your other electronic gadgets. You can connect the USB cable to your phone or music player, for example, and play along with whatever song you fancy on your playlist. With such enhanced connectivity features, you will never really get bored, although the unit itself already comes more than a hundred built-in songs and rhythm sets to keep you occupied for some time. Other optional add-ons include a world tour deluxe padded keyboard bench, which could be bought separately.
Drawbacks
And so we have come to that one important question: Why should you NOT buy the Casio CTK-2550? There will always be some negative aspects in the form of negative feedback, and in the case of this specific model, the complaint appears to be related to the keys.
With this, the material of the keys itself has been widely panned to be subpar and not resembling those of a real piano to any extent, which deems it an inappropriate tool for those who would want to switch to the piano later on.
Most users have found it easy to admit, though, that such complaints would be typical for a unit that they have bought for less than a hundred bucks.
In spite of all the modern functionalities that it could offer, the main verdict for the Casio CTK-2550 has been mostly negative coming from more advanced users, and relatively more positive from novice users who have both the unit as a starter kit for their children or themselves.
As such, this particular model is highly-recommended for those who would want to have their kids discover if they have a passion for the piano or not. The unit’s built-in functions make learning a less tedious task for children given the fun activities they could engage in while using this model. On the contrary, more advanced users might want to find a more expensive alternative, the quality of which could be deemed apter for more demanding necessities such as a practice too for the piano or an impromptu concert companion.
The Casio CTK-2550 might just be the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for your kid, if you have some lofty ambitions of him or her being a virtuoso one day. You have to start eliciting their interest while they are young, and nothing beats fun activities and a conducive environment for such a goal, all of which this specific model could provide without hurting your budget.
4.Yamaha NP12 61-Key Lightweight Portable Keyboard
So you’re looking for a portable keyboard? Well, it is a good thing that some reputable brands have continued to manufacture such musical instruments to sustain the demands of various users. In line with their commitment to the promotion of good music,
Yamaha has come up with another model that is sure to tickle your fancy. Our Yamaha Piaggero NP12 61 Key Digital Piano reviews revealed it as a compact portable keyboard. With 61 keys, which are just standard, the unit is as lightweight as it could be.
The Yamaha Piaggero NP12 packs a plethora of features both standard and new in its petite frame, which would make any keyboard enthusiast grin with happiness.
You do not have to be a keyboard expert to know that such a deal is worth your hard-earned money. Weighing just a total of 4.5 kilograms, the Yamaha Piaggero NP12 61-Key Digital Piano runs on 6 AA batteries. Whether you like your music loud or personal, you could opt to use the built-in speakers or quietly rock to your very own composition by use of headphones.
The Yamaha piaggero np12 61 key digital piano reviews determined that it combines the ten high-quality sounds in one narrow physique. With its awesome dual voice feature, you can easily combine the sounds of either your voice or other instruments, giving off the vibe of an orchestra or a concert.
Among the high-quality sound that this specific model could reproduce are two styles each for grand piano, electronic piano, pipe organ, harpsichord, as well as vibraphone and string instruments. Aside from this, you could choose from four styles of reverb to recreate the ambiance of a concert hall or a staging environment, effectively setting the mood for a recital anywhere you, please.
The Yamaha piaggero np12 61 key digital piano is one versatile piece of musical instrument that could suit both the needs of a beginning student or a more advanced musical ingénue. The combined characteristics of the keys being both touch-sensitive and non-weighted make it a lot easier for the beginner to get used to the feel of the keyboard. The built-in metronome function takes care of accuracy when it comes to tempo.
For the more advanced user who no longer requires such assistance, these extra features could easily be turned off. The more advanced users could still make use of other features such as the auto power-off function, even though the most useful characteristic would be the transpose facility, which allows the user to play a song in whichever key would be suitable when the song is accompanied by other instruments.
Connectivity is not an issue, given the MIDI compatibility with most gadgets. Aside from this, the Yamaha piaggero np12 61 key digital piano also benefits from fine-tuning control, as well as an optional pedal.
