Electronic Keyboards vs. Acoustic or Digital Pianos

Electronic Keyboards are different than traditional acoustic pianos in that they create their sound electronically. Usually the sound is either synthesized by an electronic chip, or it is a digital sample that is replayed through the speakers when a key is pressed. Digital pianos also play digitally sampled audio of a real acoustic piano when the key is pressed.

While electronic keyboards have some similarities with digital pianos, they also have some of the same differences that they hold with acoustic pianos. For instance on most electronic keyboards it's not possible to adjust the volume without the use of the volume "fader" or dial. On acoustic and digital pianos it's usually possible to adjust the volume (or dynamics) of what is being played by either use more or less force as you play the keys of the instrument.

For beginners to the piano sometimes this may not be enough of a distraction to keep them from being able to learn the basics of the instrument. However, dynamics are an important dimension of music and creating music and is something that must be practiced. Some teachers and piano instructors have different preferences for whether their students have "just a keyboard" to practice on. Personally, I try to explain the main differences to them and make sure they understand that it can be a vastly different experience playing on an electronic keyboard than a digital or acoustic piano.

One of the other main differences that cheap electronic keyboards have with their digital and acoustic counterparts are that the keys on a piano have a weighted feel to them. There is resistance when you press down on the keys. Many cheap electronic keyboards it's too easy to press down the keys. Many people find that after getting used to a piano, going back to the keyboard is a frustrating experience as they play too many notes inadvertently. It also can feel like a toy in comparison to a "real" piano.

Of course, electronic keyboards do have some advantages. They are usually cheaper and portable and so can be taken most anywhere.... I don't see too many people lugging their Steinway along for the family vacation. Keyboards can also be an easy way to play around with the basics of music theory related to harmony and intervals. I like to think of electronic keyboards as a musical sketchpad of sorts. It would be frustrating to have to spend all of my time playing a cheap electronic keyboard, but in a pinch it will be enough to play around with musical ideas.