Weighted vs Unweighted Keys Explained
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Weighted keys have a hammer action, so each key pushes back with more resistance than an unweighted key. The 4 pianos here all have 88 weighted keys, and the Yamaha here is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys.
What weighted keys do
A weighted key moves a hammer, so the key pushes back with more resistance than an unweighted key. On the Yamaha here, the weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys. The Donner has a fully-weighted keyboard with 16-level touch sensitivity, and the Glarry has a full weighted hammer action that matches finger strength changes. That resistance is what makes a weighted keyboard respond to how hard you press.
What unweighted keys do
An unweighted key moves with the same light resistance from the low keys to the high keys. The action stays even across the keyboard, with the same light resistance on each key. Unweighted keys suit a player who wants a light, even action and does not need the resistance of a hammer action.
Touch sensitivity and hammer action
Touch sensitivity links how hard you press to the dynamics of the note, and it works with the hammer action. The Donner has 16-level touch sensitivity for control over dynamics, and the STRICH has responsive hammer action keys. The Glarry matches finger strength changes with its full weighted hammer action. When you compare weighted keyboards, check the touch sensitivity level and the hammer action in the specs.
How to pick between them
Pick weighted keys when you want the resistance of a hammer action. On the Yamaha here, the weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys. Pick unweighted keys when you want a light, even action across the keyboard. The 4 pianos here all have 88 weighted keys, so compare them on touch sensitivity, speaker power and the extras: the STRICH has 25W speakers, the Glarry has triple pedals, and the Yamaha includes a sustain foot switch and a music rest.
What you need
Donner DDP-95 Digital Piano with 88 Key
An 88-key fully-weighted keyboard with 16-level touch sensitivity, 610 tones, 600 rhythms, a 4.3-inch LCD and USB-MIDI, with a 1-year warranty.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Built-in sounds: 610
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
STRICH Digital Piano 88 Keys
An 88-key hammer-action weighted keyboard with 128 preset timbres, 200 drum rhythms, 25W speakers, a stand and USB-MIDI.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 128
- Speaker power: 25 W
- USB-MIDI
Yamaha DGX-670B 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano
An 88-key weighted digital piano with 630 voices, 263 accompaniment styles, a sustain foot switch and a music rest, with a 1-year warranty.
- Keys: 88
- Built-in sounds: 630
- 1 year warranty stated
Glarry 88-Key Digital Piano
An 88-key full weighted hammer action piano with triple pedals, 10W speakers, Bluetooth, USB-MIDI and record and play, with a 1-year warranty.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Speaker power: 10 W
- Bluetooth
- USB-MIDI
- 1 year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Digital Piano with Weighted Keys, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Are weighted keys heavier than unweighted keys?
Yes. Weighted keys move a hammer, so they push back with more resistance, and the Yamaha here is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys.
Do I need 88 keys on a digital piano?
An 88-key keyboard matches a full piano, and the 4 pianos here all have 88 keys. The Donner, the STRICH, the Yamaha and the Glarry each have 88 weighted keys with a hammer action.
What is touch sensitivity on a digital piano?
Touch sensitivity links how hard you press to the dynamics of the note. The Donner here has 16-level touch sensitivity, and the Glarry matches finger strength changes with its full weighted hammer action.
Can I connect a digital piano to a computer?
The Donner, the STRICH and the Glarry here have USB-MIDI, so you can play them through MIDI-compatible software. The Yamaha has a USB connection and works with Yamaha music apps.
Ranked digital pianos lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.