One of the biggest requirements of any digital piano are quality, weighted-keys.
This is what will give players the same feel as an acoustic piano and help them really achieve an authentic sound.
In the early days of digital instruments, digital pianos were generally looked down upon. They weren’t considered “real” instruments, and they did tend to have a pretty artificial sound that didn’t take a music major to notice. However, we’ve come a long way since then, and now, we have models that sound and feel like an acoustic piano but are electric, portable, and make their sounds digitally.
And since there are so many models out there, finding the right one for you can be pretty hard. That’s why I’ve researched and compiled a list of the six best digital pianos with weighted keys that I could find out there.
Our pick for the best digital piano on the market today is the Yamaha P125 because of how it feels, how it sounds, and how portable and compact the instrument is. But if you still aren’t sold and want to look at more options, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on to learn more.
Quick Summary
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 6 Best Digital Pianos With Weighted Keys
#1. Yamaha P125 – The Best Overall Option
- A fully weighted digital piano with 88 full sized piano style keys
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- The pure CF sound engine faithfully reproduces the tone of the acclaimed Yamaha 9 feet CFIIIS Concert grand piano; Tempo range: 5 to 280
- Split mode lets you play a different voice with each hand; Tuning: 414.8 440.0 to 446.8 hertz
- USB to host connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer means you only need 1 cable to connect to your music making software
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As mentioned earlier, this is the overall best option on this list.
It comes from a very trusted brand in the piano community, Yamaha, and it’s honestly one of their best digital pianos available for under $600. It’s fully-weighted, so you will be getting the exact same feel as you’d get playing on any other Yamaha acoustic piano. It’s equipped with GHS weighted action, which simulates the feeling of an acoustic piano by having a heavier weight on the lower keys and a lighter weight on the higher keys.
It’s equipped with a sophisticated sound engine designed to emulate the sound of the Yamaha CFIIIS Grand Piano, which is a 9-foot instrument that is commonly hailed as one of the best the brand has to offer. It has a 2-way speaker system, which is designed to give off a stereo sound that sounds just like an acoustic piano, which is one of the best features of the instrument.
On top of all that, it also comes with an app where you can adjust the voices, rhythms, and other settings. It also has a split mode that allows you load two different voices at the same time, which could result in a very unique and versatile sound. And if you’re a recording artist, it has a MIDI output which allows you to easily connect the piano to a Digital Audio Workstation and use it as a MIDI controller for a bunch of different sounds and voices!
#2. Yamaha P71 – The Best Yamaha Model On A Budget
- Acoustic Piano Feel - Touch-sensitive keys allow for true expression and dynamic performance. The weighted action replicates the acoustic piano experience
- Elevated Sound - Choose from 10 unique Voices, including the richness and resonance of a Yamaha grand piano, with full dynamic sound and deep bass
- Effortless Control - Simple one-button operation and streamlined functionality designed to keep you focused on your music
- Layered Sound - Dual Mode lets you blend two Voices, like piano and strings, creating a rich, layered sound for an inspiring new playing experience
- Included sustain pedal allows for subtle variations and greater expression in your performances
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While Yamaha is arguably one of the best brands for any type of piano out there, they can be a pretty expensive brand. But luckily, the brand does have some cheaper options that are ideal for beginners and those who are on a tight budget. The P71 is one of those budget-friendly options.
It comes with fully-weighted keys, so you still get the same authentic feeling when playing this instrument. It comes with 10 pre-loaded voices, all of which are individually sampled from real instruments, including some of the best Yamaha Grand Pianos on the market today. Like most instruments in this range, it comes with a split mode that allows you to load to separate voices at the same time, giving you a lot of sonic versatility while playing.
It’s a very slim instrument, measuring less than 12” deep, which makes it very easy to transport. This is a great option for those musicians who regularly find themselves on the move. This is one of the best options you can get for under $500 in today’s market, and it also comes with a power supply and sustain pedal, which makes the deal that much sweeter!
#3. Donner Dep-20 – The Best Option For Music Students
- 🎹 【Full-Weighted 88 key keyboard】The digital electric piano is constructed by 88 full-sized hammer action keys with adjustable touch response. This 88-key weighted keyboard allows to adjust your desired playing style.
- 🎹 【238 Tones & 128 Polyphony】 The 88-key weighted keyboard loaded with 238 types of tone like Ukulele, drum, bass, etc. vividly presenting voices of different instruments, arousing your keen to learn music. The digital electric piano with 128-note max polyphony, players could distinguish tone clearly in Chorus & Reverb under various occasions.
