What's the Difference Between a Digital Piano and a Keyboard?

Keith Carpenter • August 30, 2022

Any musician or aspiring pianist needs to consider their options before buying their instrument. Nowadays, musicians have the option of buying a digital piano, a keyboard, or a standard piano, although the last one can be pretty expensive. According to Statista, in 2020 America saw an increase in the sales of digital pianos with 188.5 thousand units sold compared to the 174,000 units that were sold in 2019. Their rising popularity is why people debate the merits of a digital piano versus a keyboard. Let's find out the key differences between them and help you make a decision.

The Digital Piano

These pianos are made to copy the sounds of acoustic pianos. They consist of 88 keys, just like the original instrument. Additionally, they come with three arrangements: a traditional upright acoustic, a cabinet, or a keyboard stand. They resemble the standard piano more closely, which is why many musicians turn to this option.

The Keyboard

Keyboards are simply portable digital pianos, and their lightweight design is meant for more convenience and safekeeping. Some of them even come with 61 or 78 lightweight keys, unlike the standard instrument. A keyboard is great for children who are just learning or as a less expensive option than the big piano. Furthermore, they have more functions such as other digital sounds, earphone output, and sometimes they can even record your music.

The Differences

The main difference between a digital piano and a keyboard is portability, which is important depending on your needs. If you believe you'll be hauling the instrument back and forth, you might want to purchase a keyboard. Most digital pianos are heavier than their acoustic model.


Regarding its quality, if you're looking for a model that closely resembles the beautiful grand pianos you dream of playing, then you have to go for digital pianos. The industry has made great advances in sound technology, and a digital piano uses that around its powerful key strength so that it comes close to the original instrument. But if you're looking for more sounds and might want to experiment with remixing, a keyboard is the better option. Another key difference is touch, as digital pianos feel like acoustic pianos, whereas keyboards are more lightweight. Therefore, a digital piano is trying to imitate the real thing as closely as possible with the advantages of technology.


Now that you know these differences, you can make your decision and start playing your desired melodies all day. Give Jeff's Piano Sales and Service a call today for more information.

What to Look For in a Used Piano

By Keith Carpenter • September 15, 2023
The piano remains a very popular instrument. According to Creative Soul, a music education community dedicated to giving student musicians the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to become successful, approximately 21 million Americans play the piano. If you're considering learning this instrument, purchasing a used piano is a great way to get one into your home at a price you can afford. This article will take a look at what you should look for in a used piano.

Reasons to Register Your Children for Piano Lessons

By Keith Carpenter • March 1, 2023
Piano lessons are a wonderful opportunity for children in more ways than one. Registering your child for piano lessons comes with some unexpected benefits. Here are some reasons why you should register your child for upcoming lessons.

Everything to Know About Buying a Used Piano

February 22, 2022
Thanks to their affordability and availability, there is a surging demand for used pianos. These used pianos bring so much to the table. However, you must invest in a high-quality product to get the immersive experience you envision. You can do this by first understanding various aspects of purchasing used pianos . They include the following.

Let the Music Flow with a Beautifully Rebuilt Piano

August 16, 2021
In America, over 21 million people play the piano. Do you own an heirloom piano that has been passed down for generations? Has your family treasure become seriously damaged as it has aged or due to the amount of use? Even if your piano is not an heirloom, there are many reasons to have a grand, baby grand, or upright piano rebuilt. Pianos that have given many performances with constant use or have been stored with poor climate control may need full or partial rebuilding. A well-maintained piano that has received service from local piano shops and is in a mild climate could go many years before it needs to be rebuilt. Generally, pianos are ready to be rebuilt between the age of 40 to 60 years.
Share by: