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Yamaha YPT 270 Review
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Our website is divided into two main sections: Keyboard reviews, and Blogs. Let us help you find the best music keyboard for you, and teach you a bit of music history, (and how to practice!) along the way. Welcome!
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Pianos Under $100
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Lightweight enough to be portable
- The sounds are highly editable- from velocity to range, the samples can be adjusted however you like
- Performances can have up to 16 parts
- Excellent for music production or live performances
- It has loads of functions- so youâll only ever need one keyboard
- Supports aftertouch
- Everything can be done from the touchscreen
- It supports MIDI
- All the FX are can be used at the same time- the instrument is truly that powerful
- Has a sustain pedal input that supports half-pedaling
- It has more flash memory than the MODX7
- Both sound engines integrate/ can be combined together really easily
- The sound engine is the same as more expensive models like the Montage
- Itâs a synth with GHS variable weight
- The MODX OS
- The price has come down almost 2k since its release, meaning it is more affordable than ever before
- Itâs extremely easy to use with- and as some say, without a lot of having to âfiddleâ
- It doesnât have gobs of polyphony
- No speakers
- It doesnât feel quite as expensive as it is (in regards to the shell/chassis)
- By extension, there are other keyboard synths out there in this price range that feel more solid (however this means youâd compromise portability)
- Some buyers have had pitchwheel issues- but luckily this isnât probably going to cost that much to fix
- Side note: The weight listed on Amazon is incorrect
- The instrument is reportedly a bit buggy when used with Cubase
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The price is right- for those looking to get an instrument for a student/someone who may not âstick with itâ for a long time
- Itâs very portable
- The build is good
- The speakers are powerful, especially given their relatively small size
- There are learning features inside
- Features like Smart Chord and auto accompaniment make it easy for beginners to get a full sound while playing
- It has hundreds of voices in the sound engine, including FX and drum kits (which I didnât anticipate for the price point)
- The silly voices will keep the young ones entertained!
- You can attach a sustain pedal
- It has an LCD screen, but it isnât backlit
- The polyphony is pretty low
- The recorder can only capture short musical moments
- Some buyers have found that their keyboard doesnât have a middle c that is in the middle
- Itâs hard to be expressive on it from note to note
- It isnât MIDI-compatible- So you canât connect it to your DAW
- Lack of storage overall- in regards to both recording and slots
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Itâs very portable
- Has a variety of sounds that are functional enough for a beginner
- It is MIDI-compatible, so you can record with it
- It folds
- Itâs economical
- It is very easy to set up and use
- Bluetooth Compatible
- App-compatible
- As expected, the samples could be better
- Low speaker volume- Not a lot of âumphâ
- I have some concerns about the piano folding along with the electronics
- The MIDI wasnât reliable for all of the customers and others had some issues with the keys
- No stand included- So one will need to be purchased separately
- No polyphony listed- And it certainly isnât 256 notes
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- You get what you pay for⊠And with the Summit, you get a pro-grade instrument
- The effects onboard are studio-grade
- There are many, many ways to explore sound on the model
- The keys are semi-weighted and feel really nice
- The sounds it can make are very versatile
- It has more notes than other comparable models like Novationâs Peak
- The instrument excels at producing big aka âfatâ synth tones
- There are more front panel controls than older Novation models
- Includes new filters onboard
- External audio can be run through the filters (unlike some comparable models)
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- There are tons of buttons- Making it a favorite for music âmaximalistsâ
- The instrument is complex to use
- You canât set mod slots as destinations
- Itâs expensive
- Some musicians found the number of voices was too limited for them
- The type of aftertouch it has is global aftertouch
$150-300
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Itâs a full-sized, economical starting piano
- Comes with a nice package!
