Differences Between a Digital Piano and a Piano Keyboard
In order to determine if you should buy a digital piano or if you will need a piano keyboard it is necessary to weigh a number of options based on your lifestyle and playing needs.
Digital pianos are best for those seeking the realistic qualities of a piano while keyboards are suitable for portability and limited room situations.
Cost
Digital pianos are known to be more costly naturally. A digital piano can be purchased at a significant reduction in price compared to the standard instrument, but it will generally cost more than a keyboard. Digital pianos are meant to closely imitate the effects of a traditional instrument thus they will be more carefully and durably made. Keyboards, as portable electronic devices, may require battery changes throughout the life of the device, adding to the upkeep costs.
Convenience
While a digital piano has the essential characteristics of the true instrument, a piano keyboard provides a portability that cannot be utilized in a weighted digital piano. Piano keyboards are lightweight and compact, allowing them to be easily transferred from room to room or between locations.
If little space is available it will still be an advantage to use a smaller digital piano in comparison to the standard-sized instrument. Many digital pianos can also be broken down and stored when not needed, offering even more space. Since the sounds produced by electronic pianos are recorded digitally these machines do not have to be regularly tuned like a standard piano would.
Connectivity
Both digital pianos and keyboards can provide connectivity to computers, music players or other instruments. Keyboards usually come standard with MIDI functionality. New music can be introduced to the machine as can software functions. Some of these instruments also include a USB slot to assist in this function.
Device Recording
If you need to quickly record performances or constantly record them to keep track of skill progression, both digital pianos and keyboards are suitable options. Many digital devices allow the player to record while playing in addition to saving the track for future review.
Sensitivity
Keyboards are less durable than digital pianos thus they will usually provide a light feel and may not even feature touch capabilities. In addition, the ability to hear distinct notes when played in a chord, known as polyphony, is not as commonly featured in keyboards. Digital pianos, on the other hand, have a more realistic feel and weight and are more likely to offer touch sensitivity.
Sound Options
Keyboards offer numerous sounds from all classes of musical instruments. From percussion to strings, piano keyboards are versatile enough to offer enough sound options for expanded use. Amateur producers and DJs will be pleased with the ability to utilize an orchestra of instruments in one device.
Personal Commitment
If you are committed and have the resources to invest in a high-end digital piano it may be best to choose this option. It will provide nearly all that you need in the musical instrument and you can utilize the advantages of a digital instrument with more versatility than an acoustic piano.
If you are committed to eventually upgrading to the acoustic piano, it may be wise to start off with the more affordable and versatile digital version first.
There are a number of factors to consider and compare when deciding between both types of devices. If you are considering a digital piano you likely have good reason to do so.
Most people are comfortable to start on a keyboard, but if you have specific needs to consider it is worth the time to view digital piano reviews to make an informed decision.