The Best 88 Key Weighted Keyboard Options of 2023

Affordable Authentic Piano Experience

The Yamaha P-45 is an affordable, entry-level digital piano that delivers an authentic piano-playing experience with its graded hammer standard (GHS) keyboard. The improved Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) tone generator provides a realistic grand piano sound, while its compact and lightweight design ensures easy transportation. Simple operation with just one button makes it user-friendly for players of all levels.

Why someone should buy: The Yamaha P-45 offers an authentic piano-playing experience with its GHS keyboard and AWM tone generator at an affordable price. Its compact design and simple operation make it a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

Why We Love It:

• Graded Hammer Standard keyboard for a natural feel
• Advanced Wave Memory tone generator for realistic piano sound
• Compact and lightweight design for easy transportation

Why We Liked It - It is simply superb quality because it is from Atlas Sound. This brand is pretty well-known for their musical equipment and knows how to produce durability while achieving affordability. And that is exactly what they have done with this stand.

Technical Features:

• Touch Sensitivity: Hard/medium/soft/fixed
• Reverb
• Standard headphones connectivity
• Simple, one-button operation

Review:

The Yamaha P-45 is an impressive entry-level digital piano that offers an authentic piano-playing experience with its GHS keyboard and AWM tone generator. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport, while its simple operation ensures that players of all levels can enjoy its features. Overall, the P-45 is a great value for the price.

Verdict:

The Yamaha P-45 is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, authentic piano-playing experience with a compact design and user-friendly operation.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Beginners looking for an authentic piano experience
• Experienced players seeking a portable, affordable digital piano
• Musicians in need of a compact and lightweight instrument for practice or performance

Sleek Design with Enhanced Tone

The Casio Privia PX-S1100 boasts a sleek design and enhanced piano tone, providing an exceptional musical expression. With Bluetooth audio, wireless MIDI connectivity, and an improved AiR sound engine, this digital piano delivers a realistic and expressive playing experience. The smart scaled keyboard and active touch panel display make it an attractive option for both home and stage use.

Why someone should buy: The Casio Privia PX-S1100 offers an enhanced grand piano tone and sleek design, making it perfect for musicians and music producers who value expressive playing and aesthetics. Its Bluetooth and wireless MIDI connectivity provide added convenience and versatility.

Why We Love It:

• Enhanced piano tone for greater musical expression
• Sleek design and smart scaled hammer action keyboard
• Bluetooth audio and wireless MIDI connectivity

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Technical Features:

• 3 Year Parts & Labour warranty
• Enhanced AiR sound engine
• Active touch panel display
• Bluetooth audio and wireless MIDI

Review:

The Casio Privia PX-S1100 is a top-notch digital piano that combines an enhanced piano tone with a sleek design. Its smart scaled keyboard and active touch panel display provide a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. The Bluetooth audio and wireless MIDI connectivity make it a versatile and convenient instrument for various settings.

Verdict:

The Casio Privia PX-S1100 is an excellent choice for musicians who want a high-quality piano with a sleek design and convenient connectivity options.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Musicians looking for a piano with an expressive and realistic playing experience
• Players who value aesthetics and sleek design
• Home and stage use with versatile connectivity options

Elegant Digital Piano Package

The Korg B2SP is a full-featured piano that combines exceptional sound quality, a stylish design, and an ergonomic stand with a three-pedal unit. This elegant digital piano package is perfect for serious pianists seeking an authentic playing experience that closely resembles a real piano.

Why someone should buy: The Korg B2SP is an excellent choice for serious piano players looking for a piano with the feel and sound of an acoustic grand piano. The included dedicated stand and three-pedal unit provide an ergonomic and comfortable playing experience, making it ideal for extended practice sessions.

Why We Love It:

• Authentic piano feel and sound
• Elegant and ergonomic design
• Dedicated stand with three-pedal unit

Technical Features:

• 88-key keyboard
• Spacious music rest
• Available in black or white

Review:

The Korg B2SP is a piano that offers an exceptional playing experience with its authentic grand piano feel and sound. The elegant design, including the dedicated stand and three-pedal unit, provides an ergonomic and comfortable playing experience.

The spacious music rest is perfect for sheet music or mobile devices, making it easy to read and practice along with your favorite pieces. The B2SP offers an immersive musical experience in a sleek and sophisticated package - perfect for any classical pianist.