- 🎹【Double Keyboard & Control Panel】This 88 key weighted keyboard provides dual-tone mode for combining two voices together, like piano and drum, inspiring to make a new creation. Panel includes sustain pedal, triangle pedal and audio inputs & outputs, perfectly used for music arrangement and an ensemble.
- 🎹 【Multi-Media Settings】This digital piano features with a backlit LCD screen for clearly showing chords names and notation and adjusting wanted tones, recording mode-MIDI, MP3 Player and two 25W amplifiers, bringing you richer and better experience of practice and performance.
- 🎹【Multi-Purpose 88 key keyboard】This streamlined 88-key piano is designed for rehearsing, learning and creating, practice or performance.
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The next item on our list is ideal for music students because it is affordable, portable, and comes with great voices.
This model from Donner features 88-fully weighted keys. This will give you the exact same feeling and response as you’d get with an acoustic piano, and on top of that, the sensitivity is fully adjustable and customizable. So if you aren’t too big a fan of the hammer action, you’ll be able to adjust it to your tastes without much of a hassle.
This piano is loaded with 238 different tones including piano, strings, ukulele, and bass. This gives you a whole lot of sonic versatility, which could really come in handy with music students who need to play a wide variety of styles. It has 128-tone maximum polyphony, which makes for crystal clear notes whenever you play a key. On top of that, it also has built in chorus and reverb effects, which could make a huge difference for those who play a lot of live performances.
Like a lot of other models in its price range, the Donner DEP-20 allows you to have two different voices at the same time, which is a feature loved by professionals and amateur musicians alike. This is a keyboard that was designed for rehearsals and performance, which is very evident in its versatility. So if you’re a budding musician looking for a highly-flexible instrument without busting the bank, this could be a great option for you.
#4. Rockjam 88-key Beginner Piano – The Best Beginner’s Option
- Realistic Piano Feel: The RockJam 88 key digital piano features semi weighted keys, replicating the touch and feel of an acoustic piano.
- Educational Tools: Includes access to Simply Piano content and keynote stickers, making it easier for beginners to learn and play.
- Versatile Sound Options: This electric keyboard piano offers a variety of sounds and rhythms, enhancing your musical creativity.
- Portable Design: Lightweight and compact, this portable keyboard is easy to transport, perfect for both home practice and on-the-go performances.
- High-Quality Construction: Built to last, this digital piano provides excellent sound quality and durability, making it a great investment for any musician.
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re a beginner or someone starting out, you’d want to get a piano that’s affordable, but can still perform to the highest level. That’s exactly what you’ll be getting if you opt for this RockJam option.
It comes with 88-fully weighted keys, so you don’t have to compromise for the authentic feel of the more-expensive options out there, and it also has ten unique voices that you can use in your everyday playing. The tones that come with this option include grand piano, electric piano, organ, synth, and bass. This is more than enough for any beginner, and could even be a good budget-option for the composers out there.
And if that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a USB input that will allow you to listen and play along to your favorite songs on the keyboard! Built into the piano are two 24-Watt speakers that give you a clean and crisp sounds when playing. On top of that, you can also plug in your headphones into the instrument for silent practicing. This could also be a great way to monitor your playing on a loud and cramped stage.
And if you’re really looking to save some money, this model is also available in 49, 54, and 61 key versions that are much cheaper than the full 88-key piano.
#5. Donner Ddp-100- The Best Digital Piano Console
- Authentic Key Feel: Experience the precision of an 88-key fully-weighted action digital piano. Designed to replicate the genuine touch of traditional pianos, it captures every nuance for an enhanced playing experience
- Meticulous Sound Engineering: Our experts have adjusted timbre details, providing a more lifelike sound that sharpens your ability to discern musical notes
- Versatile Audio Options: An 88 key weighted keyboard with with input and playback for MP3 tracks through the built-in amplifier, whether you're using external speakers or headphones
- Elegant Design: A sleek, streamlined piano keyboard with wooden cabinet coupled with a sliding key cover ensures your keys are always protected and your piano always looks its best
- Unparalleled Sound Quality: The Donner DDP-100 beginner digital piano boasts pure tones sampled directly from real acoustic grand pianos, assuring the pinnacle of sound quality for both practice and performance
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If portability isn’t exactly an issue for you and you’re looking for a high-quality instrument, this Donner option could be the one for you. Console options are heavy and can’t be moved around that easily, but they are the closest you can get to the look and feel of an acoustic piano digitally.
