NU-X 88-Key Digital Piano
A practical digital piano with graded hammer action (fully weighted) and 88 keys, best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play.
Digital Piano vs Keyboard: What's the Difference?
Digital pianos and keyboards look similar but are built for different purposes. This guide explains the key differences so you buy the right instrument for learning piano or making music.
Quick verdict
Choose a digital piano to learn and play piano - it has 88 fully-weighted keys and an authentic piano sound and feel. Choose a keyboard for versatility, portability and lots of sounds and rhythms at a lower price, but with lighter, usually unweighted keys. If piano technique is your goal, a digital piano is the right tool; if you want a fun, flexible all-rounder, a keyboard suits.
Keys and feel
This is the core difference. A digital piano has fully-weighted, hammer-action keys that mimic an acoustic piano and build proper technique. A keyboard usually has lighter, unweighted (synth-action) keys, which are easier to press but do not develop the finger strength and control piano playing needs. For learning piano, the weighted action of a digital piano matters most.
Sound and purpose
A digital piano focuses on authentic acoustic piano sound (plus a few related voices), aimed at playing piano well. A keyboard offers hundreds of voices, rhythms and backing features, aimed at versatility and fun across styles. Neither is better overall - it depends whether you want to play piano properly or explore many sounds and accompaniments.
Keys count and size
Digital pianos almost always have the full 88 keys; keyboards often have 61 or 76, saving space and cost. For piano learning, 88 keys let you play the full repertoire; for casual or portable music-making, fewer keys can be fine. Consider whether you need the full range or prefer a smaller, lighter instrument.
Which to choose
Pick a digital piano if you want to learn and play piano with proper technique and an authentic feel. Pick a keyboard if you want versatility, lots of sounds, portability and a lower price, and are not focused on classical piano technique. Many beginners who are serious about piano are better served by a weighted digital piano from the start.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a keyboard to learn piano, then missing weighted keys.
- Choosing a digital piano when you wanted lots of sounds and rhythms.
- Getting 61 keys when piano repertoire needs 88.
- Judging either on voice count rather than core purpose.
- Confusing semi-weighted keyboards with true weighted pianos.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Yamaha
A practical digital piano with graded hammer action (fully weighted), best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play.
#3 
Yamaha
A practical digital piano with graded hammer action (fully weighted) and 88 keys, best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play.
#4 
Roland
A practical digital piano with 88 keys, best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play.
#5 
Eastar 88-Key Digital Piano
A practical digital piano with fully weighted hammer-action keys and 88 keys, best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play.
#6 
Yamaha YDP-S35
A practical digital piano with graded hammer action (fully weighted) and 88 keys, best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a digital piano and a keyboard?
A digital piano has 88 fully-weighted keys and an authentic piano sound and feel, built for learning piano. A keyboard usually has lighter, unweighted keys and many voices and rhythms, built for versatility and fun at a lower price.
Should I buy a digital piano or a keyboard to learn piano?
A digital piano, if piano technique is your goal - its fully-weighted, hammer-action keys build the finger strength and control piano needs. A keyboard suits versatility and casual music-making but lacks the realistic weighted feel.
Can you learn piano on a keyboard?
You can start, but a keyboard's lighter, unweighted keys do not build proper piano technique. For serious learning, a digital piano with 88 fully-weighted keys is far better, as it mimics an acoustic piano's feel.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the NU-X 88-Key Digital Piano (our score 9.5/10) - A practical digital piano with graded hammer action (fully weighted) and 88 keys, best judged on how the keys feel for the way you play..