- You can still be dynamically expressive on it (touch sensitivity)
- The piano tones are impressive
- It has onboard speakers
- The speakers are clear and pleasant-sounding
- The connectivity is good for the price
- The semi-weighted touch is quite light
- Not much power or bass in the instrument
- No bench is included in the package
- The entire onboard setup is all buttons (no sliders, no number pad, no pitchwheel)
- The rhythms are a bit cheesy/toy-ish
- Similarly, some of the sounds are low-quality
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- While it doesnât feel pro is certainly feels better than some of the other older cheap CT models
- Class-compliant (USB/MIDI)
- It has a recorder
- The speakers have a lot of bass
- Economical (comes at a great price for the value)
- Has an eye-catching (Dare I say Nord-like?!) red color
- Great for beginners
- Made by a reputable brand
- You can wear it
- The tones are pretty good for the price, and there is a nice variety
- Optional battery power (6xAA)
- The keybed has a tiny bit of weight for being labeled as unweighted
- Speakers arenât very powerful
- Not many tones
- Smaller than a full-sized piano
- You will outgrow it more quickly than a lot of $500+ models (in my personal opinion)
- No power supply cord- Runs on batteries only
- Costs extra to get the sustain pedal
- Iâm not sure how long it will hold up for
- No LED screen onboard, so the tones may be difficult to navigate for some users
- Keyfeel could be better
- Not very ideal for classical players
- A bit toyish overall
- No dance music mode like some of the other Casios
- Only 1 onboard song (other CT-models have a nice handful)
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The keys are full-sized and have a bit of weight to them
- Itâs portable
- It includes everything you need to get started
- It has a decent amount of polyphony
- The keys are balanced
- Can be used as a MIDI controller
- The included stand doesnât seem to be the sturdiest
- The sustain pedal feels cheap
- Fewer voices than the Rockjam 54
- Not very much power behind these speakers
- The price varies a fair bit
- The sound samples arenât really that good
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The most basic piano tone sounds good, no⊠great for the price!
- The keys are sensitive
- There are enough keys to play some actual rep (unlike smaller toy pianos)
- The price is right
- The speakers arenât very big
- It simply wonât suit pros!
$300-500
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- This model is set up to give you enormous bass sounds
- Mono synths give you a different creative result than writing on poly synths
- Light enough to wear on your person
- Portable yet packs a punch
- It has a large variety of sounds
- Great for studios/songwriting/live performances
- It has aftertouch
- Patches are easy to tweak/fine-tune
- Capable of unique sounds and effects, such as portamento
- It can play up to two notes at a time with the new update
- Itâs monophonic (unless you get the 2.5 version with the paraphonic upgrade)
- Itâs over 10 years since its release
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Itâs a space saver
- It costs a relatively small amount
- It has (surprisingly) good reviews online, and seems to be well-liked
- It has a dust proof flip-cover, which helps protect the keys
- Has a full-sized keyboard that has some weight to it
- Assembly tools included in the package
- Oftentimes, thereâs an $80 coupon available for the item on Amazon
- The polyphony is reasonable for a beginner
- It is for sale at Walmart, which is never a good sign for a musical instrumentâŠunless itâs a kiddie recorder (then maybeâŠmaybe)
- Built quality could be better - weâre not sure it will stand the test of time
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- This instrument bridges the gap between a toy piano and a real one
- Offers multiple color choices
- Has a functional lid
- Stereo-sampled grand piano sounds inside- The tones are excellent
- Optional battery power
- It has a phenomenal battery life of 15 hours
- Compatible with a pedal switch and damper pedal
- Makes for a really cool gift for a kid or music enthusiast
- It even has a vocoder on it
- The mini keys can be hard to play
- The wattage is pretty meek- The sound wouldnât fill a room
- It doesnât integrate well with DAWs anymore
- The lid doesnât really do much for the sound since the instrument is digital
- Not really intended for recording with
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- It has all of the capabilities youâd expect of a basic MIDI controller
- Great for those looking to record 2 hands at the same time- Such as for pianists who want to do studio recordings (but it can be used for recording other 2-hand arrangements, too!)
- Works great with reason and other DAWS
- It comes with software
- Easy to use
- Semi-weighted keys without aftertouch donât please everyone
- The instrument does not support an expression pedal
- Doesnât work as well with some programs
- No speakers since itâs a controller
$500-1000
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The style of the onboard buttons is easy to navigate
- It is a space-saver
- It includes the renowned CFX grand sample
- Includes key-off samples, which makes the pianos sound more real
- This model is even more compact than before
- It has a sturdy build
- Available in both black and white so you can make it match your aesthetic!
- The newly designed cabinet which looks more modern than before
- It has app compatibility
- Textured black keys- Unusual to find in this price range!
- Itâs an ideal full-featured model for beginners
- Reasonably priced
- The onboard recorder is only one track
- Some musicians report that this model has lighter keys than the P-125
- Not many sounds for those who like non-piano voice
- Furthermore, the string and other non-pianos tones donât have a wow factor
- No texture on the white keys
- No other effects besides reverb
- GHC is not the same as GHS
- The keys are a bit short for intermediate players and up
- Not many accessories included (stand, bench, etc)
- The soundbank wasnât updated much from model to model (P-225)
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Loads of sounds for the price
- It has an internal recorder
- There are many ways to inspire budding composers and singer-songwriters
- Most importantly, itâs fun!