It has a streamlined wooden cabinet design with a sliding key cover, which not only looks great, but makes for a very stable and sturdy instrument. It’s a weighted instrument that emulates the slight weight changes on piano keys, which can really help traditional piano players adjust to the digital technology. It has 128 note polyphony, and is equipped with very high-quality samples from real pianos, making for a very crisp and distinct tone.
While it has a built in amplifier, it also has another output that you can send to other speakers and even your headphones, if you want to play quietly. While this is a relatively expensive model and it isn’t exactly portable, you’ll be getting a great sound and very natural feel, which is well worth the slight hassle that this piano comes with. But as long as you have a dedicated space for it in your home, at the venue, or in the studio, you’ll find that placing this large instrument is fairly easy.
#6. Alesis Recital – The Best Budget Option
- An Electric Piano That’s Tailored to You - Feature-packed Electric keyboard with 88 premium full-sized semi weighted keys with adjustable touch response to suit your preferred playing style
- Premium Sounds - 5 voices (Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synth, and Bass), built-in FX: Chorus, Reverb, and two built in 20W speakers that deliver crystal-clear, room-filling sound
- All The Right Connections - ¼” sustain pedal input (pedal not included), ¼” stereo headphone output for private practice and stereo RCA outputs for connection to speakers / amplifiers
- Play the Keyboard Wherever You Go - Power via the included power adapter or 6 D cell batteries (not included) for professional piano performance anywhere
- Powerful Educational Features - Standard, split, layer, and lesson modes with 128-note max polyphony and Skoove 3 month premium subscription for expert interactive online piano lessons
Last update on 2024-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The last option on this list is one of the cheapest pianos we’re going to feature. But just because it doesn’t demand a hefty price tag, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch.
The Alesis Recital model is well-known within the music circles as one of the best digital pianos that you can get on a budget today. It’s a full-size keyboard with semi-weighted keys, so you’ll get a similar feel with this as you would get with a digital piano, and you can even adjust the touch response to your taste.
Semi-weighted options won’t feel as nice as fully-weighted ones, especially if you’re used to acoustic pianos, but they are a great option if you’re on a tight budget. It comes with 5 pre-loaded voices and built-in chorus and reverb effects, which could be very useful if you find yourself playing a bunch of different musical styles on a regular basis.
And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be getting 60 free virtual lessons from Melodics. So if you need to brush up on the basics, you can use the course that this comes with to really hone your skills. Not bad at all for one of the cheapest options on this list.
What To Consider When Buying A Digital Piano
Hammer action
This refers to the weight of the keys of a piano. There are fully-weighted, semi-weighted, and non-weighted hammer actions available out there.
Typically, you want to get a fully-weighted digital piano. This will give you the closest feel to a really acoustic piano and can help you capture the natural cadence of piano players. Nowadays, technology has allowed brands to create models where the weight is heavier on the lower keys and lighter on the higher keys. This emulated the feel of an acoustic instrument very well, which is why it could be the best option for musicians looking for a digital piano.
Since fully-weighted keys can be expensive, some players would rather get semi-weighted keys. These won’t require as much effort to press down as a real piano and can offer a very unique feel of the instrument. This is more suited for faster playing styles and for pianists who can’t exactly afford the weighted options just yet.
Lastly, there are non-weighted keys. These do not feel like an acoustic instrument at all but are much lighter on the fingers. This option is also the cheapest, so it’s recommended for beginners and shoppers on a tight budget. Luckily, while these models don’t feel like acoustic piano, they do usually have a great sound, which makes them a viable option for practicing and even performing.
Sampling vs physical modeling
This refers to how the sounds are made and synthesized on the piano. Sampling is the most common option for most pianos as it is much cheaper to do. Samples are basically high-quality recordings that are loaded into the instrument. In the case of the digital piano, these are usually recordings of real pianos that get triggered when you hit a certain key.
Physical modeling, on the other hand, is a much more complicated process. It involves digitally recreating the physical action that happens when you press a piano key through a complex software. This involves the hundreds of elements that go into giving an instrument its unique and “imperfect” timbre. This is a relatively new process, but is one that a lot of professional pianists really enjoy, saying that it gives off a more “realistic” sound.
Both of these options will treat you well, and which one is better usually varies from person to person. So make sure to give both of them a try if you get the chance to really figure out which sound you like better.
