Digital Piano vs Keyboard: Key Differences
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A digital piano stands in for an acoustic piano: 88 full-size keys with weighted or hammer action, built-in speakers and pedals. A keyboard leaves out the weighted action, the pedals and the furniture stand, and sits on a table or a separate stand. The difference is the playing surface and the furniture, not the sound source.
Keys and weighted action
A full piano has 88 keys, and every digital piano here has 88 full-size keys with weighted or hammer action. Weighted action adds resistance under the fingers, and the Donner DEP-20 lets the player adjust the touch response. A keyboard leaves out the hammer action, so the keys move with less resistance.
Built-in sounds and speakers
A digital piano carries its own sound: the GLARRY lists 380 tones, the Donner DEP-20 lists 238 tones, the Yamaha P71 lists 10 voices and the UISCOM lists 8 tones, and each has built-in speakers. Polyphony sets how many notes sound at once: the GLARRY and the Donner DEP-20 both list 128-note polyphony. A keyboard also has built-in sounds, and the voice count is the number to compare when the two sit side by side.
Pedals, stands and connections
A digital piano comes with the furniture an acoustic piano has: the GLARRY includes an embedded stand and a triple pedal set, the Donner DEP-20 includes a furniture stand and a 3-pedal unit, and the UISCOM has triple pedals and a wooden desk body. The Yamaha P71 includes a single sustain pedal and a power supply. For connections, the GLARRY adds Bluetooth audio and USB-MIDI, the Donner DEP-20 and the UISCOM list USB-MIDI, and the Yamaha P71 lists USB connectivity. A keyboard leaves the stand and pedals out.
Which one fits your space
Measure the spot before choosing: the GLARRY measures 3.15 in deep by 50.59 in wide by 10.79 in high, and the Yamaha P71 measures 11.5 in deep by 52.25 in wide by 6 in high. A digital piano with a furniture stand stays in one place; a keyboard lifts off its stand for storage. Weight matters for moving it: the Yamaha P71 is listed at 25 lb and the GLARRY at 26.5 lb, against 54.6 lb for the Donner DEP-20 with its stand.
What you need
GLARRY 88-Key Semi-Weighted Digital Piano
An 88-key semi-weighted digital piano with 380 tones, 128-note polyphony, Bluetooth audio, USB-MIDI, triple pedals and headphones.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 128
- Built-in sounds: 380
- Speaker power: 17 W
- Bluetooth
- USB-MIDI
Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano 88 Key
An 88-key full-weighted digital piano with 238 tones, 128-note polyphony, USB-MIDI, a furniture stand and a 3-pedal unit.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 128
- Built-in sounds: 238
- USB-MIDI
YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
An 88-key weighted action digital piano with 10 voices, a sustain pedal and a power supply, with dual mode for blending two voices.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Built-in sounds: 10
- 1 year warranty stated
UISCOM 88 Key Weighted Home Digital Piano
An 88-key progressive hammer-action digital piano with 8 tones, USB-MIDI and triple pedals with sustain, sostenuto and soft functions.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- USB-MIDI
These come from our ranked list Best Digital Piano, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does a digital piano need a stand?
The digital pianos here include one: the GLARRY has an embedded stand, the Donner DEP-20 includes a furniture stand, and the UISCOM is built as a desk. The Yamaha P71 includes a sustain pedal and a power supply. A keyboard sits on a table or a separate stand.
Can a digital piano connect to a computer?
Yes. The GLARRY, the Donner DEP-20 and the UISCOM list USB-MIDI, which sends playing to music software on a computer, tablet or phone. The Yamaha P71 lists USB connectivity.
How many keys does a digital piano have?
A full piano has 88 keys, and every digital piano here has 88 full-size keys. A keyboard has fewer keys, which is one of the visible differences between the two.
Do digital pianos have weighted keys?
Yes. Every digital piano here has weighted or hammer action keys: the GLARRY is semi-weighted, the Donner DEP-20 is full-weighted with hammer action, the Yamaha P71 has weighted action, and the UISCOM has progressive hammer action.
Ranked digital pianos lists
More how-to guides
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