- No Bluetooth audio or MIDI
- Not much polyphony outside the grand piano tones
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Itâs portable/ light and easy to move
- The stand is easy to assemble!
- It has two included effects
- The speakers sound good for the size
- The grand piano tones are lovely
- Itâs pretty compact
- The action is just ok
- Most packages donât come with a bench
- There are only a handful of sounds
- There is only one headphone jack
- The polyphony is a bit low
- There is no onboard recorder
- The speakers arenât very powerful when compared to mid-range pianos
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The sounds are amazing
- The wood cabinet is aesthetically pleasing
- The keybed has triple sensors, which pick up nuance
- Similarly, the synthetic ebony and ivory textured keys are non-slip
- The bench is included, giving you more bang for your buck!
- It has more polyphony and better sounds than the last model
- Itâs hard to move
- There arenât that many sounds
- The MIDI recorder is minimalist with its two-track capabilities
$1000+
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- It supports aftertouch
- The user interface is extremely easy to use
- Extremely slim and portable
- It has a huge amount of polyphony
- The piano works extremely well as a controller
- The UX Logic interface is easy to navigate
- There are no wheels, only pitch and mod sticks, which some users find unpleasant, tactile-wise
- No speakers because it is a stage piano
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- It boasts a malleable range of sounds and features (itâs very versatile!)
- Loads of controls (could be a pro or con depending on your preferences, but I love maximalist keyboard instruments personally)
- A plethora of drawbars
- Includes orchestral instruments
- Itâs surprisingly light and portable
- Itâs an organ that doubles as a piano
- Available in 3 colors- black, grey and white
- The display is bright and large- making it easy for farsighted musicians like me to navigate!
- 200 total combinations on the instrument
- Excels at being a portable, high-quality organ
- You can attach a real Leslie to it as well (doing this disables the digital/virtual Leslie onboard)
- It is small (and the price is quite high given that it only has 61 keys)
- No single button for FX (some players prefer buttons for FX rather than looking through the menus on the screen)
- Not as good of a synth instrument as the Roland Phantom
- By extension, it isnât as versatile as most stage pianos
- The onboard buttons/ navigate may feel a bit complex/daunting- especially for hobbyists
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The sounds on the instrument are largely editable
- The piano tones are almost indistinguishable from that of an acoustic
- It feels sturdy but is also portable
- It has an organ sound engine, which can be hard to find in a digital stage piano
- Itâs portable- And makes taking the sound and feel of a lush piano with you possible
- It has physical controllers like a synth would
- It has loads of effects that make live performances sparkle
- It has an SD slot for expansion
- Itâs an aesthetically pleasing instrument with light-up controls that are easy to see in the dark
- Itâs versatile, preset-wise
- The buttons make it aesthetically look like a synthesizer
- No speakers onboard so youâll have to purchase external amplification if you donât already have it on hand
- The touch screen is small and harder to navigate than the SP7 Grandâs
- Some players donât care for the Medeli keybed
- The build quality is good, but not as good as the step-up
- Not all the sounds are equally as good as the pianos and strings
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The key feel and responsiveness are excellent
- The package is a great deal- it comes with a matching bench and stand
- It has two kinds of headphone inputs- so itâs easy to plug in with whatever you have on hand (earbuds, or studio headphones)
- It has high polyphony for the price
- It has more recording options than keyboards that are on the market for twice the price
- Includes a built-in 3-pedal unit
- It is app-compatible
- It comes with Bluetooth
- The con with this instrument is that you donât get very many sounds onboard
- Also, the speakers arenât that large. If youâre planning on playing out youâre not going to be able to use the instrument's speakers (you will need extra amplification)
- No LCD screen
- No black key texture
- The onboard recorder has a lot of note capacity, but not many tracks
Piano Types
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are instruments that are designed to be lighter than traditional pianos but have a heavy keybed (usually, graded hammer, or at least semi-weighted). Because they are designed to imitate acoustic pianos, they also typically have 88 full-sized keys. Though, it is common to find makes that are considered âslimlineâ which means that the piano itself is smaller, without compromising the width of the keys themselves. Slimline is usually in reference to the depth of the piano. Slimline digital pianos are highly sought-after, because they fit so well into small spaces like apartments, and sometimes, bigger dorms.
Side note: A lot of people think keyboards = digital pianos, but thatâs not exactly correct. While people often throw around the term âkeyboardâ and use it for any piano-like instrument, a keyboard is technically a portable piano that you would take around gigging. (Now, even I call digital pianos keyboards sometimes, so donât come for me! AnywaysâŠ).
