Best Digital Pianos and Keyboards with Weighted Keys – 2024
Are you seeking a digital piano that has a graded hammer keyboard and feels like a real piano? If so, enjoy this comprehensive guide which will analyze and recommend the best digital pianos with weighted keys available in 2024.
While a variety of features on a piano are wonderful, what truly makes a digital piano stand out is its ability to replicate the touch and feel of a real acoustic piano, and that’s where our focus lies in this article.
This article aims to simplify the research process for you, providing clarity and guidance for pianists of any skill level to discover a digital piano with graded keys that meets their needs and expectations.
I recommend the following digital pianos with 88 weighted keys:
Criteria for Choosing the Best Digital Pianos
Here’s how I decided on the recommended digital pianos you’ll find on this list:
Key Action and Weighted Feel: Evaluation of the piano key action to ensure it mimics the feel of an acoustic piano, providing the necessary resistance and responsiveness for expressive playing.
Sound Quality and Realism: Assessment of the piano’s sound engine and sample quality to ensure authentic replication of acoustic piano tones (including nuances like sympathetic resonance and key-off samples).
Polyphony: Consideration of polyphony count to make sure the piano can handle complex passages without dropping notes.
Portability vs Console Design: Differentiation between portable pianos suitable for gigging or moving around the home and console-style pianos that offer a more permanent fixture with additional features like built-in stands and pedals.
Price Range: Inclusion of pianos across various price points to cater to different budget constraints while maintaining quality and value for the money.
Skill Level: Consideration of whether the piano’s features and complexity align with the skill level of the intended user (for example, beginner pianos vs intermediate pianos vs advanced pianos).Notable Features: Evaluation of extra features such as built-in metronomes, recording capabilities, connectivity options (USB, MIDI, Bluetooth), and educational features like lesson modes and companion apps.
Brand Reputation and Support: Consideration of the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability, customer service, and availability of software updates or firmware upgrades to enhance the piano’s longevity and performance.
Best Portable Digital Piano with 88 Weighted Keys
| PIANO | ACTION | SOUND |
|---|---|---|
| Casio PX-S1100 | Smart Scaled | AiR Sound |
| Yamaha P-225 | GHC | CFX Premium |
| Roland FP-60X | PHA-4 | SuperNATURAL |
| Yamaha P-525 | GrandTouch-S | Virtual Resonance |
| Kawai ES120 | RHC | Harmonic Imaging |
1) Casio PX-S1100 – Good Key Action for the Money
If you’re considering an upgrade from a Casio Privia piano like the Casio PX-160 to the Casio PX-S1100, you’ll want to pay close attention its touch response and hammer action mechanism, which will significantly impact your playing experience.
Luckily, there’s good news here.
Equipped with Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action, the Casio PX-S1100 replicates the feel of an acoustic piano quite nicely.
The hammer action mechanism accurately captures the nuances of your playing, allowing for precise control and expression across the entire keyboard.
| Photo | Piano | Hammer Action |
|---|---|---|
| Casio PX-S1100 | Smart Scaled |
 | Casio PX-S3100 | Smart Scaled |
 | Casio PX-S5000 | Smart Hybrid |
In addition to its exceptional touch response, the PX-S1100 boasts an impressive 192 notes of polyphony, surpassing the PX-160’s 128 notes of polyphony.
This enhanced polyphony of the Casio PX-S1100 ensures smoother and more immersive performances, particularly when tackling complex pieces where multiple notes are sustained simultaneously.
With the PX-S1100, you can play with confidence, knowing that every note will ring true without the risk of premature decay.
Moreover, the PX-S1100 offers seamless wireless connectivity through the included WU-BT10 Bluetooth MIDI and audio adaptor. This feature allows you to quickly connect the piano to your favorite devices, opening up a world of musical possibilities without the constraints of cables.
Another compelling aspect of the PX-S1100 is its portability. Weighing in at under 25 pounds, this piano is lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for musicians on the move.
Overall, the Casio PX-S1100 is one of the best portable electric pianos with weighted keys on the market and justifies its affordable price tag (under $700).
