Over the past two years since posting videos on Youtube, I have received the question almost daily of what advice I have on choosing a keyboard. This includes the question of should the keys be weighted or unweighted. If you are unfamiliar with those terms, weighted keys feel very realistic just like a piano. The are a bit heavy and require more force for your fingers to push down. To be fair though, many piano’s also have some variance in how the keys feel to your fingers.

Typically speaking, the cheaper keyboards have unweighted keys, meaning that you can barely touch the key and it will go down. To my surprise, many expensive synthesizers have unweighted keys. I guess it comes down to personal choice, but I at least want a little bit of weight. Why? Two main reasons I can think of. First, they give you a smaller chance of accidentally playing the wrong keys when you are playing a song. When you play and move your fingers back and forth down the keys, and even your fingers that aren’t pressing a key might be touching one…it’s only natural. You don’t want even the slightest bit of pressure to cause pressing an accidental note. Second, I believe weighted keys help you learn songs more easily. This is because I teach learning songs more on memory and feel. Take one line in the sheet music for example, and practice that with both hands starting slowly and lightly. As you continue repeating it and feeling more confident that you will hit the right notes, press firmer with a passion. And don’t be afraid to move your upper body! If you are so stiff practicing, it just isn’t a natural feeling. Yes technique can be important, but loosen up! For example, if there is an amazing part that you love in a song, when practicing don’t be afraid to bend your back toward the keys (leaning downward) and press them firmer. I promise you will soon learn the power of muscle memory! If you are just beginning, sure, you can buy a cheaper keyboard with unweighted keys, but set goals for yourself so that maybe in 3-4 months you are ready to upgrade. Plus, getting a new one with more features will give more excitement in learning. Remember, you are learning for yourself and no one else!