Piano vs. Keyboard — What's the Difference?

Operated by hammers striking strings, producing a range of dynamics.

An electronic instrument that can replicate various sounds.

Requires physical space and maintenance.

Accessible for beginners due to a variety of price points.

Used primarily in classical and jazz music.

Features can include built-in rhythms and recording capabilities.

A large musical instrument with 88 keys and a wooden case.

Often used in pop, rock, and electronic music.

Associated with traditional music education.

A panel of buttons used for typing and performing other functions on a computer or typewriter.

The piano is an acoustic, stringed musical instrument invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori around the year 1700 (the exact year is uncertain), in which the strings are struck by wooden hammers that are coated with a softer material (modern hammers are covered with dense wool felt; some early pianos used leather). It is played using a keyboard, which is a row of keys (small levers) that the performer presses down or strikes with the fingers and thumbs of both hands to cause the hammers to strike the strings.

A row of levers that are depressed with the fingers to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a piano or organ.

A large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed. The strings' vibration is stopped by dampers when the keys are released and can be regulated for length and volume by two or three pedals.

Any of various instruments, played by means of a musical keyboard, often connected to a synthesizer or amplifier.

A passage performed or marked to be performed softly.

To set (copy) by means of a keyed typesetting machine

(especially as a direction) soft or softly.

To enter (text or data) into a computer by means of a keyboard.

(especially as a direction) soft or softly.

(Music) To play (a composition) on a piano or keyboard.

A musical instrument with a manual keyboard actuating hammers that strike wire strings, producing sounds that may be softened or sustained by means of pedals.

A set of keys used to operate a typewriter, computer etc.

A passage to be played softly or quietly.

(music) A component of many instruments including the piano, organ, and harpsichord consisting of usually black and white keys that cause different tones to be produced when struck.

In a soft or quiet tone. Used chiefly as a direction.

(music) A device with keys of a musical keyboard, used to control electronic sound-producing devices which may be built into or separate from the keyboard device.

(musical instruments) a percussive keyboard musical instrument, usually ranging over seven octaves, with white and black colored keys, played by pressing these keys, causing hammers to strike strings

(intransitive) To type on a computer keyboard.

To play the piano.

The whole arrangement, or one range, of the keys{3} of an organ, piano, typewriter, etc.; that part of a device containing the keys{3} used to operate it.

(of or with fingers) To move (the fingers) up and down on, similar to the motions of a pianist playing the piano.

Device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like

To equip with a piano.

Holder consisting of an arrangement of hooks on which keys or locks can be hung

To become softer and less intense.

Ideal for musicians who need portability.

(music) softly, as a musical direction (abbreviated to p. in sheet music)

(music) Soft, quiet.

(in extended use) Gentle, soft, subdued.

Soft; - a direction to the performer to execute a certain passage softly, and with diminished volume of tone. (Abbrev. p.

A well-known musical instrument somewhat resembling the harpsichord, and consisting of a series of wires of graduated length, thickness, and tension, struck by hammers moved by keys.

A stringed instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

(music) low loudness

Used chiefly as a direction or description in music;

Used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly

Yes, a keyboard can be a good starting point due to its affordability and practice features like headphone jacks for silent practice.

Keyboards are more suited for small spaces due to their compact size and ability to be stored away.

No, keyboards remain in tune digitally and do not require the tuning that acoustic pianos do.

The complex mechanical design, materials, and craftsmanship involved in making pianos contribute to their higher cost.

Pianos are generally preferred for serious classical training due to their dynamic range and pedaling nuances.

Pianos need periodic tuning and may require repairs to mechanical parts, unlike keyboards.

Pianos produce rich, acoustic tones via physical strings and hammers, while keyboards use digital samples.

Piano keys are heavier, mimicking the resistance of hammers striking strings, while keyboard keys are typically lighter and may not offer the same resistance.

Yes, many higher-end keyboards feature weighted keys to simulate the feel of a piano.

Yes, keyboards can mimic the sounds of many different instruments, adding versatility to music production.