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Authentic touch response with Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action. | 1. Limited variety of built-in tones compared to some competitors. |
| 2. Enhanced polyphony (192 notes) for smoother performances. | 2. Lack of advanced sound customization options. |
| 3. Seamless wireless connectivity via included Bluetooth MIDI adaptor. | 3. Some users may want an even more advanced piano. |
| Casio Piano Reviews You Will Enjoy |
|---|
| Casio PX-S1100 review |
| Casio PX-870 review |
| Casio AP-470 review |
| Casio AP-270 review |
| Casio PX-5S review |
| Casio CDP-S360 review |
| Casio CDP-S110 review |
2) Yamaha P-225 – A Budget Friendly Portable Piano
If the Casio PX-S1100 doesn’t excite you, perhaps the Yamaha P-225 will.
The Yamaha P-225 replaces the Yamaha P-125 and features a brand new Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard.
The new GHC keybed makes the Yamaha P-225 a slimmer piano, while still providing the quality touch response you’re familiar with in older Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboards like the P-125.
In addition to its authentic touch response, the Yamaha P-225 boasts a rich sound quality powered by the renowned CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice.
This engine faithfully reproduces the sound of Yamaha’s acclaimed Yamaha CFX concert grand piano, delivering a dynamic and immersive playing experience.
| Photo | Piano | Action |
|---|---|---|
 | Yamaha P-143 | GHC |
 | Yamaha P-225 | GHC |
With 192 notes of polyphony, the Yamaha P-225 also ensures smooth and uninterrupted performances, even during complex musical passages. You can layer multiple sounds, play duets, or use the built-in accompaniment styles without worrying about notes dropping out.
The Yamaha P-225 also offers some great connectivity options, including USB and bluetooth. If you enjoy using the Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, you can certainly do that here with the P-225.
It’s worth noting that the speakers are considerably different on the Yamaha P-225 vs the Yamaha P-125. On the P-125, the speakers sat on the top surface of the piano.
On the P-225, the speakers are on the back. There are also some small vents at the base of the keyboard, as well. Together, the speakers on the P-225 attempt to give you a more 3D audio experience.
Still, if you prefer the speaker implementation on the Yamaha P-125 better, this aspect of of the P-225 will disappoint you.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action for realistic touch response in a slimmer package. | 1. Limited number of built-in voices compared to some competitors. |
| 2. Rich and dynamic sound quality powered by the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice | 2. Built-in speakers may not provide sufficient volume for larger venues. |
| 3. Very lightweight and portable at 25 lbs (11.8 kilograms). | 3. You may prefer the touch and feel old the old key acton on the Yamaha P-125. |
| Yamaha Articles You’ll Enjoy |
|---|
| Yamaha Piano Value |
| Yamaha or Roland Digital Pianos |
| Yamaha YDP-145 review |
| Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-165 |
| Yamaha YDP-184 review |
3) Roland FP-60X – Rich Sound in a Compact Body
At the heart of the Roland FP-60X is its exceptional touch response, thanks to Roland’s acclaimed PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
This keyboard features progressive hammer action with escapement, providing a realistic and responsive feel similar to that of an acoustic piano.
Whether you’re playing delicate passages or energetic performances, the FP-60X’s touch-sensitive keys enhance your playing experience and expression.
In addition to its impressive touch response, the Roland FP-60X boasts a diverse range of sounds powered by Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling technology.
| Photo | Piano | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
 | Roland FP-30X | PHA-4 Standard |
 | Roland FP-60X | PHA-4 Standard |
 | Roland FP-90X | PHA-50 Keyboard |
This technology meticulously reproduces the complex nuances of acoustic piano tones, delivering rich and authentic sound.
With a wide selection of onboard sounds, including electric pianos, strings, and synths, the FP-60X offers versatility for various musical genres and playing styles.
The Roland FP-60X also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect to music apps, stream audio, and interact with educational content on your smartphone or tablet.
This feature enhances your musical experience by providing access to a wealth of resources and creative tools.
Furthermore, the FP-60X is designed with portability in mind, making it suitable for musicians on the go. While the FP-60X isn’t a lightweight (42 lbs), its sleek and compact design ensures easy transport and setup for rehearsals, performances, and studio sessions.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Realistic touch response with PHA-4 Standard keyboard. | 1. Higher price point compared to some competitors in its class. |
| 2. Diverse range of high-quality sounds powered by SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling. | 2. The onboard control panel may be less intuitive for some users. |
| 3. Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming and interaction with music apps. | 3. Slightly heavier weight may make it less portable for some users. |
| Roland Articles You’ll Enjoy |
|---|
| Roland FP-30X review |
| Roland FP-60X vs Roland FP-90X |
| Best Roland Digital Pianos |
4) Yamaha P-525 – Wood Keys Like an Acoustic Piano
The Yamaha P-525 features one of the newest and best key actions by Yamaha: the Yamaha GrandTouch-S keyboard.
