A digital piano is an electronic alternative to the acoustic piano.
They are a superb option for anyone who would love to own an acoustic piano, but due to cost or space considerations cannot.
However, the challenge is finding one that will truly be a suitable alternative to an acoustic piano.
To achieve this, we must find one that not only has the most realistic acoustic piano sound but also the weighted keys of an acoustic piano.
That’s what this review is all about: To help you find the best digital piano with weighted keys.
Now let’s check them out…
Contents
- Top 10Â Best Digital Piano With Weighted Keys To Buy In 2023 Reviews
- 1 Casio PX770 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
- 2 Yamaha YDP143R Arius Series Console Digital Piano
- 3 Korg LP380 – 88 – Key Digital Piano
- 4 Kawai ES110 Portable Digital Piano
- 5 Yamaha YPG-535 88-Key Portable Grand Piano
- 6 Williams Rhapsody 2 88-Key Console Digital Piano
- 7 Yamaha P-515 88-Key Digital Piano
- 8 Korg B1SP 88 Weighted Key Digital Piano
- 9 Casio Privia PX-870 Digital Piano
- 10 Yamaha P115 Digital Piano
- Conclusion
Top 10Â Best Digital Piano With Weighted Keys To Buy In 2023 Reviews
1
Casio PX770 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
This digital piano from Casio delivers a genuine acoustic piano feel and sound with extras. It has a slim design but still holds the full 88 keys of a standard piano.
That’s not all; the keys are hammer-weighted. This is one thing that ensures you get that real piano feel.
Taking it some steps further, it adds 18 additional tones so you can choose to enjoy some tonal variations other than just the piano sound.
It gets even better…
Despite the fact that it has stereo speakers, it also comes with a headphone output for silent playing. You also get USB connectivity that allows you to hook it up to your studio setup.
What’s a piano without its pedals?
The Casio PX770 comes with standard piano pedals so you can really feel like you are playing a real piano. And to complete the acoustic piano look, it comes with a cabinet-like stand to which the pedals are attached.
Overall, this Casio digital piano is ideal for where space is a major concern. Therefore, this is a great option for folks with small spaces. You get to enjoy the full features of an acoustic piano in an electronic keyboard’s body.
- It has a compact design.
- The PX770 has an authentic piano sound plus an additional 18 sounds.
- This digital piano comes with three pedals.
- It has headphone and USB outputs.
- The PX770 is easy to assemble.
- It is available in white, brown and black colors.
- This digital piano comes with a cover to protect the keys when not in use.
- The PX770 requires some assembly.
- It does not have a line output.
2
Yamaha YDP143R Arius Series Console Digital Piano
Yamaha takes it a couple of notches higher with the YDP143R. This digital piano gives you the full sensation of an acoustic piano because it looks like one, sounds like one and feels like one.
The first thing you’ll notice about it is its dark rosewood frame which gives it that acoustic piano look. Now let’s go past that because there’s more to this baby than its great looks…
You will notice the length of the keyboard with its 88 keys. It can’t look or feel like it’s acoustic sibling if it’s any less than 88 keys (At least, NOT if you are a professional player).
Next…
You will notice the three pedals. They enable you to control your expressions just like on an acoustic piano. And with the included bench, you don’t need to adjust your body to postures that feel awkward. Just go ahead as you would with your acoustic piano.
Now the YDP143R begins to get more interesting…
Sitting and touching the keys, you feel like you are really playing an acoustic piano, thanks to the synthetic ivory top of the keys and the hammer weighted sensitivity of their action.
Strike a note and be amazed at the precise reproduction of the Yamaha 9′ CFIIIS concert grand piano sound. But it gets even better…
Apply the different pedals and experience the expressiveness and dynamics that are unique to an acoustic piano.
You may be asking yourself if it can get any better than this; it can and does…
First, it has a recording capability that allows the player to record his/her performance. You can actually record two different tracks and play them back simultaneously. Now you can capture those moments of rare inspiration without any fuss.
Secondly, it can be connected to a computer or an IOS device for more operational options. This opens a whole new world of possibilities that we can’t even begin to talk about here.
Furthermore, you can enjoy solitary play with your headphone by connecting via the headphone output. Â And, to get you started quickly, it comes pre-loaded with songs and includes a song book for easy learning.
- The YDP143R looks, sounds and feels like an acoustic piano.
- Its keys are hammer weighted and have a realistic feel.
- This digital piano features three pedals for increased expressiveness.
- It has a recording function that allows performances to be recorded.
- The YDP143R comes pre-loaded with songs and a song book for easy learning.
- It may be unsuitable for small spaces.
- The YDP143R requires some assembly.
3
Korg LP380 – 88 – Key Digital Piano
The LP380 is built like an upright piano but with a low profile design that doesn’t take up much space. Despite this low profile design, it still squeezes in the 88 standard keys of an acoustic piano. These keys are hammer weighted to feel like a real acoustic piano.
What exactly does this mean?
When you play on an acoustic piano, the lower notes are heavier to the touch while the higher notes have a lighter response. These hammer weighted keys reproduce this perfectly.
It gets even better…
The included pedals enhance the level of dynamic play made possible by the LP380’s weighted keys.