Voices
This simply refers to the sounds that the instrument has. Since these are not keyboards or synthesizers, you won’t find too many different sounds on a digital piano. In fact, most won’t have more than 20, since the goal of this instrument is to feel and sound like an acoustic piano.
Some brands and models will have better and more realistic voices than others, but this is yet another thing that will vary from person to person. The best way to figure out which voices are to your taste is to find a way to hear them yourself, that way you can form an opinion that is truly unique to you.
Portability
One of the biggest advantages that a digital piano has against an acoustic one is that it’s lighter and easier to move. That’s why portability is a very important feature of any digital piano. If you’re performing a lot and find yourself playing your instrument in different places, then you might want to get one of the lighter options.
That being said, the portability of a digital piano will largely depend on the type of digital piano you get, which is something we discuss more in the next section.
Type of piano
There are a couple of types of digital pianos, but the main variations are Portable, Console, Hybrid, and Stage Pianos.
The first one we’ll talk about is the portable piano. This is an option that won’t cost you too much money and doesn’t require too much space. It is small and compact, and usually comes with full weighted keys that look and feel like those on an acoustic. These are the ideal options for beginners and performers on the move a lot.
Next up is the console. This is a larger instrument that requires more space and costs a bit more money. That being said, they tend to come with a more realistic feel and better sounds than portable ones. They don’t need a stand, since they come with one built it and tend to have a very full sound.
If you want something more premium than a console, you’ll probably want a hybrid digital piano. These options are the closest you’ll be able to get to the sound and feel of an acoustic piano, but they aren’t the most portable option. In fact, some models out there are not exactly considered portable at all. While they are expensive, they could be a worthwhile investment, especially if used as an in-house instrument in a church or other venues.
Lastly, there is the stage piano. This is the most expensive option because it’s designed for professionals to use when performing. They are portable, light, and come with very premium sounds. In fact, a lot of the options out there give you the option to further customize the sounds to really suit your taste and playing style. They offer hands-on control and sound shaping options, which make this a very worthwhile investment for any professional pianist out there.
Price
This is another important factor to consider. This will largely depend on your means and how much you’re willing to spend on an instrument. If you’re a beginner or a student studying the craft, then it might be best to go for a cheaper option while learning and invest in a better one later one.
However, professionals who find themselves playing live or recording often will probably need a more expensive model. One that has more customizability, portability, and feels more like an acoustic piano. But at the end of the day, how much money you’re willing to spend on a piano is all up to you. There’s nothing wrong with making a major investment or trying to cut costs by getting a cheaper option.
FAQ’s
Are weighted keys better?
Generally, weighted options are considered the better choice by most musicians. This is because it gives a more solid feel and is better for instrumentalists who are used to playing on acoustic pianos. However, depending on your playing style, you might find that a semi-weighted or non-weighted option is what suits your needs the.
Is 61 keys enough to learn piano?
Yes, 61 keys is definitely enough for a beginner to learn the basics of a piano. It can also serve as a great practice instrument, especially if you can’t afford an 88-key model. There is a lot that can be done with 61-keys, and they could be a great budget-friendly alternative to an 88-key digital piano.
What is the difference between weighted and semi-weighted keys?
As you might be able to tell by the name, semi-weighted keys have a lighter action than weighted ones. That basically means you don’t have to press as hard to play the instrument. This is ideal for those who aren’t exactly comfortable with the full weight of a piano and could be a better option for those who play faster musical genres.
Why do pianos have 88 keys?
Pianos have 88 keys because composers, arrangers, and instrumentalists at the time needed more versatility and a wider range on their instrument. The first 88-key piano was made by Steinway in the 1800s and since then, it has been the staple for most manufacturers and brands around the world.
What do you call the black keys on a piano?
The black keys on a piano are usually called the sharp and flat keys. This is because they make a note that is one semi-tone higher or lower than the white key before it, which are sometimes called the “natural” keys.
Conclusion
Digital pianos are a great option for just about any musician, whether you’re a serious professional, or a budding student. This is because they are more affordable than acoustic pianos, more portable, and give you the option of customizing the sounds on your instrument.
Some items featured on this list are designed for professionals looking to invest, while others are more fit for students and beginners looking for a practice instrument. Regardless of the option you choose though, remember that the most important thing is that you are comfortable with the piano and enjoy playing, that way, no one can say that you don’t have the right digital piano for you.
And if you think you found the model for you on this list, all that’s left for you to do is head out and get your hands on one yourself!
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