61 vs 88 Keys: Which Should You Choose?
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A full piano has 88 keys, and a 61-key keyboard covers a shorter range with the same layout of white and black keys. Choose 88 keys for the full range of a piano, and 61 keys for a shorter keyboard. The 4 keyboards below all have 88 keys.
What the key count changes
The key count sets how many notes the keyboard covers from its lowest key to its highest. A 61-key keyboard and an 88-key keyboard share the same pattern of white and black keys, so a note sits in the same place relative to the keys around it. The difference is range: 88 keys reach lower and higher notes than 61 keys, which matters for music that uses the ends of the piano range.
Key action and feel
Key action describes how the keys move and push back under your fingers. All 4 keyboards below have weighted hammer-action keys, which use a hammer mechanism behind each key to copy the way an acoustic piano key moves. The Ktaxon set uses semi-weighted keys, which push back less than fully weighted keys and return faster. Try the action on a keyboard in person when you can, and compare it with the action you already know.
Sounds, pedals and connections
Each keyboard below has USB-MIDI, so it can connect to a computer and music software. The Donner and GLARRY keyboards also have Bluetooth, and the STRICH keyboard connects wirelessly. The Donner, GLARRY and Ktaxon keyboards each come with three pedals, and the STRICH keyboard comes with a stand. Check the connections on the keyboard you pick against the gear you already own.
Choosing between 61 and 88 keys
Start from the range you need. If the music you play stays in the middle of the piano range, a 61-key keyboard covers it. If you want the lowest and highest notes of a full piano, choose 88 keys. The 4 keyboards below all have 88 keys, so compare their action, pedals and connections to find the one that fits your setup.
What you need
Donner OURA S100 Digital Piano
An 88-key digital piano with a graded hammer weighted keyboard, Bluetooth, USB-MIDI, 3 built-in demo songs and a three-pedal unit.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Bluetooth
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
STRICH Digital Piano 88 Keys
An 88-key digital piano with hammer-action weighted keys, 128 preset timbres, 128 polyphony, 25 W speakers, USB-MIDI and a stand.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 128
- Speaker power: 25 W
- USB-MIDI
GLARRY Digital Piano 88-Key Home Full Weighted
An 88-key digital piano with full weighted hammer heavy action keys, triple pedals, Bluetooth, USB-MIDI and two 10 W speakers.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Speaker power: 10 W
- Bluetooth
- USB-MIDI
- 1 year warranty stated
Ktaxon 88 Key Keyboard Piano Set
An 88-key digital piano with semi-weighted keys, 128 GM tones, 64-note polyphony, a three-pedal unit, an adjustable bench and USB-MIDI.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 64
- Built-in sounds: 128
- USB-MIDI
These come from our ranked list Best 88 Key Digital Piano, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Is 61 keys enough for piano music?
It depends on the range the music uses. Music that stays in the middle of the piano range fits on 61 keys, while music that reaches the lowest or highest notes needs 88 keys.
Do all four keyboards below have weighted keys?
Yes. All 4 have weighted hammer-action keys, and the Ktaxon set uses semi-weighted keys.
Can a 61-key keyboard connect to music software?
A keyboard with USB-MIDI can connect to a computer and music software. All 4 keyboards below have USB-MIDI, and the Donner and GLARRY keyboards also have Bluetooth.
What pedals do these keyboards have?
The Donner, GLARRY and Ktaxon keyboards each come with a three-pedal unit. The STRICH keyboard comes with a stand.
Ranked digital pianos lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.