When choosing a keyboard, it is important for both the beginner and the advanced keyboardist to make an informed choice. There are many different keyboards on the market, and this can sometimes be overwhelming with the number of choices there are out there. In this blog, we explain the differences and discuss the important aspects to pay attention to so that you can make an informed choice.
Which types of keys are there?
Let's start with the basics. Like a piano, a keyboard has large white and small black keys. On almost all modern keyboards, the seven "natural" notes of an octave are the white keys, and the five semitones in between are the black keys on your keyboard.
In addition, there are different keyboards with varying numbers of black and white keys. The standard size key keyboard is normally referred to using the term "full size keys". In addition to these full size keys, there are also keyboards with a smaller size of keys. You often find a smaller size of keys on keyboards that are specifically intended for children. These smaller keys make playing a little easier for children with small hands.
How many keys does my keyboard need?
Of course, your choice for the number of keys depends very much on what you need. That is why it is important to know which key configurations are possible. To explain this clearly, we will discuss the most common key configurations below.
49-key keyboard:
The 49-key keyboard is currently the smallest size keyboard in our range. With 49 keys you have 4 octaves at your disposal. If you’re looking to play an accompaniment part with your left hand and a solo piece with your right hand, you’ll need at least 49 keys. The fact that this is the smallest model does not mean that it is only intended for children. A keyboard with 49 keys is very suitable for both children and adults. Due to the amount of keys, this model is very handy, which of course brings many advantages. For example, keyboards with 49 keys are often easy to take with you on a trip, you could also easily store this keyboard if you don't want to have a keyboard in your living room all the time. A disadvantage of a keyboard with 49 keys is that they are not recommended for music lessons, for example. This is because there may be limitations to the songs that you could play, and your full potential of musical possibility is quite limited.
54-key keyboard:
In addition to 4 octaves, a keyboard with 54 keys offers just a little more room to play, whilst still remaining very handy. The benefits are therefore quite comparable to those of the 49-key keyboard, however with a little more options in your keyboard playing thanks to the addition of those five more keys. The disadvantages of this keyboard are also comparable to the disadvantages of the smaller variant. Although the expression possibilities are increased with a number of extra keys, the number of keys is still not fully considered for teaching purposes.
61-key keyboard:
A 61-key keyboard is the most common model. With 61 keys you have a relatively large range of keys to play with and as a result, you can play a lot of songs as they are originally to be played. When you start taking keyboard lessons, a keyboard with 61 keys is highly recommended, allowing you to have enough keys to learn to play well, whilst still remaining relatively compact and well-arranged. Many music schools recommend the 61-key keyboard for music lessons and general playing.
88-key keyboard:
A real piano has a total of 88 keys, with 52 of these keys being white and 36 keys being black. An 88-key keyboard is configured identically into the ‘keyboard’ of a piano, so an 88-key keyboard is also called a digital piano.
If you really want to be able to play all possible keyboard and/or piano music, a keyboard with 88 keys is most suitable. As a beginner, you will not immediately need an 88-key keyboard, but as your playing progresses, an 88-key keyboard provides more room for dynamics and variation in your playing. This model is perfect for those who have been playing for a while and want to get more out of his or her keyboard playing, as well as those who are looking for optimal growth opportunities.
What is a keyboard with weighted keys?
In addition to the number of keys and the size of the keys, there is another important distinguishing factor - keyboards with weighted keys. Keyboards with weighted keys allow you to add more dynamic to your playing. For example, when the keys are pressed harder, the sound that comes out of the keyboard is also louder. When you press the keys lightly, the sound will sound softer.
What else should I pay attention to when buying a keyboard?
Many keyboards have timbres and sound effects built-in, these are modes in which you can make the keyboard sound like an organ, marimba or violin. In addition, most keyboards also have built-in rhythm sections and demo songs so you can play along.