A standard Yamaha piaggero np12 61 key digital piano set includes a music rest, main adapter, as well as the owner’s manual and documentation. Optional accessories that could be bought separately include the L2C keyboard stand and the aforementioned FC-3/FC-4/FC-5 pedal. This particular model only comes in one color, which is black.
Just like any other model, the Yamaha piaggero np12 61 key digital piano does not come without disadvantages. Most of the complaints heard from keyboard fans “in the know” would be the relatively longer length of this model in comparison with others that came before it. This is understandable because this model does have two built-in speakers, so that amount of space is surely warranted.
What ends up being compromised is the ease of use, which is ironic because being portable is one of the taglines of this model.
Due to its longer frame, finding a suitable surface for it to rest on for the user to be able to comfortably play proves to be a challenge unless you are willing to buy the optional stand.
Besides, despite the built-in speakers, the volume could only be loud enough to be audible in a more intimate setting, which makes playing for a huge crowd demand an amplifier or two.
As you might have noticed, such complaints usually come from more experienced users who have many points of comparison in mind.
While they could not be considered as trivial for experts, such observations might sound like nit-picking for most, especially those who are just beginning and are just looking for a home keyboard that would be suitable for practice.
The real bargain for beginners would be those extra features tossed in such as the touch sensitivity and non-weighted keys. For everyone else, some adjustments might be necessary.
Even so, selling just below USD 200 is already considered a good bargain for such state-of-the-art material, even more so from a reputable brand such as Yamaha and the Yamaha Piaggio np12 61 key digital piano is no exception and great value for money.
In the end, the choice is really up to you and would highly depend on your needs as a user. Are you a beginner who is just getting familiar with this instrument?
Are you someone who requires more advanced specs and configuration to level up your skills and impress everyone?
Whichever you may be, the Yamaha Piaggero NP12 61 Key Digital Piano would prove to have something built especially for you.
5. Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard with Power Supply
There are many hobbies that you could learn as a child or have your child learn. After all, we are always in search of self-development, and this is usually attained by trying out various pastimes, hoping that one would stand out and elicit a reaction that could turn into a lifelong passion.
In terms of music, the traditional choice always seems to be a standoff between the violin and the piano. However, for those who do not have the luxury to afford either one of those, a more affordable option could be an electronic keyboard, and many have been manufactured lately, which resemble pianos in terms of functionality and specs.
As such, it would be wise to choose which brand and model would suit you best, and Casio has a new offering in the form of the Casio CTK-3200 61 Key Premium Portable Keyboard Package that might have what you need in one neat product.
The Casio CTK-3200 is a new model which boasts 61 keys in a portable and lean physique. Tagged as a premium portable keyboard, this specific model boasts innovative features that are bound to impress both beginners and more advanced users alike. Without further ado, here are some of those features:
For a student who is just beginning to learn the basics of a digital piano, the Casio CTK-3200 could be considered as the perfect companion thanks to its added features, which have been built-in with the student in mind.
Weighing approximately 3.5 kilograms, this lightweight model could also run on 6 AA size batteries for enhanced portability. The unit can be operated for up to three hours of continuous use on battery power alone.
While there could be no better substitute for a real human teacher, this does not mean that life would eventually spell trouble for those who opt for self-instruction.
The Casio CTK-3200 has been configured with such users in mind, thanks to a variety of additional features that would prove to be useful for any novice. Such features include Step-up lesson; voice fingering guide, and performance evaluation.
The step-up lesson feature is one of the most helpful features of the Casio CTK-3200. As with most music pieces, the best way to improve the mastery of a song or a composition is to chop it up into smaller pieces and master those parts one by one, focusing on a smaller portion before putting the pieces together. The mechanism involved is simple: Listen, watch, and remember.
