7 Differences Between a Piano and a Keyboard

Sep 22, 2022

When you’re getting back to hitting the keys and re-learning skills you may have forgotten, whether you do it on a piano or a keyboard doesn’t matter if you are learning piano online.

Why? Because pianos and piano keyboards are very similar and the skills and techniques you learn and apply to one are suitable for the other. But being similar does not mean they are the same. In fact, there are subtle differences that are worth noting if you’re deciding between using one or the other. So, let’s check out 7 differences between a piano and a keyboard.

1. Size and number of keys

While piano keys will be arranged the same on both pianos and electronic keyboards, a couple of important differences you may find when comparing the two are the size of the keys and the number of keys. Some (but not all) keyboards have keys that are slightly narrower in width when compared to their piano counterparts. In addition, some keyboards also don’t have as many keys as pianos do. Full-sized pianos have 88 keys, and so will some electronic keyboards, but certain models of keyboards may have fewer.

When you start your music learning journey with Clefer, the keyboard range calibration steps will guide you to determine the size of your instrument, whether you’re using an acoustic piano or an electronic keyboard.

2. Action response

Whether you’re learning piano online with Clefer or in-person with an instructor, having an understanding of how the instrument works is just as important as knowing how to play it. Dubbed the piano’s “action”, this is the mechanism by which the instrument responds with sound once you’ve pressed your finger down on a key. As you might’ve guessed, a piano has a different action than a piano keyboard does. Because your classic piano is acoustic, the keys have a heavier feel when played and have more action than a piano keyboard.

3. Sound

When it comes to differences between your classic piano and an electronic keyboard, their composition once again is the dividing line. As previously mentioned, your typical piano is considered an acoustic instrument, which amplifies its sounds from within. A keyboard, on the other hand,  is electric and generates sound from an external speaker. Electronic keyboards also allow you to generate different sounds and manipulate the volume.

4.  MIDI controller

Some electronic keyboards allow you to connect the keyboard directly to your computer device. This direct connection between the MIDI controller and your screen device with an online piano learning app like Clefer allows more accurate detection of the notes you play. There are different MIDI connection plugins available depending on the type of keyboard piano you own.

5. Cost

The design, manufacturer and materials used can all influence the price of a piano, but generally speaking, you’ll find that your classic piano is much more expensive when compared to its keyboard counterpart, which can often be purchased for roughly $100 or less; though, if you’re looking for added features, expect that price to go up!

6. Upkeep

Regardless of whether you’re learning piano online with a classic piano or an electronic keyboard, you should always place importance on maintaining your instrument. But how you maintain these two types of pianos will differ. For example, ensuring your piano stays in tune is a key component of effective maintenance. This is not an issue with electronic keyboards, but acoustic pianos made of metal and wood will need professional tuning since effects from temperature and humidity can bring them out of tune.

7. Size

Depending on whether you want to be able to take your instrument with you, you might have to select a type of piano that lends itself to better portability. Unsurprisingly, your traditional piano is much larger than a keyboard piano and, therefore, not one you can easily take with you.

Classic piano or keyboard, download Clefer and start learning piano online today!

Regardless of whether you’re playing with a classic piano or an electronic keyboard, learning piano online with Clefer is always effective and rewarding as you progress towards achieving your goal of becoming a better player.

Download Clefer for free today and get back on track to playing your favourite instrument!

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