There are three main types of digital pianos: Upright, Digital, and Stage. Digital uprights, like regular upright pianos, are designed to lean again the wall. This type of piano would traditionally stay stationary in a living room, so you wouldnât take it with you for a coffee shop gig. Weâd recommend the Yamaha YDP-144. Standard Digitals are (typically) economical pianos that have weighted keys and are designed to be more portable than acoustic pianos. Weâd recommend Yamahaâs P (portable) line or Casios PX Privia line.
The last large subsection of digital pianos are stage pianos. Stage pianos are digital pianos that are designed to be played on a stage (how fitting! ). We will cover more on-stage pianos later in this section.
Portable Pianos
As the name suggests, portable pianos are designed for musicians on the go. Oftentimes, portable pianos are smaller than standard digitals. They might have 61, 66, 72, and sometimes, 88 keys. Portable pianos are built with…You guessed it! Portability, in mind. Hence, the materials it will be made out of will be lighter (oftentimes, it is comprised of plastics). There are portable digital pianos, synthesizers, and other sub-types of keyboards that fall into this category. Weâd recommend the Yamaha P-45 for starters.
Stage Pianos
Stage pianos are digital pianos designed for stage performances. These keyboards are usually used in jazz and pop music performances. They are built extremely sturdy, so they can handle the wear and tear from going on the road. Most all stage pianos are full-sized, with 88 keys. We would recommend stage keyboards for gigging keyboards who are intermediate to pro.
Stage keyboards are mainly used live. They almost always have graded hammer action. If you need an instrument for live performances with a band, consider this type of keyboard. While some people call these âportable pianosâ stage pianos are usually of a higher caliber than just regular portable keyboards. And, as we mentioned earlier, weâd highly recommend the Nord Stage 3! Other great stage pianos include Yamaha CPs.
Keep in mind that stage pianos seldom have built-in speakers, which makes them pretty unideal for music newbies.
Syntesizers
According to Britannica.com, a synthesizer is a âmachine that electronically generates and modifies sounds, frequently with the use of a digital computer. Synthesizers are used for the composition of electronic music and in live performance.âÂ
Synthesizers, or synths, for short, can be found in music from post-punk to new wave, and rock to electronic music (and of course, synth-pop!). Theyâre versatile instruments that are frequently talked about in the world of music. There are many different types of synths, but of course, we will mostly be covering the ones that look (and feel) like pianos). One unusual feature that you will often find in synths and not digital pianos are sound engines with different timbres. These instrumentals are called âmulti-timbralâ. There are also two main types of synths: Analog, and digital
Analog
Analog technology means that there is a continuous (physical) signal. If something is analog, it is not digital. If you delve into synths, youâll also probably hear the term âAnalog modelingâ. Musicians also use the term VA for this, (or rather, virtual analog). According to Wikipedia.org  âAn analog modeling synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using DSP components and software algorithms. Analog modeling synthesizers simulate the behavior of the original electric and electronic circuitry in order to digitally replicate their tone.â So, an analog modeling synth is not a true analog synthesizer, but rather, a simulation of one! Now, more about digital synths.
Digital
Digital is a type of signal that is binary. Largely, the synthesizers that you will find on the market today. That being said, some synths do have both digital and analog capabilities. These ones are typically more expensive. I would personally recommend this synthesizer made by Korg, called the Nautilis. It is a digital synthesizer that has analog modeling, and a whopping 9 sound engines to keep you busy!
MIDI Keyboards
MIDI keyboards, by definition, are keyboards that have a MIDI output built inside of them. These are also known as controller keyboards, The biggest âproâ to this type of keyboard is that it can quickly and accurately send (musical) information over to other (digital) music devices, or computers. While some regular digital pianos have a MIDI out, others do not. If the main feature you want is a MIDI output, consider getting a MIDI keyboard. Some MIDI keyboards are only an octave because their main purpose is to help composers, producers, and arrangers get the notes into their computers. Other MIDI keyboards/controllers are more hybrid instruments, that work well in love performances as well. You can connect MIDI keyboards to DAWâs, or, digital audio workstations. One of the most basic (free!) DAWâs is Garageband. MIDI keyboards can be hooked up to pretty much any DAW, be it Logic, Reason, FL Studios, or Ableton!
Please note that many MIDI keyboards are only an octave or two, because their purpose is to help producers input music. While there are full-sized MIDI controller keyboards, the bigger they are, the morse expensive! Iâd recommend full-sized MIDI keyboards for those who are both looking to learn how to perform, and produce, whereas Iâd recommend little one-octave MIDI controllers for those looking for an easier way to input musical information. (Thereâs not much repertoire you can teach yourself on a one-octave keyboard!).
