The best music keyboard will depend on your requirements, budget, and skill level. Some keyboards have a full 88 keys, while others have fewer, and some keyboards have a variety of features to change the instrument’s sound output, while others are simple keyboards with synthesized piano sounds only. Keep in mind that full-sized keyboards are much larger and heavier than compact models, making it more difficult to move the unit. A full-sized 88-key music keyboard is required if you plan to play professionally or are an advanced player.
Models with 61 or 76 keys are available for smaller music keyboards. These models will be smaller and lighter, but the number of songs you can play will be limited. Such keyboards are ideal for a buyer who is looking to save space and will only be playing as a hobby.
Weighted keys are common on full-sized keyboards, which make the keys feel more like those on a full-sized piano. Lower-pitched notes will feel heavier than higher-pitched notes, similar to how a full-sized acoustic piano feels. Most full-sized keyboards will also be touch-sensitive, which means the sound will be louder the harder you press the keys. This feature, like the others, attempts to replicate the sound and playability of a full-sized acoustic piano as closely as possible.
After you’ve decided what size keyboard you’ll need, it’s time to look over the instrument’s features. Some models will come with basic features like a metronome, while others will come with more advanced features like recording capabilities, pitch control, multiple playing sounds, and so on. The best music keyboard models will have a bright, easy-to-read display with intuitive controls and menus. This will make using the additional features during songs much easier and more accessible.
Because so many keyboardists use their instruments with external synthesizers and accessories, keyboards now have a wide range of inputs and outputs. Make sure these inputs and outputs are right for you; some will let you connect the keyboard to a computer or synthesizer, while others will let you connect to external speakers or PA systems. Examine the various connectivity options and determine which ones you require.