What’s The Difference Between ‘Weighted Keys’ & ‘Graded Hammer Action?

Blog Key Takeaways:

1. There are several factors to consider when choosing a digital piano, including size, weight, and features.
2. Weighted keys and graded hammer action are two important considerations regarding the keys’ feel.
3. Weighted keys are known to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, while graded hammer action keys provide a more realistic playing experience.
4. Both types of keys have benefits, so choosing the right one is essential.
5. The best digital pianos use weighted keys and graded hammer action to provide the most realistic playing experience possible.

Pianos come with a range of features that make them perfect for you. In 2021, the number of digital pianos sold in the United States increased roughly 24% over the previous year. The terminology can be confusing if you’re unsure what to look for when buying a piano. Do you know the difference between ‘weighted keys’ and ‘graded hammer action? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

Most people don’t know the intricate differences between these two types of keyboards. Still, it’s important to understand them if you want to buy a digital piano. In this blog post, PianoCraft will take a closer look at both weighted keys and graded hammer action so that by the end, you’ll be able to choose the right type of keyboard for your needs confidently. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Digital Piano: Weighted Keys Explained!

Let’s start with weighted keys. Weighted keys are, as the name implies, keys that have been weighted down. This weight is generally added to the bottom of the key so that when you press it, the key will sink a bit before coming back up. The good thing about weighted keys is that they provide a more natural and realistic feel when playing the piano. If you are used to playing an acoustic piano, you’ll likely find that weighted keys feel much more familiar and comfortable. Also, weighted keys are less likely to slip or move around when you’re playing, which is always a good thing. There are two main types of weighted keys: fully weighted-and semi-weighted.

Understanding Fully-Weighted Vs. Semi-Weighted

Okay, so now that we know what weighted keys are, let’s discuss the difference between fully and semi-weighted. Fully-weighted keys mean that each key on the piano has the same weight, or feel, to it. This is how an acoustic piano feels since each key is individually weighted.

On the other hand, semi-weighted keys have different weights for different keys. For example, the lower notes on a semi-weighted keyboard will generally be heavier than the higher notes. This is because it takes more effort to press down a low note than it does to a high note.

Some people prefer fully-weighted keys because they feel more natural and provide a more consistent playing experience. Others prefer semi-weighted keys because they are easier to play and require less effort.

Hammer Action Keys – Explained

Imagine you’ve got a hammer in your hand. Now, pretend that you’re going to hit a nail with it. As you bring the hammer back, you’ll notice it gets heavier. It happens because your muscles contract, and the hammer’s weight increases.

Now, imagine that you’re going to hit a piano key with that same hammer. When you press down on the key, you’ll notice that it feels different than when you hit the nail. The reason is that the piano keys are designed to mimic the action of a real piano.

When you press down on a piano’s key, a small hammer strikes the string inside the piano, producing a sound. The further down you press the key, the harder the hammer hits the string and the louder the sound.

Graded Action Hammer Keys – Explained

Now imagine that you have a hammer that gets heavier the further down you swing it. This is what’s called “graded action.” The graded action means that the keys get progressively heavier as you press them down.

When you press down on a key, the hammer gets heavier and hits the string harder, producing a louder sound.

Best Digital Pianos You Can Snag

1. Yamaha P125:

Yamaha is among the most popular digital piano brands on the market, and for a good reason. Their instruments are known for having excellent feel and sound quality. The P125 is a great example of this. It has Yamaha’s GHS-weighted action, giving it a realistic piano feel.

2. Roland FP-90:

The FP-90 is Roland’s flagship digital piano. It has its latest PHA-50 hammer action keybed, which feels similar to a real grand piano. In addition to its great action, the FP-90 also sounds fantastic. It uses Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano engine, which gives it some of the most realistic piano sounds available in a digital instrument.

3. Casio Privia PX-870:

The PX-870 is Casio’s flagship digital piano. It has its Ivory Feel-G weighted action, which feels very realistic. In addition to its great feel, the PX-870 also sounds fantastic. It uses Casio’s AiR Sound Source engine, giving it some of the most realistic piano tones available.

4. Korg SV-1:

The SV-1 is a unique digital piano that doesn’t use traditional piano sampling techniques. Instead, it uses Korg’s RADIAS synthesis engine to generate its sounds. This gives the SV-1 a unique sound different from any other digital piano on the market.

5. Yamaha Montage 8:

The Montage 8 is Yamaha’s flagship keyboard workstation. It has its new Graded Hammer 3 action, which feels very realistic. In addition to its great feel, the Montage 8 also sounds fantastic. It uses Yamaha’s latest Motion Control Synthesis engine, which gives it some of the most realistic piano tones available.

Also Read: Piano Restoration – How To Replace Piano Keytops

How Do I Know If Digital Piano Is Best For Me?

When deciding if a digital piano is appropriate for you, you should keep a few things in mind.

1. Cost: Digital pianos can range in price from around $200 to over $5000. If you’re starting, you may want to look at some of the lower-priced options. But if you’re a more experienced player, you may want to invest in a higher-quality instrument.
2. Size: One more vital consideration is the size of the digital piano. If you have limited space, you may want to opt for a smaller model. There are also portable digital pianos that are designed for easy transport.
3. Features: When choosing a digital piano, you’ll also want to consider the essential features. Some pianos come with built-in speakers, while others do not. Some have a recording function, while others do not. Be sure to choose a piano that has the features you want.

Looking To Buy a Digital Piano in Fairfax County? We Can Help!

PianoCraft is the best place to buy digital pianos in Fairfax County! Our digital pianos are top-notch and come from renowned brands, such as Celviano digital pianos and Celviano grand hybrid digital pianos. The prices of our models depend on the design style and features, but they start at $1,049 and can go up to $5,999.99. From beginner’s pianos to professional electric keyboards, we have something for everyone! Please see our digital piano brands page or contact us if you’re searching for something specific.