A Sidenote on the Term âKeyboardsâ: The term âkeyboardâ typically refers to an unweighted digital instrument. Whereas the term âkeyboard playerâ seems to refer to just about any pianist who plays outside of the classical genres (think pop, rock, blues, etc). The Rockjam models of keyboards are certainly keyboard keyboards- Small lightweight instruments with unweighted keyboards that are just enough to get you started.Â
Meet Your Writer
![best-piano-keyboards-aleah-fitzwater Aleah Fitzwater is the main writer of Best Piano Keyboards](https://bestpianokeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/thumbs_dir/best-piano-keyboards-aleah-fitzwater-pyv4l07humi9iogb75kgpm0ns075ipgyey8rvohczk.jpg)
Hey there! Iâm Aleah. I am a writer here at BPK. I keep you up to date on things like the newest and hottest top ten piano keyboards and teach you what music terms like escapement and PHA mean. I am a licensed music educator based in the midwest US. I hold PK-12 teaching licensed in the state of Ohio. I have experience teaching elementary school music, concert band, and jazz band. The main two instruments that I perform on are flute and piano.Â
When Iâm not writing about music, I often jotting down new sonic ideas in my home recording studio. You can also listen to my classical flute covers and songwriting on Spotify!Â
You can listen to some of my projects here.
You can also find my other writing at Scanscore.com and Aleahfitzwater.com. When Iâm not doing something music-related, Iâm probably reading a fantasy novel, cooking, or gardening.
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How to Select The Best Keyboard For You
The process of selecting the best piano for you can be a tricky one. But donât worry, weâre here to help. But keep in mind that the way we go about selecting the best portable keyboard greatly depends on what type of keyboard weâre looking at. Hereâs what to look for in a piano keyboard.Â
- Something that suits you or the player youâll be giving it to
- Something has the capabilities required of the genres youâre interested in
- An instrument that is within your budget
Now, itâs time to ask yourself some questions. Who, what, and where are good places to start.Â
- Who am I getting this instrument for?
- What am I using this keyboard for?
- Where am I (or the intended player) going to play the piano?
Other essential preliminary questions are:Â
- What type of genres am I interested in learning how to play?Â
- What is the best keyboard to buy for my current budget?
In the following section, I will go into greater detail regarding prices, deals, and how to decide what features you want in a piano, versus what you actually need. Get ready for some musical lingo, because Iâm about to teach you the ABCs of purchasing pianos, from aftertouch to PHA!Â
Price:
Speaking of price, be sure to live below your means. That is, buy the nicest you can afford, but not nicer than you afford. The addition of things like graded hammer action, more sound banks, and better speakers are all common reasons why the price of an instrument goes up
Consider what type of keybed you will want. Do you want to have your student learn a few basic pop or folk melodies, and thatâs it? Or, are you sure you are going to play Rachmaninov as your end goal? This will make all the difference in where your price range will fall. That being said, I do have a small tip that will help you save some of that hard-earned cash. You can strike a deal with one of our affiliates.Â
Striking a Deal at Sweetwater
We have partnered with Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Amazon. While all of the following are great instrument dealers, I want to let you in on a little secret. If you are a loyal Sweetwater customer, you can actually call your respective Sweetwater representative and ask if there are any deals going on. While this probably wonât work if you havenât purchased from them before, itâs certainly worth a try. The last time I talked with my Sweetwater representative, he said that he could give me 10% off any saxophone. Remember- It can never hurt to ask!
Decide on Your Accessories
One way to decide what keyboard is best for you is to consider which accessories are essential, and which ones you just want. If the piano is for a student, included learning tools are probably at the top of your list.
Ask yourself- Do you need a stand? (or are you just going to play it on the table). Do you want external speakers and headphones in the package? Or do you have all the extras, and you just want to get the best base keyboard or piano that you can possibly get. This âaccessories firstâ approach seems a little backward, but I find it very helpful.