Verdict:

The Korg B2SP digital piano package is an excellent investment for serious piano players seeking an authentic grand piano experience with the convenience and versatility of a digital instrument. With its high-quality sound, elegant design, and included stand and pedal unit, this piano is a fantastic value for any pianist.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Serious piano players
• Musicians seeking an authentic grand piano experience
• Pianists looking for an elegant and ergonomic piano package

Premium Hammer-Action Digital Piano

The Alesis Recital Pro features 88 premium full-sized hammer-action keys with adjustable touch response, making it a versatile and expressive digital piano. With 12 built-in premium voices, a 128-note max polyphony, and a 20-watt speaker system, this piano delivers realistic sound and playability.

Why someone should buy: The Alesis Recital Pro offers a premium playing experience with its full-sized hammer-action keys and a wide range of features, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced pianists. Its versatility and sound quality make it a great investment.

Why We Love It:

• 88 premium full-sized hammer-action keys
• 128-note max polyphony
• A plethora of versatile features

Technical Features:

• Adjustable touch response
• 12 built-in premium voices
• 20-watt speaker system
• Lesson mode, record mode, built-in metronome, and adjustable effects

Review:

The Alesis Recital Pro is an impressive digital piano with its 88 premium full-sized hammer-action keys and 12 built-in premium voices. It offers an expressive and versatile playing experience, catering to pianists of all levels.

The sound quality and playability make it a great choice for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality piano. The Recital Pro offers a variety of useful features like lesson mode, record mode, built-in metronome, and effects, making it an excellent choice for pianists of all levels.

Verdict:

The Alesis Recital Pro is an excellent choice for pianists who want a premium playing experience with versatile features and impressive sound quality. Its suitability for both beginners and experienced players makes it a valuable investment.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Pianists looking for a premium playing experience with hammer-action keys
• Beginners and experienced players seeking a versatile piano
• Players who value sound quality and a wide range of features

Compact Digital Piano with SuperNATURAL Sound

The Roland FP-10 is a compact piano that features Roland's renowned SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, providing rich and responsive tones. With an 88-key hammer-action format, a PHA-4 standard keyboard, and built-in Bluetooth MIDI/USB MIDI interface, this digital piano offers an authentic playing experience and easy connectivity. The FP-10 is a fantastic option for those who want a high-quality, portable digital piano with impressive sound capabilities.

Why someone should buy: The Roland FP-10 offers an authentic piano touch and expressive sound with its SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine and PHA-4 standard keyboard, making it perfect for players who want a high-quality, compact digital piano.

Why We Love It:

• SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine for rich, responsive tones
• 88-key hammer-action format with PHA-4 standard keyboard
• Built-in Bluetooth MIDI/USB MIDI interface for easy connectivity

Technical Features:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Headphones output
• Quiet keyboard
• Onboard speakers
• Twin Piano mode for lessons

Review:

The Roland FP-10 is a compact digital piano that delivers impressive sound and an authentic playing experience with its SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine and PHA-4 standard keyboard. Its 88-key hammer-action format ensures a responsive touch, while the built-in Bluetooth MIDI/USB MIDI interface allows for easy connectivity. The Twin Piano mode makes it one of the best digital pianos for beginners.

Verdict:

The Roland FP-10 is a top choice for those looking for a compact piano with an authentic touch and expressive sound capabilities. Its Bluetooth MIDI/USB MIDI connectivity adds convenience and versatility, making it a great investment.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Players seeking a compact piano with impressive sound
• Pianists who want an authentic playing experience
• Musicians who need easy connectivity options for recording and practice

Authentic Piano Experience

The Kawai ES110 is a portable piano that offers class-leading authentic keyboard action and piano sound technologies, making it an ideal choice for beginners seeking a starter instrument. With a spring-less technology and sturdy construction, the ES110 provides a smooth, natural, and highly authentic piano playing experience. Its 88 grade-weighted keys and advanced Harmonic Imaging technology, along with built-in lesson functions and adjustable metronome, make it perfect for practice and performance.