The keyboard plays a specific part of the song first, after which the user could then watch as the keys light up by the sequence required to play the melody. Through eye and hand coordination, the user could then follow the pattern and attempt to recreate it on his own, eventually leading to the mastery of the piece.
In addition to the step-up feature, the Casio CTK-3200 also offers performance evaluation and voice fingering guide. For every lesson completed by the user, a score is displayed on the screen, giving an approximate evaluation of the performance.
As for the voice fingering guide, a simulated human voice could be configured to help out by voicing out instructions to the user in times when help is needed.
Lastly, there is also this feature called Music Challenge, in which the user is allowed to play a game by testing his response through an on-screen keyboard fingering guide, which helps in the mastery of various patterns required for smooth playing.
The Casio CTK-3200 61-key premium portable keyboard package includes headphones, a stand, and a power supply kit.
Aside from these, other optional features could be easily purchased to suit your particular needs. The unit is highly expandable, with its General MIDI port and a USB port, which serve as links to other electronic gadgets.
This particular model is plug and play, which means no separate installation programs are necessary to benefit from the enhanced connectivity features that it has to offer. The on-screen display is large enough and backlit for more ease of use in terms of user interface navigation.
The very big difference when it comes to the feel of the keys, in comparison to those of an acoustic piano.
Because most acoustic pianos of quality have ivory or synthetic ivory keys, they are weighted differently to those manufactured from plastic and as such, have a different weight aspect.
Therefore, using the unit as a practice tool for mastering the piano is not highly recommended because the plastic keys somehow create an unwanted diversion by producing unnecessary sounds that would otherwise not be present if they were made from more high-quality material.
The only other issues seem to be limited to the quality of the included accessories, such as the headphones and the power supply, which were minor compared to the abundance of features this unit includes. Besides these, it has become a good choice for those who are interested but not yet willing to commit to this hobby.
What is an Electronic Keyboard?
An electronic keyboard is a musical instrument that works by replaying sound samples when you hit the keys. This makes it extremely versatile as it can emulate any instrument, not just a piano, by selecting the samples from different ranges according to the type of instrument selected.
The electronic keyboard is made up of the following components:
The musical keyboard which consists of the black and white piano keys, plus a keyboard matrix circuit than picks up the key depression and initiates the process of selecting and amplifying the sound.
Software to control the menus and switches to allow the user to select instruments, play sample tunes, record, and playback, connect to a computer, and other functions. The software also contains a tone generator that takes the MIDI commands from the keyboard or recorded song and generates the sounds and a rhythm and chord generator, which generates rhythms and chords from MIDI commands.
Amplifier and Speakers to amplify the sounds generated by the software.
An electronic keyboard uses an industry-standard protocol called MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), which defines how music is encoded into data. The protocol defines how to convert the different components of music into data, for example, pitch, volume, and tempo, and allows different electronic instruments or software to communicate.
MIDI is also used by an electronic keyboard to send a signal from the key to the controlling software when a key is pressed. In many keyboards, this signal includes not just the note being played but the pressure on the key, thus allowing the amplitude of the note to be varied with pressure. Look for touch-sensitive or touch response keyboards for this feature.
Computer connectivity. Most musical keyboards come with a USB interface and the relevant software so you can connect your keyboard to your computer for transferring data. Some also have a MIDI interface to transfer MIDI encoded songs.
Why are touch-sensitive keys important?
Touch sensitivity is that the harder you press the keys, the louder the sound, and the softer you press them, the quieter the sound. Most digital pianos have this feature, and it’s important to have it.
If you play with no touch-sensitive keys, your playing technique will be poor. No matter how hard or soft you press the keys, the sound will be the same. You won’t enjoy practicing like this.
If you’re just a starter, you may think touch-sensitive keys are not important. That could be a big mistake. By not having this feature, you may end up regretting your decision.
The louder or softer sound depends on the force the keys are hit. Also, it doesn’t matter whether the keys are weighted or not. Touch sensitivity has different levels, usually 2 to 6.