Consider Software and Built-in Extras
Also, be sure to consider software and built-in extras. Are you going to need a keyboard that you will be able to score movies on or overdub? Will light-up keys help you learn faster? All of the above are other great things to consider. Think about the bells and the whistles. Now, onto the technical stuff.Â
Types of Keybeds
- Unweighted
- Semi-weightedÂ
- Touch-sensitive
- Graded hammer action (GHA)
- Graded Hammer Standard (GHS)
- Progressive Hammer Action (PHA)
- Touch Sensitive
Unweighted keybeds have no heft to them. You simply press them down. All the keys will feel exactly the same. Unweighted keyboards arenât necessarily âcheapâ keyboards, but they can be. High-end MIDI keyboards and synths are usually also unweighted.Â
One example of a high-end keyboard instrument without full weight is the Nord Wave 2. It is semi-weighted.Â
According to Sweetwater.com, Semi-weighted was an action that was first developed by synth makers. Semi-weighted keyboards combine the spring-loaded mechanism of synth actions with the addition of light weights attached to each key, similar to those found in weighted action or hammer action keyboards. Now, onto hammer action!Â
Touch sensitivity is a feature that adds to the realism of a piano. The harder you press the key, the louder the sound, and the softer you press the key, the quieter the sound. Better unweighted keyboards almost always have touch sensitivity, because it helps add expression like more clear articulations and dynamics. Please note that touch sensitivity and weighted keys are two different things. All weighted keys are touch-sensitive, but not vice versa.Â
Touch-sensitive keyboards are responsive in a different way than weighted keyboards. Instruments can be unweighted but still have touch sensitivity. Adjustable touch sensitivity is ideal, especially if you are planning on sharing this piano with multiple people.Â
Another notable point to touch on is the number of sensors. The more sensors a digital piano has, the more accurately it will respond to your touch. By that I mean, with every note, you press down on the keys. Some keyboards are less responsive to the pressure that you put down, whereas others are more sensitive. The more sensors that are built into the keybed itself, the more accurately the technology can pick up on your slight dynamic difference. Thus, a three-senor keyboard is the most ideal.Â
Graded hammer action or GHA means that the lower notes have more resistance to them than the higher notes. This is how acoustic pianos feel. You may start seeing hybrid keys or wooden keys in pianos with this type of action and above. You can think of graded hammer action as the lowest common denominator when it comes to the hammer action.Â
The best action simulates how it feels for a real wooden key to bounce off the string in acoustic pianos. HA, or hammer action is what piano makers refer to when they are talking about the replication of the physical hammers hitting the strings. To me, the best music keyboard is one that has some weight to it.
According to Yamaha.com, Graded hammer standard is a great type of action for beginning players. It helps students get used to the weight, and build finger strength. Graded hammer standard is a type of hammer action that GH, GHS, and GH3 are all types of graded hammer action that are Yamaha-specific. As you learn more about the different brands with us, youâll pick up on the different names, and learn about the subtle differences between the feel of a Yamaha with graded hammer action, versus a Roland with graded hammer action.Â
PHA, or progressive hammer action, can be separated into the following subcategories:Â
- PHA
- PHA-2
- PHA-3
- PHA-4
- PHA-50Â
Progressive hammer action is a type of hammer action. The acronym PHA stands for progressive hammer action. If you see PHA with no number next to it, then that means that the piano has the most basic type of progressive hammer action. Please note that PHA and GHs are different.Â
Many experienced players say that PHA-4 is a fair bit better than graded hammer action. There are also many sub-categories of PHA4 that you may see, depending on the company. Please note that not all are made equal. For example, PHA-4 Standard is not as good as the PHA-4 Concert in Roland series pianos. All PHA actions are not better than graded hammer actions, so, be sure to try before you buy.
PHA5 is the newest type of action out there. The company Roland has been using this action for several years now.Â
Key Textures and Materials
- Synthetic ebony
- Synthetic Ivory (Ivory Feel)
- Wood keys
- Plastic keys
- Hybrid keys
Synthetic ebony and synthetic ivory aim to replicate the feeling of vintage pianos, which were made of ivory (from the tusks of elephants), and ebony (from a dense type of wood.) While no one makes new pianos with ivory anymore (at least, legally), you can find some instruments made with real ebony keys.Â
Some digital pianos have wooden keys which have been coated in plastic. Keys can also be double layered. It is common to find both double-layer wood and plastic, as well as double-layer plastic.
The feel of the instrument is also largely dependent on the materials it is made of. In my opinion, the best piano keyboards have wood built into the keys (but keep in mind that these types of instruments are not usually very portable!). Now that weâve talked about what to look for in a piano keyboard, letâs cover a few other piano terms you should know.