Why someone should buy: The Kawai ES110 offers an authentic piano playing experience with its class-leading keyboard action and piano sound technologies. Its lightweight and affordable package makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

Why We Love It:

• Authentic keyboard action and piano sound technologies
• Lightweight and affordable package
• Built-in lesson functions and adjustable metronome

Technical Features:

• 88 grade-weighted keys with spring-less technology
• Advanced harmonic imaging technology
• Dual and split playing modes
• 100 drum rhythms
• Integrated Bluetooth MIDI
• Ultra-compact piano replacement

Review:

The Kawai ES110 is a portable piano that offers an authentic piano playing experience, thanks to its range of keyboard features, including class-leading keyboard action and piano sound technologies. The 88 grade-weighted keys with spring-less technology provide a smooth and natural touch, while the advanced harmonic imaging technology ensures excellent sound. With built-in lesson functions, adjustable metronome, and song recorder, the ES110 is perfect for practice and performance.

Verdict:

The Kawai ES110 is an ideal choice for beginners seeking a starter instrument with an authentic piano playing experience. Its lightweight and affordable package, combined with its advanced features, make it an excellent investment for aspiring pianists.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Beginners seeking a starter instrument
• Pianists looking for an authentic piano playing experience
• Musicians who want a lightweight and affordable piano

Versatile Digital Piano

The Donner DEP-20 is a versatile piano equipped with 88-key standard full-size keyboard, featuring 128 Polyphony and adopted French DREAM Sound Source. Its AWM Dynamic Samples produce deeper, richer, and broader sounds, while the DEP-20S full-weighted Hammer-Action keys provide an authentic weighting of an acoustic piano.

Why someone should buy: The Donner DEP-20 offers a versatile piano experience with its impressive features like 128 Polyphony, adopted French DREAM Sound Source, and full-weighted Hammer-Action keys. Its various modes make it suitable for a wide range of users.

Why We Love It:

• Impressive features like 128 Polyphony and French DREAM Sound Source
• Full-weighted keys for an authentic piano feel
• Various modes for different playing styles and preferences

Technical Features:

• 88-key standard full-size keyboard
• 128 Polyphony and adopted French DREAM Sound Source
• Full-weighted hammer-action keys with simulated ebony and ivory textured keys
• USB MIDI Port for connection to Mac, PC, iOS, or Android devices
• Sustain pedal and a dnamic stereo dound engine
• Dual 25 watt built-in speaker system

Review:

The Donner DEP-20 is a piano that offers a wide range of features, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Its 88-key standard full-size keyboard with full-weighted hammer-action keys ensures an authentic piano feel, while the 128 polyphony and French DREAM sound source provide impressive sound.

The various modes, like Duet Mode, Headphone Mode, Metronome Switch, and Transpose Function, cater to different playing styles and preferences, making the DEP-20 a great investment for any pianist.

Verdict:

The Donner DEP-20 is a fantastic choice for those looking for a piano with impressive features and an authentic piano feel. Its various modes cater to different playing styles and preferences, making it a great option for a wide range of users.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Pianists looking for a piano with impressive features
• Users seeking an authentic piano feel with full-weighted Hammer-Action keys
• Musicians who want a piano that caters to various playing styles and preferences

Modern, Compact Digital Piano

The Yamaha P-125 is a modern, compact digital piano that offers authentic piano playability and a unique Pure CF sound engine. Its 2-way speaker system produces an expansive piano sound, while the "Table EQ" feature ensures optimal acoustics.

Why someone should buy: The Yamaha P-125 offers authentic piano playability, making it a great choice for those seeking a compact piano with impressive sound.

Why We Love It:

• Authentic piano playability with unique Pure CF Sound Engine
• 2-way speaker system for expansive piano sound
• Smart Pianist app

Technical Features:

• 2-way speaker system with "Table EQ" feature
• On-board bass and drum tracks
• Easy control of voices, rhythms, and settings
• Sophisticated design with user accessibility in mind

Review:

The Yamaha P-125 is a modern, compact piano that offers authentic piano playability, thanks to its sound engine. Its 2-way speaker system ensures an expansive piano sound, while the "Table EQ" feature maintains optimal acoustics. The on-board bass and drum tracks, along with the Smart Pianist app, make the P-125 perfect for practice and performance, as well as easy to control and customize.

