Beginner keyboard or digital piano: how many keys you really need and which features matter

You want to start playing, but you’re stuck on the classic question: keyboard or digital piano? And then: how many keys do you actually need? 61, 76, 88? Plus all those features (styles, displays, apps, flashing lights)… are they helpful or just distracting?

In this guide we’ll keep it simple and practical:

• keyboard vs digital piano for complete beginners;
• how many keys make sense now (and in 6–12 months);
• the features that really matter for learning and having fun;
• how to match your budget without wasting money.

To see what’s out there, you can browse:

• beginner keyboards
• digital pianos for beginners
• 61 key keyboards
• 88 key digital pianos

1. Keyboard or digital piano? Where to start

1.1 Electronic keyboard

A keyboard (often 49 or 61 keys) is designed for:

• people who want to try a bit of everything (pianos, organs, synths, brass, drums…);
• those who enjoy auto-accompaniment, backing styles, built-in songs;
• kids or beginners who are not sure yet if they’ll stick with it.

Pros:

• cheaper;
• light and easy to move;
• lots of sounds to explore.

Cons:

• keys are usually unweighted (very different from real piano feel);
• limited range for serious piano study;
• easy to play with functions instead of actually learning.

1.2 Digital piano

A digital piano (typically 88 keys, weighted) is built for:

• those who want to learn proper piano playing (classical, modern, jazz);
• people who want acoustic-like feel but with volume control;
• anyone who might later move to an acoustic piano.

Pros:

• 88 keys like a real piano;
• weighted or graded hammer action;
• best long-term foundation for technique.

Cons:

• generally more expensive than entry-level keyboards;
• bigger and heavier.

If your goal is truly to learn piano, going straight for an 88 key digital piano (or at least a weighted keyboard) is usually the smarter move.

2. How many keys do you really need?

Here’s the core question.

2.1 49 keys (4 octaves)

Good for:

• very young children;
• people who just want to play simple tunes and have fun.

Limitations:

• too short for serious piano study;
• many classical and modern pieces simply won’t fit.

2.2 61 keys (5 octaves)

Typical format for many beginner keyboards.

They work if:

• you want to see if you enjoy playing at all;
• you’re not sure yet whether you’ll go down the “piano study” route.

Limitations:

• for structured piano study, you’ll eventually feel constrained and will need 88 keys.

Check 61 key beginner keyboards for examples.

2.3 73/76 keys

A useful compromise:

• more range than 61;
• often found on live-oriented instruments.

For beginners, they make sense if:

• you mainly play pop/rock;
• you want something more compact than 88 keys but fuller than 61.

2.4 88 keys

The standard for real pianos.

Why it also makes sense for beginners:

• you can learn any piece without range limitations;
• you get used to the proper layout and feel from day one;
• no need to upgrade in a hurry later.

If your budget allows, aiming for an 88 key digital piano is often the best long-term choice.

3. Key action: unweighted, semi-weighted, weighted

It’s not only about how many keys, but also how they feel.

3.1 Unweighted keys

• very light touch, common on cheap keyboards;
• easy to start with, but don’t train your hands like a real piano.

3.2 Semi-weighted keys

• a bit more resistance;
• compromise between keyboard and piano feel;
• good for “play a bit of everything” scenarios.

3.3 Weighted keys (hammer / graded hammer)

• simulate acoustic piano mechanics;
• heavier in the low register, lighter in the high;
• ideal for serious piano technique.

3.4 Velocity / touch sensitivity

Whatever you choose, make sure it has velocity-sensitive keys:

• soft press → soft sound;
• hard press → loud sound.

This is essential to learn expressive playing, not just note positions.

4. Features that really matter (and those that don’t)

4.1 Features that truly help beginners

• Built-in metronome → crucial for playing in time;
• sustain pedal input → key for real piano technique;
• headphone output → neighbours and family will thank you;
• a few core sounds: piano, electric piano, organ, pad/strings.

If you also want to record or produce:

• USB/MIDI connectivity for connecting to your computer and DAW;
• the option to use it as a master keyboard.

4.2 Nice but non-essential features

• hundreds of sounds you’ll rarely use;
• complex auto-accompaniment systems;
• flashy colour screens full of menus.

They’re not evil, but for beginners they often become distractions rather than learning tools.

5. Budget: how much should you really spend at the beginning?

5.1 If you just want to "try and see"

You can start with:

• a good 61 key keyboard with velocity-sensitive keys and pedal input;
• possibly buying used to get more quality for the same money.

Browse cheap beginner keyboards.

5.2 If you already know you want to study seriously

It makes sense to invest in:

• an 88 key digital piano with weighted keys;
• or at least a weighted 88 key keyboard without a cabinet.

Filter digital pianos for study and compare new vs used.

5.3 New or used?

• New → full warranty, no doubts about wear;
• Used → higher quality tier for the same budget.

For used gear, always check:

• all keys work properly;
• no strange mechanical noises;
• knobs, buttons and connectors behave reliably.

6. Quick checklist before you buy

Before hitting “buy now”, ask yourself:

1. Do I want to study piano, or just have fun with a keyboard?
2. Do I have space for an 88 key instrument, or do I need something smaller?
3. Will I use it with a PC/DAW (USB/MIDI needed)?
4. Will I often play with headphones?
5. Do I care more about one great piano sound or about having many different sound types?

Then compare listings on Muviber using filters like:

• keyboards for beginners
• 88 key digital pianos

FAQ – Beginner keyboard & digital piano questions

Is a keyboard or a digital piano better for beginners?

If your goal is to really learn piano, a digital piano with 88 weighted keys is better. If you just want to test the waters and have fun with sounds and rhythms, a decent 61 key keyboard can be enough for the first months.

Can I still learn on 61 keys?

Yes, for early stages and simpler pieces it’s fine. But if your study becomes serious, you’ll eventually need 88 keys to access the full repertoire.

Do rhythms and auto-accompaniment actually help?

They can boost motivation at first, but they don’t replace proper practice. If they become the main focus, they may distract from technique, timing and reading.

Do I really need weighted keys?

If you want to learn piano properly, yes, sooner rather than later. You can start on something else, but at some point you’ll need to face weighted action to develop real control and technique.

Can I use my keyboard/digital piano to record on my computer?

Yes, if it has USB or MIDI you can connect it to your computer and control virtual instruments. In that case, look for listings that mention studio/USB features.