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Types of Weighted Keyboards and What to Buy

The best alternative for someone who’s used to paying acoustic piano is digital pianos that come with weighted keys. The reason is quite simple: It’s able to deliver a realistic, natural feel that’s similar to that of an acoustic piano.

Weighted Keyboards

These pianos are also pretty good for someone who wants to learn digital piano because of it has a feature that can be interpreted on the acoustic piano. It may not have much of a difference for someone who only just started out playing the piano.

Types of Weighted Keyboards

  • Not weighted keyboards

When we’re talking about keyboards that aren’t weighted, it usually goes to the home electronic organs as well as pipe organs that are commonly found in churches and other recital venues.

These types of keyboards are classified as accordians and keyboards that are entry-level – if you’re a beginner, this would fit you perfectly.

Currently, however, there are professional keyboards that say they’re weighted in certain aspects. Going back a decade ago, electronic keyboards and synthesizers aren’t weighted.

  • Semi-weighted Keyboards

If you’re looking for a keyboard that’s cheap and affordable, then going for semi-weighted keyboard would be just ideal for you. This type of keyboard has been geared for the idea of portability.

It has been equipped with a spring-action key that delivers more resistance than usual is commonly found in keyboards that are budget-end.

Weighted Keyboards

  • Hammer action keys

If you happen to bump into a digital piano or what they call as an electronic piano that says it has “hammer action” keys then it means it comes along with a key mechanism that’s reproducing similar action that you would find in acoustic pianos.

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In this type, the resistance is coming from a small hammer situated and has been attached to a lever system that’s close to the key – so yes, it doesn’t use a spring.

Different manufacturers are delivering types of hammer action simulation. And as per usual, they would claim that theirs is the BEST in the industry. Due to this, they’re looking to put more realism on their high-end models.

For instance, the brand Roland offers a realistic escape kind of effect on a number of their models, giving the feel of the key when it’s being played at pianissimo with a small clicking experience.

  • Graded hammer weighting

When it comes to acoustic pianos, there’s actually more resistance experienced in playing keys that are in the lower range in comparison to those keys that are in the upper range.

Now, if you’re looking for a keyboard that will give you a heavier touch on its low notes as well as on its higher notes, then I would recommend choosing graded hammer weighting. This is also called progressive hammer-action.

If you have a bit more room on your budget, then you may search for manufacturers of high-end models that actually create their keys out of high-quality wood than the cheaper ones that are made out of plastic. This will greatly increase the feeling of playing a real piano.