Verdict:

The Yamaha P-125 is an excellent choice for those seeking a modern piano with authentic playability and impressive sound. Its user-friendly features and sophisticated design make it a great investment for any pianist.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Pianists looking for a modern, compact piano
• Musicians seeking authentic playability and impressive sound
• Users who want a user-friendly piano with customizable features

Portable, Feature-Packed Piano

The Casio CDP-S360 is a portable piano with weighted keys. Its backlit LCD display with easy-to-use jogwheel controls, Bluetooth audio streaming, and wireless MIDI with optional WU-BT10 dongle make it a feature-packed option for pianists on the go.

Why someone should buy: The Casio CDP-S360 offers portability and a wealth of features, making it a great choice for pianists who want a full-size, touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard.

Why We Love It:

• Portable design with full-size, touch-sensitive, weighted keys
• Backlit LCD display with jogwheel controls
• Bluetooth Audio streaming and wireless MIDI capabilities

Technical Features:

• Power adapter, sustain pedal, and music rest included
• Battery power option (requires 6 AA batteries)
• FREE Online lessons included
• 6 Track Song Recorder
• 32 Registration Memories

Review:

The Casio CDP-S360 is a portable, feature-packed piano that offers 88 full-size, touch-sensitive, weighted keys in a lightweight design. Its backlit LCD display with jogwheel controls, Bluetooth Audio streaming, and wireless MIDI capabilities make it easy to use and connect with other devices.

With included accessories like a power adapter, sustain pedal, music rest, and FREE online lessons, as well as a 6 Track Song Recorder and 32 Registration Memories, the CDP-S360 is a complete package for practice and performance.

Verdict:

The Casio CDP-S360 is an excellent choice for pianists on the go who want a compact keyboard with full-size, touch-sensitive keys. Its range of features and included accessories make it a great investment for any musician.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Pianists on the go
• Musicians seeking a portable, feature-packed piano
• Users who want a full-size, touch-sensitive keyboard

Expressive Keyboard Controller

The M-Audio Hammer 88 is a keyboard controller that features 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys, providing an expressive playing experience. Its USB-MIDI connection allows for playing virtual instruments, controlling recording software, and more. The Hammer 88 also includes a 5-Pin MIDI output to trigger external MIDI devices, pitch bend, modulation, volume, and ± controls for expressive performances.

Why someone should buy: The M-Audio Hammer 88 offers expressive playability and versatile control options, making it an ideal choice for musicians who want a powerful keyboard controller.

Why We Love It:

• 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys for expressive playing
• USB-MIDI and 5-Pin MIDI connections for versatile control options
• Pitch bend, modulation, volume, and ± controls for enhanced performance

Technical Features:

• Inputs for sustain, expression, and soft pedals
• USB-powered - no power supply required
• Plug-and-play connectivity to Mac or PC
• iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit
• Clean, professional editing with included Hammer 88 Controller Editor
• Power adapter for stand-alone use

Review:

The M-Audio Hammer 88 is a powerful keyboard controller that offers expressive playability with its 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys. Its USB-MIDI and 5-Pin MIDI connections provide versatile control options for playing virtual instruments, controlling recording software, and triggering external MIDI devices.

The Hammer 88 also includes pitch bend, modulation, volume, and ± controls for enhanced performance, as well as inputs for sustain, expression, and soft pedals, making it a comprehensive and versatile controller for any musician.

Verdict:

The M-Audio Hammer 88 is an excellent choice for musicians who want a powerful keyboard controller with expressive playability and versatile control options. Its range of features and included accessories make it a great investment for any musician.

This Keyboard is Perfect For:

• Musicians seeking a powerful keyboard controller
• Users who want expressive playability
• Pianists who require versatile control options for playing virtual instruments and controlling recording software

Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best 88-Key Weighted Keyboard

When shopping for an 88-key weighted keyboard, it's essential to consider various factors that can impact your playing experience and the instrument's overall value. This buyer's guide will delve into expert-level topics to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Key Weighting Systems

Different 88-key weighted keyboards use various mechanisms to provide a realistic playing experience. Understanding these systems will help you choose the right one for your needs:

Graded hammer action: This mechanism replicates the feel of traditional acoustic pianos, with individual hammers triggered when the keys are pressed. These keyboards offer a heavier touch in the lower register and a lighter touch in the higher register, closely mimicking the response of an acoustic piano.

Fully weighted keys: These keys use a combination of springs, weights, and other mechanisms to create resistance when pressed. While they provide a more authentic playing experience than non-weighted keys, they may not be as realistic as graded hammer action keyboards.