With these three pedals, a new level of expressiveness is added to this dynamism. Hearing the sound alone, you will never believe it is not an acoustic piano.
The LP380 improves on its functionality by adding 30 sounds that further expand the player’s options. It allows for two sounds to be played together and for the keyboard to be split. This allows the player to play one sound on the lower end of the keyboard and another sound on the upper end.
The Korg LP380 offers a lovely blend of the best of acoustic piano with features from the electronic keyboard.
- The LP380 is designed like an upright piano but is quite compact.
- It comes with 30 quality sounds including some from the Kronos.
- This digital piano offers Midi capabilities for easy connection with Midi devices.
- The 88 keys are hammer weighted.
- It comes with 3 standard pedals.
- You may notice some sound distortion at higher volumes.
- It does not come with a bench.
4
Kawai ES110 Portable Digital Piano
This is another digital piano that focuses more on performance than on looks. Yes, it does look more like a regular electronic keyboard than a piano but that’s just its looks, right? Let’s look at the features it offers.
First of all, this digital piano from Kawai offers 88 hammer weighted keys just like an acoustic piano. It also offers a 192-note polyphony which gives you room to play the most complicated of chords and expressions.
You also get eight different piano sounds plus 11 other great sounds. This increases your options.
Add some creativity to your play with the split or dual mode. These add some electronic edge to the acoustic piano sound and feel. You can also enhance the expressiveness of your play with the included pedal.
Wait there’s more…
This digital piano offers midi and Bluetooth connectivity. This is in addition to the headphone output which allows you to enjoy your play alone.
This isn’t a very high-end digital piano. However, beginners and intermediate players will find it quite suitable for their level of play.
In fact, it comes with some built-in Alfred piano lessons which are great for beginners.
- The Kawai ES110 has 88 hammer weighted keys.
- It has 19 sounds including 8 different piano sounds.
- This digital piano offers Midi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- It comes with a pedal.
- The Kawai ES110 comes loaded with Alfred piano lessons.
- It does not come with a stand.
- Functions are not very user-friendly.
5
Yamaha YPG-535 88-Key Portable Grand Piano
Yamaha is known for providing solutions to the needs of a wide range of users. This digital piano is designed for the beginner. Therefore, if you are looking for pro hammer weighted keys, this is not for you. This is touch sensitive but not hammer weighted.
What does this mean?
It simply means the keys will respond to the intensity of your strike. However, the keys are not really weighted like your acoustic piano keys.
So why should you consider it?
Like we noted earlier, this is a great digital piano for beginners who are not too concerned about weighted keys. It offers a great grand piano sound as well as over 360 other sound options. To further enhance your playing experience, it includes beat styles to which you can play along.
Furthermore, this digital piano comes with a digital display that shows the sound, style, song lyrics and other pieces of information. You also have a performance assistant that can accompany your play with a full complement of instruments.
Finally, with the performance assistant, the included learning aid and about 100 songs with interactive lessons, this is by far the best digital piano for the beginner.
- The Yamaha YPG-535Â comes with a lot of learning resources, making it perfect for beginners.
- It comes with a stand, pedal, and adaptor.
- This digital piano has over 360 sounds.
- It offers USB connectivity for easy connection to a computer or storage device.
- The keys are touch sensitive but not hammer weighted.
- Professional piano players will not like it.
6
Williams Rhapsody 2 88-Key Console Digital Piano
You will need to look very closely at this to convince yourself that it is not an upright piano. Built with PVC but given a wood-like finish, it stands elegantly like an upright piano. Furthermore, the fact that it has 88 fully weighted keys does not make your investigation any easier.
This digital piano is designed to really look, sound and feel like an acoustic piano. In addition to two awesome piano sounds, you also get about 10 other great sounds. To give you more control over your play, it also has a realistic damper and sustain pedals.
Having perfected the piano look, sound, and feel, it adds some electronic features that increase its functionality. These include effects, USB and Midi outputs, transpose, metronome, a two-track recorder as well as a headphone output.
For a real acoustic piano alternative, this comes really close.
- The Rhapsody 2 88-Key has a realistic acoustic piano look, feel and sound.
- Its 88 keys are fully hammer weighted.
- The Rhapsody 2 88-Key offers two great piano sounds and 10 other sounds.
- Includes effects.
- This digital piano comes with very realistic damper and sustain pedals.
- It offers USB and Midi connectivity.
- It offers limited sound options.
7
Yamaha P-515 88-Key Digital Piano
The Yamaha P-515 is the latest addition to the Yamaha P-series lineup. But unlike the more affordable digital pianos in the series, like the P45 and the P-115 which we’ve already covered, this piano is considered to be the cream of the crop, explaining it’s high price tag.
The P-515 is the replacement for the Yamaha P-255. But more than just being a replacement, we actually think it’s quite a significant upgrade.
It uses Yamaha’s excellent NWXÂ (Natural Wood X) key action, i.e. the keys are actually made of real wood. It’s actually the first time that NWX has been used in the P-series line, it’s normally reserved for more expensive Yamaha digital pianos.
It’s great to see Yamaha break out their best technology and package it inside a smaller digital piano.
