Everything You Need to Know About Weighted Keyboards

What are weighted keys?

Weighted keys are exactly what the name implies, keys that are weighted to replicate the feeling and mechanics of an acoustic piano when a key is pressed. This creates a softer tone when lightly pressed or a brighter, louder tone with a harder press.

There are three main types of weighted keys: semi-weighted, hammer action and graded weighting.

Are weighted key's necessary for beginners?

Ultimately, this question can be answered based on your end goal. If you’re purchasing a digital keyboard with the intention of playing piano, weighted keys would greatly benefit you as you’ll be more accustomed to the dynamics and feeling of weighted keys.

Learning to play piano on a keyboard with weighted keys makes transitioning to an acoustic piano easier. Although, learning on unweighted keys may seem easier, it's less beneficial in the long run as moving to an acoustic piano can be more challenging/uncomfortable if you're not accustomed to the action/resistance of weighted keys.

Weighted vs Semi-weighted keys

While most beginner digital keyboards or synthesizers have unweighted keys, some models will offer an “in-between” option with semi-weighted keys. Semi-weighted keys utilise a spring action to add more resistance when pressing the key compared to an unweighted keyboard.

The Korg B2 Digital Keyboard is offered in both semi-weighted and weighted (natural hammer action).