In fact, the key action inside the GrandTouch-S keyboard is the best action available in any digital piano made by Yamaha.
The GrandTouch-S is actually the same action you’ll find in Yamaha’s Clavinova digital pianos, as well.
| Photo | Piano | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha P-225 | Graded Hammer Compact |
 | Yamaha P-525 | GrandTouch-S keyboard |
The Yamaha P-525 has wooden keys and does a great job simulating the nuances of playing on a grand piano. Best of all, it’s able to do that inside of a portable piano body that weighs less than 50 lbs.
The Yamaha P-525 replaces the very popular Yamaha P-515, and is already proving to be a worthy successor.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Wooden keys | 1. High price point |
| 2. Uses GrandTouch-S keyboard | 2. Some may find the sound a bit harsh or bright |
| 3. Great sound for those seeking a grand piano audio experience | 3. Slightly heavier weight may make it less portable for some users. |
5) Kawai ES120 – Powerful Hammer Action in a Small Frame
At the core of the Kawai ES100 is its impressive touch response, facilitated by the Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard action.
This mechanism replicates the feel of an acoustic piano, with graded hammer action that mimics the weight of the keys across the keyboard.
Whether you’re playing gentle melodies or powerful chords, the ES120’s touch-sensitive keys provide a realistic and expressive playing experience.
In addition to its authentic touch response, the ES120 delivers exceptional sound quality through its Harmonic Imaging sound technology.
| Photo | Piano | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kawai ES120 | RHC |
 | Kawai ES520 | RHC II |
 | Kawai KDP120 | RHC II |
This technology accurately reproduces the rich and nuanced tones of Kawai’s renowned acoustic pianos, ensuring a captivating musical experience for players of all levels.
The ES120 also offers a variety of useful features, including dual and split keyboard modes, built-in lesson functions, and a convenient metronome.
These features make the ES120 a versatile instrument suitable for both practice sessions and performances.
Furthermore, the ES120 is designed with portability in mind, making it ideal for musicians who need to transport their instrument to gigs, rehearsals, or lessons.
Its lightweight and compact design, coupled with the option for battery operation, ensures flexibility and convenience wherever you go.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard action for authentic touch response. | 1. Limited sound customization options compared to some competitors. |
| 2. Harmonic Imaging sound technology delivers rich and nuanced piano tones. | 2. High price point. |
| 3. Lightweight and portable design, suitable for musicians on the move. | 3. Limited number of built-in sounds may not satisfy every player. |
| Kawai Articles You’ll Enjoy |
|---|
| Kawai Piano value |
| Kawai KDP-120 vs Yamaha YDP-165 |
| Kawai ES120 va Casio CDP-S110 |
Best Console Digital Piano with Weighted Keys
| PIANO | ACTION | VOICES | POLYPHONY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio PX-870 | Tri-Sensor | 19 | 192 |
| Yamaha YDP-145 | GHS | 10 | 192 |
6) Casio PX-870 – Big Sound for Beginners and Intermediates
At the forefront of the Casio PX-870 is its impressive touch response, thanks to Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard. This hammer action does a good job mimicking the touch and feel of an acoustic piano.
This is achieved thanks to weighted keys that respond to the nuances of your playing.
The graded hammer action provides a realistic touch, ensuring a satisfying playing experience whether you’re performing delicate passages or powerful chords.
| Photo | Piano | Action |
|---|---|---|
 | Casio PX-770 | Tri-sensor Scaled |
| Casio PX-870 | Tri-Sensor II Scaled |
In addition to its authentic touch response, the PX-870 boasts a diverse range of high-quality sounds powered by Casio’s AiR Sound Source technology, as well.
This advanced sound engine faithfully reproduces the rich and nuanced tones of acoustic pianos, offering a dynamic and expressive musical experience.
Furthermore, the PX-870 is built with aesthetics in mind, featuring a sleek and modern cabinet design that complements any home décor.