Other Terms You Should Know:
- Aftertouch
- Pivot Action
- Escapement
- Mechanical Noise Reduction
- VST
Aftertouch is a highly sought-after feature in MIDI controller keyboards in particular. This is because aftertouch has to do with how MIDI information is sent, after a player presses down the keys. You can ârouteâ this to a particular effect. You will primarily find aftertouch on unweighted, or semi-weighted keyboards
Pivot action has to do with the length of the key. Many digital pianos have what they call âshort pivot lengthsâ. These instruments are going to be hard to learn on if you are accustomed to playing acoustic pianos, as the high range on pianos with short pivot lengths often feels bizarre. . The longer the pivot, the more balanced the key feels, and thus, the easier (and more natural feeling) it is to play.Â
Escapement is the function that allows the hammer (which strikes the string) to come away from the string in a traditional piano. However, escapement in digital instruments is a little bit different. Escapement in digital pianos is the simulation of the feeling of that movement of what would be the hammer coming off the string. It might sound odd that players would want to feel that tiny little âpinkâ or âclunkâ vibration, but many players find the simulation to be satisfying, especially if they have recently switched over from acoustic to digital.Â
Mechanical Noise Reduction is a feature that helps reduce the noise that keys make. If youâve ever played on a cheap keyboard, you know how irritating and distracting that clicking noise can be. Roland is really great about adding mechanical noise reduction to their pianos.
Which Keyboard Will Suit Me?Â
We have given you a lot of music terms. Now, if youâre still not sure how the above features play into all of this, let me break it down a bit more. Here is a short guide on what keyboard generally suits what type of person, so that you can pick out some of the best piano keyboards for you.Â
Portable Keyboards
While many classical pianists want a full set of keys, this feature will weigh gigging musicians down. If you know youâll be taking your music on the go, a portable keyboard is a great place to start. For these models, I most value connections, and larger soundbanks, and take into account the sturdiness of the build. More economical, 66-key unweighted portable keyboards will also suit kids. If you arenât sure if the student will follow through with learning to read music, a little portable keyboard is a good way to get someone started without breaking the bank.
Workstation Keyboards
Workstation keyboards are powerful instruments that serve producers, performers, and composers alike. These instruments are usually decked out in effects, voices, and recording space. They best serve serious hobbyists up to professional players and are great for scoring movies.Â
Hybrid Keyboards
Hybrid keyboards seek to serve musicians who are looking for the best of both worlds. When I am looking at hybrid keyboards, I ask myself: Does it sound like an acoustic? Does it have the digital features I desire? Hybrid keyboards best serve classical musicians who are seeking the acousticsâ keyfeel.
Why go digital or hybrid?
By now, youâve probably noticed that almost all of the keyboards we review are digital / non-acoustic. Youâre probably asking yourself, âWhy not just get an acoustic?!â Acoustic instruments can be expensive, and difficult to move, thus making them inaccessible to most people. Hybrid pianos ofter offer players the best of both worlds when it comes to moveability, and quality. Not to mention, conventional pianos need professionally tuned every year. Digital pianos never go out of tune! Itâs one of the many reasons why I love my own Yamaha DGX.Â
Best Keyboard Brands
Some of the best keyboard brands that you will find out there are (in no particular order):Â
- Nord
- Roland
- Yamaha
- Casio
- Korg
- Kawai
While there are other good brands out there, these household names are some of the cream of the crop. Our top-rated piano keyboards fall into most of these brands.
Brands to avoid
These brands didnât make it to our top-rated piano keyboards lists:
- Rockjam
- Williams
While Rockjam keyboards are fun and cheap and a good way to get started, this brand produces a lot of low-quality instruments that we feel wonât list. Williams pianos are the best piano keyboard either if weâre being honest. Although there is one that we do recommend to beginners in one of our reviews on this site. As a general rule, these two brands arenât our go-toâs.
A Keyboard for Every Scenario
Here at Best Piano Keyboards, we believe we can find a keyboard for everyone, at every level, and, in every price range! I am going to walk you through the following scenarios, and how to pick out the best piano keyboards for each:
- I am a parent looking for a piano for my child
- I am an adult beginner looking for a pianoÂ
- I am a beginner to intermediate looking for a piano to just mess around on
- I am an intermediate looking for a piano
- I am a student going to school for music, looking for a piano
- I am a producer looking for a MIDI keyboard or synth
- I am a professional performer looking for a synth
I am a parent looking for a piano for my child
If you are a parent looking for a piano to purchase as a gift, your first task is to figure out how serious your student is going to be. If you arenât sure, start out with a piano in our lower price tiers (either Under $150, or $150-300).Â
If you know that you are going to be signing your student up for classical lessons, you need to be sure you get a full-sized, 88-key piano with fully weighted, GHS keys.Â
I am an adult beginner looking for a piano
Are you an adult beginner, or an adult who is looking to come back to piano? Then a full-sized digital piano with some weight of touch sensitivity, and many learning tools, is probably the best type of instrument for you.Â
I am a beginner to intermediate looking for a piano to just mess around on
Do you want an instrument âjust to play around on?â Well, no judgment here! If youâre looking for a keyboard to play around with, my best guess is that you are going to want a portable instrument wit all the fun bells and whistles (including a pitch-bend knob!).