Sound Quality and Polyphony

The sound quality of an 88-key weighted keyboard is crucial, as it can significantly impact your playing experience. When evaluating a keyboard, consider the following:

High-quality sound: Look for keyboards that offer traditional acoustic piano sounds, as well as a variety of other high-quality instrument voices, such as electric pianos, organs, and strings.

Polyphony: Polyphony refers to the number of simultaneous notes a keyboard can produce. Higher polyphony numbers allow for more complex and expressive performances, making them ideal for classical pianists and advanced players who are used to traditional and acoustic pianos.

Connectivity Options

A versatile 88-key weighted keyboard should offer multiple connectivity options, allowing you to expand your musical possibilities:

MIDI controller: Some keyboards can function as MIDI controllers, enabling you to control virtual instruments and recording software on your computer or mobile device.

External speakers: Keyboards with audio outputs allow you to connect external speakers, amplifiers, or PA systems, providing a more powerful sound for performances or practice sessions. Find the best keyboard amps here.

Budget and Features

Your budget will play a significant role in determining the features and quality of the 88-key weighted keyboards you consider. When comparing options, think about the following:

Budget keyboard: Lower-priced keyboards may offer fewer features and a less realistic playing experience, but they can still be suitable for beginners or those on a tight budget. Check out our list of the best digital pianos under $500.

Classical piano: If you're primarily interested in playing classical piano, look for a keyboard with a high-quality sound engine, graded keys, and a robust built-in speaker system that will mimic a traditional piano.

Musical instruments: Some keyboards offer additional instrument voices, built-in rhythms, and other performance features, making them ideal for more versatile players. Discover the best digital pianos under $1000.

By considering these factors and prioritizing the features most important to you, you can confidently choose the perfect keyboard to suit your needs and playing style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a beginner get an 88-key keyboard?

Yes, a beginner can benefit from an 88-key keyboard as it provides the full range of keys found on a traditional piano. This allows the learner to develop proper piano skills and technique from the start.

Moreover, many 88-key digital pianos and digital keyboards come with built-in learning functions and adjustable features that cater to beginners, making it easier to progress and transition to an acoustic piano later on. Here are the best pianos for beginners.

What is the best type of weighted keys?

The best type of weighted keys are those that closely mimic the feel and response of an acoustic piano. Graded hammer action keys are considered the most realistic, as they offer a heavier touch in the lower register and a lighter touch in the higher register, similar to traditional and grand pianos. This type of key weighting helps pianists develop proper finger strength and technique.

Is a weighted keyboard good?

Yes, this type of keyboard is an excellent choice for pianists of all skill levels, as it provides a more authentic playing experience compared to non-weighted keyboards. Weighted keys help to build finger strength and dexterity, which are essential for playing acoustic piano sounds and developing expressive playing techniques. Additionally, weighted keyboards often feature high-quality electric pianos, piano sounds, and other performance options that make them a valuable tool for both practice and performance.

What is the difference between hammer action and weighted keyboards?

Hammer action keyboards are a specific type of weighted keyboard that use a mechanical system to simulate the feel of an acoustic piano. In these keyboards, individual hammers are triggered when the keys are pressed, replicating the response and feel of a traditional piano. On the other hand, weighted keyboards use various mechanisms to add resistance to the keys, creating a more realistic playing experience compared to non-weighted keyboards. While all hammer action keyboards are weighted, not all weighted keyboards have a hammer action mechanism.

Conclusion

Choosing the best 88-key weighted keyboard can be a daunting task, as there are many high-quality options available on the market. However, we've carefully reviewed and compared the top digital pianos to help you make the right decision. Whether you're a beginner just starting on your musical journey, a professional pianist looking for a versatile and convenient digital instrument, or someone who wants to hone their piano skills, there is a keyboard on this list to suit your needs.

Remember to consider factors like sound, key action, additional features, and budget when making your decision. By investing in a quality piano, you'll be able to enjoy the authentic feel and sound of an acoustic instrument while benefiting from the convenience and versatility of a digital keyboard.

With options like the Roland FP-30X, Kawai ES110, and Korg B2SP, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your musical journey and continue to develop your skills. No matter your skill level or budget, the perfect 88-key weighted keyboard is waiting for you. So, explore your options and find the piano that will best help you achieve your musical goals.

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