"Keyboard" and "digital piano" get used interchangeably

"Keyboard" and "digital piano" get used interchangeably, but they're not quite the same thing — and picking the right one makes learning easier from day one.

61 keys or 88 keys?

A full piano has 88 keys, but you don't need all of them to start learning. A 61-key keyboard covers everything a beginner plays for the first year or two, is lighter, and usually more affordable — a great choice for kids or anyone testing the waters. An 88-key digital piano matches a full acoustic piano exactly, which matters once a player is working through proper piano repertoire or grade exams.

Weighted vs non-weighted keys

This is the detail most beginners miss. Weighted keys mimic the resistance of an acoustic piano's hammer action — press harder, get a louder note. Non-weighted keys (common on smaller keyboards) are lighter and springier, easier for small hands but less useful if the goal is eventually playing a real piano well.

If piano technique is the long-term goal, prioritise weighted or semi-weighted keys even on a smaller keyboard. If it's about having fun and exploring sounds first, non-weighted is perfectly fine to start.

Features that actually help beginners

• LED-lit keys — shows which key to press next, genuinely useful for the first few months of self-teaching
• Built-in lesson modes and recording — lets a beginner practise and play back without extra gear
• A proper stand and bench — posture matters early, and a kitchen table is not a substitute
• Headphone output — for quiet practice any time of day

Kids vs adults

For younger children, a 61-key keyboard with LED guidance keeps lessons approachable and visual. For teens and adults serious about piano, stepping straight to an 88-key weighted digital piano avoids re-buying gear a year in.

Explore our keyboards and digital pianos to find the right fit for your player, from first-timers to grade-exam ready.