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What’s the Difference: Digital Piano vs Keyboard

There are so many options you can choose from in the piano world. So, what's the difference between the digital piano vs. keyboard?

Notice: Effective April 1, 2024, Miller Piano Specialists is not an authorized Yamaha Piano dealer and will no longer carry new Yamaha Pianos. For more information, please visit this FAQ. This page remains for customer service, support and archival purposes.

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Enjoy special pricing and 0% APR for 18 Months (Same as Cash) or 6.99% APR for 60 Months on qualifying pianos - all inspected and serviced by our on-staff technicians, and backed by warranty and our trade-up guarantee. Shop early for best selection! Offer ends April 30.

10% down payment required. Promotion fees are assessed at funding and may not be passed on to the customer. Monthly payments for every $1,000 financing: $19.80 for 5 years at 6.99% APR. Same as cash is interest free if paid in full within promotional period. Monthly payment of $37.16 per $1,000 at 19.99% APR for 36 months. Rates and terms may vary. All loans are subject to credit review, underwriting guidelines, verification of identity and approval. Offer ends 4/30/2026.

If you want to learn the piano, you’re probably trying to find the right piano for you. There are so many options you can choose from in the piano world. So, what’s the difference between the digital piano vs. keyboard? Let’s find out:

What’s a Digital Piano?

A digital piano imitates a traditional acoustic piano. Digital pianos usually come with 88 keys and are typically built as upright, in a cabinet, or on a keyboard stand. Digital pianos are known for having a closer feel, touch, and sound to an acoustic piano.

What’s a Keyboard?

Keyboards are lighter and more portable than digital pianos. Since a keyboard is usually smaller than a digital piano, it has 61 or 78 keys instead of 88 keys. The keys are generally semi-weighted or unweighted, making it easier to play for beginners/ smaller hands.

Digital vs. Keyboard Piano:

yamaha keyboard with rose petals

Sound Quality

If sound quality is a significant factor in your piano shopping, you might enjoy a digital piano more than a keyboard. Most digital pianos emulate the rich and high-quality sound of an acoustic piano. Most keyboards come with a wide range of sounds to choose from, making the piano playing a little more fun.

Touch Quality

When it comes to the touch, digital pianos feel more like acoustic pianos than keyboards do. The digital pianos can come with either weighted or semi-weighted keys. Weighted keys use a “hammer-action,” and they feel more natural to play. Semi-weighted keys use a “spring-action” instead of a hammer-action, and they feel lighter to the touch.  Keyboards usually come with either semi-weighted or unweighted “waterfall” keys. These keys are easier to play for beginners/ smaller hands. However, they do not feel like acoustic pianos.

Portability

Is the portability of your instrument vital to you? If it is, the keyboard would be a better option for you. Keyboards are lightweight and fit easily on any stand. Digital pianos are often heavier and usually come with a built-in stand, which can be difficult to transport. If you’re looking to fill a space out in your home, a digital piano would be an excellent option for you!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading about the difference between a digital piano vs. a keyboard! Are you ready to buy your dream Yamaha piano? We can help you! If you have any questions about where to buy a piano for the best price, we are open! Our hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. We are happy to help you in person again, using all the guidelines we have been provided. We are here for you.

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Enjoy special pricing and 0% APR for 18 Months (Same as Cash) or 6.99% APR for 60 Months on qualifying pianos - all inspected and serviced by our on-staff technicians, and backed by warranty and our trade-up guarantee. Shop early for best selection! Offer ends April 30.

10% down payment required. Promotion fees are assessed at funding and may not be passed on to the customer. Monthly payments for every $1,000 financing: $19.80 for 5 years at 6.99% APR. Same as cash is interest free if paid in full within promotional period. Monthly payment of $37.16 per $1,000 at 19.99% APR for 36 months. Rates and terms may vary. All loans are subject to credit review, underwriting guidelines, verification of identity and approval. Offer ends 4/30/2026.

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