How you will use the piano keyboard
The first question you should ask yourself is how you plan to use the keyboard. Will you use it to try to compose your own tunes? Do you envision making your own tunes filled with violins and percussion? Or are you just using the keyboard to help you master the basics of piano before you buy the real thing? There are specially designed piano keyboards that will help you master the piano concertos you are committed to learning this year. Some piano keyboards even include advanced teaching tools that can teach you everything from basic chord structure to classical masterpieces.
Piano Keyboard Sound Quality
If you want an electronic piano keyboard to replace a traditional piano, one of the most important factors may be its sound quality. In the digital age, you may think that the sound quality is almost identical from model to model, but this is not the case. Higher quality piano keyboards reflect the sound of the instrument they are trying to represent (especially the piano). The quality of this imitation can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of technology used to capture the original sound clip.
The best way to discern the quality of the sound is to test the device itself (if you are shopping online, read reviews from other users). Look specifically for discussions about whether the notes of a piano keyboard will persist on their own or whether they disappear quickly when you press the keys.
A term you will often see when buying a piano keyboard is “polyphony”. This term denotes the ability of a piano to play more than one note at a time. For example, if you press two keys at the same time, a model with less polyphony may drown out one note to emphasize the other. The better the polyphony, the more the keyboard can accommodate multiple sounds.
Some electronic piano keyboard models have hundreds of sounds, tones and preset rhythms, and it’s easy to get lost in a world of analog sounds. For composers, a device that focuses on quality sounds (and easy navigation of these settings) is probably a priority. If your only goal is to use your new keyboard to learn how to play a traditional piano, some of these additional features may be less important to your needs.
Piano Keyboard Strength Response
Whether you are composing on the piano or learning Fur Elise, the way the keys respond to your touch is a key factor in your success. This is especially true for beginner pianists.
A regular piano has natural tension from the strings and hammers, but an electronic keyboard must mimic this behavior. If your goal is to migrate to a full-size piano at some point, look for a piano keyboard that best emulates the experience of playing a traditional piano. Many piano keyboard models do this through counterweighting, while some even have small hammers embedded in the keyboard to simulate the more realistic string and hammer mechanism of their traditional counterparts. Note the keyboard that is described as “fully weighted”.
Piano Keyboard Portability and Size
One of the main advantages of a piano keyboard is its compact size. If you are an aspiring stage musician, portability (and ease of setup and teardown) can be critical.
It is worth noting that some keyboards (classified more as synthesizers than true piano keyboards) can contain as few as 25 keys, while fully realized piano keyboards have a standard 88 keys. The difference in the number of keys has a direct impact on weight and size. Again, please keep your end use in mind when purchasing.
Piano Keyboard Accessories
A number of useful accessories can take your piano keyboard to the next level. Here are some of the more important ones:
Piano Pedals – If you plan to upgrade to a traditional piano at some point in your piano playing journey, pedals are crucial, as they are the key to truly mastering any sound from John Lennon to Beethoven. Most keyboards can be connected to separately purchased pedals, but some piano keyboards come with their own set.
Headphones – If you are working on your own compositions or preparing for a musical competition, it may be especially important to be able to hear yourself, especially in a noisy room.
Stands – Stands are crucial if you plan to transport your keyboard from home to your car, to the stage; a good stand is sturdy, lightweight, and won’t wear out the stage. Look for stands with rubber caps that are lightweight but sturdy enough to hold the weight of the piano keyboard.
Benches – Many piano keyboard sets geared toward beginners come with benches. Ideally, these benches are also easy to carry (and store)!
Power Cord – Often overlooked, having a constant supply of power is critical to keeping your creative flow uninterrupted.