For example, the low-end models may have 2-3, and 5-6 for higher-end models. The very cheap ones don’t have this feature, so it’s best to avoid them.
With touch sensitivity, you’ll be able to put express your music. Your playing technique will improve. Imagine playing the instrument without touch-sensitive keys.
There won’t be any expression. It won’t sound appropriate since most musical pieces have volume changes. You’ll be playing at the same volume. It won’t sound right.
Plus, it’ll be difficult to adapt to an acoustic piano in case you ever play one. It will take time to get your fingers used to the keys. Even having only 2 or 3 levels of sensitivity isn’t ideal. There will only be a limited expression.
Rather than thumping the keys hard just to get a loud sound, why not invest in a touch-sensitivity. To sum up, touch sensitivity is an important feature to have. Whether you are new or experienced, you should have this feature.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
What to look for when buying an electronic Keyboard
Before you buy an electronic keyboard, consider the following points:
How many keys do you need:
Keyboards come with varying numbers of keys, the most popular is 61 keys, with a smaller number of keys, usually 49, on children’s and starter keyboards. A full-size keyboard will have 76 keys, and digital pianos will have 88 keys.
How do you decide?
It depends on four factors – the music you want to play, the space you have available, whether you need the keyboard to be portable, and the price you are willing to pay.
A 61 key keyboard will let you play most music, it will have 5 octaves in the middle of the range, which will allow you to play most music, but if you want to play some classical music, in particular, The Moonlight Sonata you will find you run out of lower range keys. Some keyboards allow you to transpose the pitch up or down an octave, so if you do want to play this type of music occasionally, you can use this function to gain an extra octave and allow you play it. A 61 key keyboard is smaller than a 76 key keyboard and more portable, so if your space is limited or you want to take your keyboard out on gigs this might be the best keyboard for you
A 76 key keyboard will have the range to play almost any music. It takes up more room than a 61 key keyboard and is less portable.
If you want the very best quality and sound and want something that closely emulates an acoustic piano, then you need an 88 key digital piano.
What features do you need:
Electronic keyboards are packed with features, many of which are fun but not very necessary. Consider which features you need when deciding on a keyboard to buy:
Different voices Since electronic keyboards work by playing back sampled sounds when you hit a key, it is very easy for them to sound like any instrument in the orchestra. So you can play the keyboard and have it sound like any type of guitar, violin, drum, etc. A digital piano will have a much more limited set of voices as these are designed to be used instead of an acoustic piano.
Touch Response SensitivityAn acoustic piano will play sounds softer or louder according to the pressure on the keys. An electronic keyboard with touch sensitivity will mimic this by having an additional sensor under the keys, which sends a signal to the software controller to adjust the sound volume according to how hard the keys are hit. A handy feature, making an electronic keyboard sound much closer to an acoustic piano.
Do you need a MIDI interface:
If you want to record your playing on the keyboard and upload it to a computer, you might want to make sure that the keyboard has a MIDI interface to let you do this. It is possible to use the USB interface and software on the PC to emulate a MIDI interface, but the real thing is much better, and you will end up with a much better quality recording
Interactive Lessons: Some musical keyboards come with built-in lessons to help you learn to play. You select a song you want to learn and the hand (right, left, or both) you want to play with. The display shows you each note you need to play and waits for you to play the correct note. At the end of the song, you are given feedback as to how you did.
Split Keyboard Mode: This allows you to play different voices with either hand. For example, you can play the piano with one hand and strings with the other.
Musical Accompaniment: Some electronic keyboards come with built-in musical styles you can play along with. Select a style (e.g., rock, blues, country, jazz), and you can have the keyboard play rhythm, bass, and chords in that style while you play the melody, just like playing along with a band.
Recording Function: The keyboard can record your playing for later playback on the keyboard or upload it to a computer.
Metronome: One of the most essential parts of learning to play a keyboard is to get the tempo of the notes right. A metronome is handy to help a beginner learn this.