Casio PX-870
Its compact footprint ensures easy placement in any room, while the integrated stand and pedal unit add stability and functionality.
Ultimately, with its realistic touch response, authentic sound quality, versatile features, and stylish design, the Casio PX-870 digital piano offers excellent value for both beginners and experienced pianists.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Authentic touch response with Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard. | 1. Higher price point compared to some competitors in its class. |
| 2. Diverse range of high-quality sounds powered by Casio’s AiR Sound Source technology. | 2. Some might feel that it’s time for an update to the PX-870. |
| 3. Sleek and modern cabinet design that complements any home décor. | 3. Can’t easily transport or move the PX-870. |
7) Yamaha YDP-145 – Wonderful Console Digital Piano
At the core of the Yamaha YDP-145 lies its captivating touch response, courtesy of Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard.
Picture yourself running your fingers over keys that feel just like those of a grand piano, with each note carrying a weighty authenticity.
This keyboard’s graded hammer action ensures that every keystroke resonates with the soulful essence of a traditional piano, promising a journey filled with expressive melodies and heartfelt rhythms.
| Photo | Piano | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YDP-145 | Graded Hammer Standard |
 | Yamaha YDP-165 | Graded Hammer 3 |
But that’s just the beginning of this fun musical adventure.
The YDP-145 brings Yamaha’s renowned Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling to your fingertips, delivering a symphony of rich and nuanced tones that will transport you to the grand concert halls of the world.
With each chord and melody, you’ll experience the true essence of musical expression, igniting a passion that will fuel your piano creativity for years to come.
And let’s not forget about the YDP-145’s versatile features, designed to accompany you every step of the way on your musical voyage.
Whether you’re exploring new melodies in dual mode, refining your technique with built-in lesson functions, or setting the perfect tempo with the metronome, this piano is your faithful companion, ready to support and inspire you.
But it’s not just about the music—it’s also about the experience!
The Yamaha YDP-145’s elegant console cabinet design adds a touch of sophistication to any space, transforming your home into a haven of musical inspiration.
And with its compact size and integrated stand and pedals, this piano seamlessly blends into your environment, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of music whenever inspiration strikes.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Authentic touch response with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard. | 1. The YDP-145 is an expensive piano, |
| 2. Rich and nuanced tones powered by Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling. | 2. Big weight and size. |
| 3. Stylish cabinet design that complements any home décor. | 3. Doesn’t have the more coveted GH3 keyboard, |
The Importance of Weighted Keys in Digital Pianos
One crucial feature that heavily influences the choice of a digital piano is the presence of 88 weighted keys.
Digital pianos typically feature a full-length keybed containing 88 keys, comprising 52 white keys and 36 black keys, spanning over 7 octaves plus a minor third.
This standard has been consistent for many years, with only rare exceptions, such as the extended 92 keys found in select high-end pianos.
As digital piano technology has advanced, so has the sophistication of the weighted key mechanisms.
Modern digital pianos now boast exquisite hammer action key systems meticulously designed to replicate the feel of traditional acoustic pianos. These systems offer varying levels of detail, cost, and weight, catering to diverse player preferences and needs.
Touch Sensitivity and Customization Options
Another significant consideration is touch sensitivity, which plays a crucial role in the playing experience.
Traditional pianos often feature keys that feel as heavy as bricks under the fingers, requiring pianists to develop hand strength and finger exercises over time.
However, modern digital pianos offer adjustable touch sensitivity settings, allowing players to customize the feel of the keys to their preference. These settings typically include options like hard, medium, soft, and fixed, enabling users to find the most suitable setting for their playing style.
However, it’s essential to recognize potential drawbacks here. While customizable touch sensitivity settings offer convenience, they may hinder the development of muscle memory if used incorrectly.
Practice on a consistent setting is crucial for pianists aiming to refine their skills and transition seamlessly between digital and acoustic pianos.
Considerations for Key Count
While the best digital pianos with weighted keys usually have 88 total keys, there are models available with fewer keys, such as 76 or 61 keys, for increased portability and simplicity.
However, serious pianists often prefer full 88-key keyboards to ensure compatibility with a wide range of musical pieces and genres.
Ultimately, the choice of key count depends on individual preferences and requirements.
While 76 and 61-key pianos may suffice for beginners or casual players, those committed to advancing will find a full length piano with 88 weighted keys much more desirable.
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