Digital Piano Glossary: 40 Terms Explained

This guide is based on public information and manufacturer specifications. We do not claim hands-on testing. Prices and availability change often; check Amazon for current details.

Digital piano pages are full of jargon. This glossary explains the terms you will meet in reviews and buying guides, in plain English.

Keys and touch

88 keys

The number of keys on a full acoustic piano. See how many keys do I need.

Weighted keys

Keys that add resistance to feel like an acoustic piano.

Semi-weighted keys

Keys with a lighter spring action and some resistance.

Unweighted keys

Light keys, usually found on synthesizers and some small keyboards.

Hammer action

A key mechanism that uses a hammer-like part to imitate an acoustic piano.

Graded hammer action

Hammer action where low keys are heavier and high keys lighter.

Key surface

The texture of the keys. Some are designed to imitate ivory or ebony.

Escapement

A subtle click or notch felt in some actions, like on an acoustic grand.

Touch sensitivity

How the sound changes with how hard you play.

Velocity

The speed at which a key is pressed, which determines volume.

Sound

Sampling

Recording a real piano and playing back the recordings.

Polyphony

How many notes the piano can sound at once. Higher numbers help with the sustain pedal.

Voices (tones)

The different instrument sounds, such as piano, electric piano and strings.

Layering

Playing two sounds at once.

Split

Assigning different sounds to the left and right sides of the keyboard.

Reverb

An effect that adds room-like ambience.

Resonance

Simulation of strings vibrating in sympathy, found on some models.

Metronome

A built-in beat to practise timing.

Speakers

Built-in sound output. Power and layout affect how full the sound is.

Pedals and controls

Sustain (damper) pedal

Keeps notes ringing after you lift your fingers.

Half pedalling

Partial use of the sustain pedal, supported by some pedals and pianos.

Soft pedal (una corda)

Reduces volume and changes tone slightly.

Sostenuto pedal

Sustains only the notes held down when pressed.

Pedal unit

A three-pedal board available for some pianos.

Connections

Headphone jack

An output for private practice. Check the size (1/4 inch or 1/8 inch).

Line out

An output for amplifiers and recording.

MIDI

A standard that sends note data to apps, software and other instruments.

USB-MIDI

MIDI over a USB cable to a computer or tablet.

Bluetooth MIDI

Wireless MIDI to apps and devices.

Bluetooth audio

Plays music from a phone through the piano’s speakers on some models.

Types of instrument

Portable digital piano

A slab-style piano that sits on a stand or table.

Console digital piano

A furniture-style piano with built-in stand and pedals.

Stage piano

A performance keyboard designed for gigging.

Hybrid piano

A piano combining acoustic key mechanisms with digital sound.

Bundle

A piano sold with accessories such as a stand and bench.

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