Another great feature is the Chord Chart (in the Smart Pianist app), which allows you to play along with some of your favorite songs.  As your favorite tune is playing, you’ll see a chord chart being displayed, allowing you to easily play along.
- Top of the series sounds and features.
- Chord Chart feature.
- It offers 88 full size keys.
- Top of the series price tag.
8
Korg B1SP 88 Weighted Key Digital Piano
Korg offers in the B1SP an affordable entry into the world of digital pianos. First, this digital piano has 88 fully weighted keys. This, in addition to the accurately reproduced acoustic piano sound, makes it a good quality digital piano.
Apart from the piano sound, you also get 7 additional sounds that offer you more playing options. The weighted keys can be used to enhance these sounds creating dynamic expressive piano tones.
And to give you more tools to further sculpt your sound, it comes with three pedals. You are only limited by your own creativity as to what you can do with the included damper, sustain and soft pedals.
You can choose to enjoy your play through the speakers or via headphones.
This is also a complete package. Including everything you need to get started – a furniture stand, bench, three pedals, a music sheet stand and an AC power adapter.
- The B1SP has 88 fully weighted keys for a real piano feel.
- It comes with damper, sustain and soft pedals for more expressive play.
- This keyboard comes with a stand, piano bench and music stand.
- It has a lovely piano sound.
- The B1SP has limited sound options.
- It has limited connectivity options.
9
Casio Privia PX-870 Digital Piano
The Casio PX-870 is the replacement for the PX-860, and has quickly become a very popular digital piano on the market.
It features Casio’s excellent Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II.
It comes inside a beautiful cabinet with an unusual yet familiar design – a lid that slides up and down. Giving you an experience that’s almost akin to that of an upright acoustic piano—but for whole lot less money.
The Casio PX-870 features a very impressive 256-note polyphony. But why is that so important?
Well, polyphony is a concept that’s based around the fundamental idea of note decay.  Therefore, the slower the note decays, the more notes you can play and hear being played on the piano.
A higher note polyphony means that you will be able to enjoy learning and playing more expressive musical pieces.  This obviously, isn’t very important if you’re a complete novice, but if you are or intend on becoming an accomplished pianist, the PX870 is a definite winner.
- Excellent hammer action keys.
- 256-note polyphony.
- Cool piano like lid.
- None
10
Yamaha P115 Digital Piano
There are three aspects to an acoustic piano: Its look, its sound, and its feel. If you’re more concerned about the sound and feel of a digital piano than its look, then check this out…
Already known for making great acoustic pianos, Yamaha offers in the P115 a digital piano that delivers the Yamaha piano sound and feel.
Designed like an electronic keyboard, it features 88 GHS weighted keys that are designed to mimic an acoustic piano.
Listening to its sound without seeing it, you’ll think you are listening to the 9′ CFIIIS concert grand piano. Its realistic sound and feel also make for very expressive and dynamic play.
Sometimes you just need to practice or play without everyone hearing you. The headphone input makes this very easy, something you can’t do on an acoustic piano. With this, it doesn’t matter if inspiration strikes at 12 noon or midnight, you can play to your heart’s delight without being a nuisance to anyone.
That’s not all…
Connecting it to a computer or smartphone is easy with the USB output. This opens up a world of possibilities that is, perhaps, limited only by your imagination.
Like we stated earlier, this digital piano is more about functionality than looks. It doesn’t come with a cabinet or furniture stand which might make it look more like a piano. However, it does come bundled with a stand, a bench, and a sustain pedal.
If you don’t need the extras, but just want the digital piano alone, it’s available for standalone order. Get the Yamaha P115 to enjoy pure acoustic piano sound and feel without taking up all the space that an acoustic piano would.
- It offers an authentic acoustic piano sound.
- The P115Â comes with 88 GHS weighted keys for highly expressive and dynamic play.
- It comes bundled with a stand, bench, and pedal.
- This digital piano has a USB connection for easy linking with a computer or smartphone.
- It does not have an acoustic piano look.
- The included X stand may not offer the best stability during play.
- Experienced piano players may not like the plastic feel of the keys.
Conclusion
Having looked at these ten products, one has to decide which of them is the best digital piano with weighted keys. We know that every user has different needs and this means that choices will differ across the board.
Having said that, looking at these three factors – look, sound and feel, one product stands out. That is the Yamaha YDP143R Arius Series Console Digital Piano. This digital piano from Yamaha offers the best acoustic piano look, the best acoustic piano sound and the best acoustic piano feel of the lot.
We, therefore, declare the Yamaha YDP143R the winner!
Thank you for doing this review of the best digital weighted keyboards. I’m a classical composer, arranger and piano teacher and need to invest in a great weighted keyboard that has multiple benefits like line in/out, Midi, Bluetooth or USB connection AND affordable meaning $1500 or below. I can’t decide btwn the Korg LP380 – 88 – Key Digital Piano & Yamaha YDP 144 Arius like you mentioned. What would you personally recommend for me?
Thank you for reading this inquiry.
Does anyone have any opinion, description, or experience with the Baldwin elec grand ( DG100).
I have never tried an elec grand actually!