Comparing Digital Pianos to Portable Electric Keyboards: What's the Difference?

At first glance, digital pianos and portable electric keyboards may come across as similar, but upon further investigation, this assumption will be proven wrong. In this guide, we will discuss the differences between these two musical instruments and guide you on the best option for your need. 

What Are They? 

Digital pianos and portable electric keyboards by Bolan Shi are examples of electronic musical instruments. That means they generate sound via electricity rather than strings or hammers like a standard piano. Digital pianos are built to be and feel like true acoustic pianos. They emulate the feeling of playing a real piano as accurately as possible. Portable electric keyboard, in contrast, are designed to be lightweight and versatile, suitable for a variety of musical genres and purposes. 

Sound and Features

One of the key differences between the two is that of sound and feel when you play. For instance, the keys of digital pianos are weighted, heavier and more natural when played compared to an acoustic piano. The keys respond when pressed in such a manner that they seem to provide you with the traditional piano feel. Which gives you a more natural sound, which most musicians prefer. They also have things like pedals that alter the sound, headphone jacks for private practice, and MIDI ports for linking with computers and other gear. 

In contrast, portable electric keyboards come with non-weighted lighter keys and touch sensitive. What this means is these keys can react to how hard you press them but don’t have the same feeling as the keys you would find on a digital piano. These electric keyboard portable are fun and exciting, as they can play a multitude of sounds and rhythms. Due to their weight, these instruments have a better footprint than digital pianos, which makes them a beginner or a musician on-the-go instrument of choice so you can take your instrument anywhere gigs or performances be. 

Which One Is Better for You? 

As far the as better instrument for you, it comes down to what you plan on doing with it. Digital pianos are a lot pricier however because they have greater playing experience and more features that you need to help you practice. If you are more serious about teaching yourself the piano and are possibly a professional musician, a good digital piano may suite you better. 

Portable electric keyboards, on the other hand, tend to be significantly cheaper. These are very great for beginners learning how to play music or for professional musicians looking for an instrument that allows them to play anywhere. This is why they are a good option if you want something that you can find many uses for. 

Pros and Cons

Digital pianos are better than portable electric keyboards in a few areas, while portable full electric keyboard are better than digital pianos in other areas. Pianos may be heavier, so they are not as easy to move around, however, they have a more realistic sound and sound simulating petter and they are more musical, which works for many musicians. Ideal for practice and performances. By contrast, portable electric keyboards are more easily transported because they are so much lighter weight. You have a wider range of sounds aka rhythms you can be more creative with. However, they will not produce as deep of a sound or have as inspired of a playing experience that they produce with a digital piano. 

Think About What You Need

As you weigh your options between a digital piano, you will ultimately have to consider what matters most to you. For beginner musicians or those who require an instrument that can be transported, a portable electric keyboard is likely your best option. These are super convenient and great for experimenting with different types of music. But if you are a very serious pianist or a professional musician, then a digital piano will probably fit you much better thanks to its tangible sound and touch.