Digital piano, traditional piano or keyboard: how to make the right choice? 🎹

Education

Nov. 20

Have you ever had to choose between a croissant, a tartelette and a chocolate éclair in a patisserie? Well, choosing between a digital piano, a traditional piano and a keyboard is pretty much the same thing... in a musical version! Each instrument has its own charm, flavor and moment. The sweet melody of a traditional piano, the versatility of a digital piano or the portability of a keyboard? Wondering which would be your best jam session companion?

Each piano has its own history, sound and advantages. So, whether you're a seasoned music lover or just curious, take a break, savor the moment and let us guide you in finding your ideal piano.

What's the difference between a digital piano, a traditional piano and a keyboard?


Criteria	Digital piano
Sound	Electronically produced sound, to imitate various instruments
Touch	Imitates the resistance of acoustic piano keys, but may vary from piano to piano.
Size and weight	Generally lighter and more compact than a traditional piano
Maintenance	Little or no maintenance required
Price	Generally less expensive than a traditional piano. From €300 for an entry-level piano at scale and up to €7,000 for a top-of-the-range piano. scale
Durability	Less durable over time
Power supply required	✅
Sound options	Wide scale of built-in sounds and effects
Connectivity	Often equipped with USB, MIDI ports, etc.
Pedal	Often included, sometimes optional
Volume	Controllable, can use headphones
Learning	Often equipped with learning functions
Resonance	Imitation of resonance, may vary from piano to piano


Criteria	Traditional piano
Sound	Authentic sound produced by strings struck by hammers
Touch	Heavy feel, natural key resistance
Size and weight	Heavy and bulky, needs space
Maintenance	Requires regular tuning and other maintenance
Price	"Most expensive piano compared to a digital piano or an electronic keyboard Between €3,000 and €20,000 for an upright piano Between €10,000 and €150,000 for a grand piano"
Durability	Highly durable with proper care
Power supply required	❌
Sound options	Unique piano sound
Connectivity	Little or no connectivity
Pedal	Included as an integral part of the piano
Volume	Not controllable without additional devices
Learning	Requires traditional teaching methods
Resonance	Natural resonance


Criteria	Electronic keypad
Sound	Versatile electronic sound
Touch	Light, may not have dynamic response
Size and weight	Very light and portable, various sizes
Maintenance	Little or no maintenance required
Price	Often less expensive than a piano Between €150 and €1,500
Durability	Depends on keyboard model and brand
Power supply required	✅
Sound options	Wide scale of built-in sounds and effects
Connectivity	Often equipped with USB, MIDI ports, etc.
Pedal	Sometimes included, often optional
Volume	Controllable, can use headphones
Learning	Often equipped with learning functions
Resonance	Varies from keyboard to keyboard, often no real resonance

What type of piano is right for you?

The traditional piano

The traditional piano, also known as an acoustic piano, is a mechanical instrument that works by a series of hammers striking strings to create a rich, authentic sound. The two main types of acoustic piano are upright and grand, each with its own shape and size. Acoustic pianos are appreciated for their incomparable sound, dynamic touch and elegant aesthetics, although they require regular maintenance and a lot of space.

✅ Traditional piano is for me if :

I'm a professional musician,
I'm a music student,
I'm a passionate piano player looking for an authentic playing experience,
I have the space at home and the resources to maintain the instrument.

The digital piano

The digital piano is a modern version of the piano, using electronics to reproduce the sound of an acoustic piano. Lighter and less expensive than acoustic pianos, digital pianos offer additional features such as the ability to connect to computers and other devices. Finally, they require little or no maintenance. The only downside is that, although they have made enormous strides in terms of sound quality, some musicians feel they still can't match the richness and depth of an acoustic piano.

✅ The digital piano is for me if :

I'm a beginner pianist,
I'm an occasional musician,
I have limited space at home,
I have a limited budget.
The electronic keyboard
The electronic keyboard is a more affordable option than a digital or traditional piano, with a wide variety of sounds and functions in a compact format. With fewer keys than a standard piano and an often lighter touch, keyboards are ideal for musicians on the move. However, they may not offer the same level of sound quality or playing feel as an acoustic or digital piano.
✅ The electronic keyboard is for me if :
I'm a beginner pianist,
I'm a musician who's often on the move,
I'm looking for a versatile and practical solution for playing the piano,
I want to invest in a musical instrument at an affordable price.
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