I am an intermediate looking for a piano upgrade
If you are an intermediate in the market for a piano upgrade, consider getting a full-sized instrument with PHA-4 weight, and a bit stronger speakers. If you donât have a sustain pedal, now is a good time to consider one. Youâll need less in the way of learning tools, and more in the way of high-quality sounds, action, and larger speakers.Â
I am a student going to school for music, and I need a digital piano
Are you a student going to school for music education, conducting, music performance, or contemporary music? Then youâll probably want a piano to live in your home. Upright pianos or stage pianos are an excellent option. But if youâre a freshman, you probably donât need all that. Consider something in our $300-$500 tier, that is slimline.Â
I am a composer looking for a full-featured digital piano
If you are a composer looking for a piano, then youâre going to want an instrument with a lot of storage space, and layers upon layers of tracks in the record function.Â
With this keyboard, you can score films and overdub just about anything you like. Your DAW is built inside, which will save you a lot of time. The Kawaii CA-99 is one of my favorite instruments in this category. It is one of the best piano keyboards on the market when it comes to scoring and overdubbing.
I am a producer looking for a MIDI keyboard or synth
If you have got your heart set on the production side of things, that is vastly going to change what type of keyboard you need. Unlike many of these other scenarios, you will need something with aftertouch and a MIDI out, rather than a traditional digital piano that was designed to mimic an acoustic. The best piano keyboards in this category have a lot of connections.
I am a professional performer looking for an instrument for electronic music,
Are you ready to get your EDM on? Just kidding, thereâs a lot that you can do with synths (EDM included, of course!). If youâre a pro performing looking for a synth, youâll definitely need something with aftertouch, and touch sensitivity. Connectivity is going to be your best friend. And the more high-quality sound engines, the better. The Yamaha Genos (synth) is a great option, as well as some of the Casio CT (keyboards).
Iâm going to break down this guide to finding the best piano keyboards for performance even further.Â
I am a rock keyboardist looking for a keyboard instrument
A 76-key keyboard is a good balance between having enough keys and having a light enough instruments. A keyboard that is being used for rock isnât going to need to pass my so-called Rachmaninoff test (Or rather, ROCKmaninoff test, get it?! AnywhoâŠ) because you probably wonât be using the full range of the keyboard most of the time- Youâll more than likely be hovering closer to middle C. The best piano keyboards for you are also going to have a wide variety of sounds, such as strings, organs, and maybe even drum kits!
I am a jazz keyboardist looking for a keyboard instrument to take gigging
For both rock and jazz keyboards alike, the quality of sounds in an instrument is going to be integral.Â
I would highly recommend the Nord Stage 3, specifically because of its organ sounds. It is one of the best piano keyboards for organ simulations.
GHS or PHA weight is going to be a big must-have for you as well. Expression, expression, expression in soloing!Â
I am an experimental artist in need of a keyboardÂ
If you are an experimental artist youâre going to be in need of a digital instrument with a really diverse and large soundbank. A recording function, pedals, and a pitch bend wheel are also at the top of the list.Â
As for weight and size, that is a bit more up for debate. if you are performing out a lot, youâll probably want to go with something with aftertouch or touch sensitivity, rather than a fully-weighted, full-sized keyboard.Â
The more sounds, the better. Korg PA4X has excellent eastern sounds and has over 1800 total voices, hands down it is one of the best piano keyboards for experimental artists.
I am a classical pianist looking for a digital instrumentÂ
If you are a classical pianist looking for a digital instrument, youâre probably looking for a space saver because you canât fit a full-sized instrument inside of your living space. Also, digital pianos are usually more economical, so this is a win-win!Â
I would recommend a full-sized hybrid piano with GHA or PHA-4 (or 5), wooden keys, and as many acoustic simulations as possible (escapement,key-off, etc).
Best Piano Keyboards: Our Mission
Our mission with this project is to provide you with honest, down-to-earth piano reviews. If we donât care for a piano, we arenât afraid to tell you! Our goal is to teach you as much about pianos, and buying pianos, as we possibly can. We carefully check specs and formulate reviews on keyboards. Music is personalized, and so, be it your first piano, or third piano, we think your instrument should fit you!Â
Weâre here to answer questions such as âwhat is the best piano keyboard to buy for beginners?â, What is the best keyboard to buy for my budget?Â
We canât wait to help you decide what music keyboard to buy!