When it comes to learning to play the keyboard, there are many options to choose from. For beginner musicians, the decision between a 61-key keyboard and a full-sized 88-key keyboard can be a difficult one.
On one hand, a full-sized 88-key keyboard offers a full range of notes and advanced features, making it ideal for serious musicians and composers. On the other hand, a 61-key keyboard is a more affordable and compact option, making it ideal for beginners and hobbyists who are just starting.
In this article, I thought I’d “Tickle the Ivorys” and look into the pros and cons of a 61-key keyboard and answer some questions you might have about whether this is the right choice for you.
Is A 61 Key Keyboard Good For Beginners
A 61-key keyboard is a good choice for beginners since it provides enough keys to play a variety of musical styles and many models feature options to help get the feel of a real piano such as key weight or touch sensitivity.
Having only 61 keys makes the keyboard more compact and portable, making it easy to move around and take with you wherever you go. This is ideal for beginners who may not have a dedicated space for a full-sized piano or who want to be able to practice and play in different locations.
Additionally, a 61-key keyboard is often more affordable than a full-sized keyboard, making it a great option for those who are just starting to learn and may not want to invest a lot of money upfront. With a 61-key keyboard, beginners can focus on developing their skills and technique without having to worry about the added expense of a more advanced instrument.
Pros Of A 61-Key Keyboard
- Compact Size and Portability – A 61-key keyboard offers portability and ease of use, making it the perfect choice for those who need a lightweight instrument that is easy to transport. Its small size makes it ideal for musicians who are always on the move or want an instrument they can take with them wherever their journey takes them.
- Affordability – 61-key keyboards are typically more budget-friendly than 88-keys, so those just beginning their musical journey don’t have to break the bank to enjoy playing a quality instrument.
- Suitable for Small Spaces – If you are working with limited space in your residence, a 61-key keyboard may be the best choice for you as it occupies considerably less area compared to an 88-key version.
Cons Of A 61-Key Keyboard
- Limited Range – With only 61 keys, the scope of music you can create and your ability to fully express yourself are both limited by a keyboard’s restricted range.
- Less Realistic Playing Experience – Despite having fewer keys, a 61-key keyboard cannot offer the same level of realism and sensitivity as an 88-key keyboard. As a result, developing good technique and musicality can become more difficult with this instrument.
- Not Suitable for Advanced Players – For the experienced musician, or those looking to explore a broad spectrum of music styles, an 88-key keyboard is the ideal instrument.
Pros Of An 88-Key Keyboard
- Full Piano Range – With its 88 keys, just like a traditional piano, an 88-key keyboard provides the most complete and realistic playing experience possible.
- Ideal for Advanced Players – Advanced musicians or those who like to experiment with different genres of music will benefit more from an 88-key keyboard, given its wider range and enhanced playing experience.
- Improved Expression – An 88-key keyboard is a powerful tool that gives you access to an array of notes, allowing for more creative expression and a truly immersive playing experience.
Cons Of An 88-Key Keyboard
- Larger Size and Less Portability – An 88-key keyboard is heavier than its 61-key counterpart, making it harder to transport and maneuver.
- Higher Cost – Investing in a full 88-key keyboard can be costlier than its 61-key counterparts, making it an important financial decision to consider.
- Requires More Space – If you’re tight on space in your home or apartment, an 88-key keyboard isn’t the most efficient choice. Its larger size means it will take up a lot more room than its 61-key counterpart.
Which Keys Are Usually Missing From A 61 Key Keyboard
A keyboard with 61 keys will have a smaller range than a keyboard with 88 keys. Generally, the keys that are missing from a 61-key keyboard are keys in the lower and higher octaves. However, these notes can be achieved by using the octave shift buttons most keyboards have.
On a standard 88-key piano keyboard, there are 52 white keys and 36 black keys, while a 61-key keyboard usually only has 36 white keys and 25 black keys. The missing keys are typically the low-end bass octave keys and the high-end treble octave keys.
This means that a 61-key keyboard may not provide the full range of notes that you would find on a traditional piano, and may limit the musical styles you can play and the depth of expression you can achieve.
So that brings me to those octave shift buttons I mentioned above. Octave shift buttons are used to shift the range of notes your 61-key keyboard is capable of producing. Generally, 61-key keyboards will have a two or three-octave shift button allowing you to get access to higher and lower octaves beyond what the 61 keys provide.
The upside is that you can still access those notes while still having a keyboard with a smaller and lighter footprint, but getting to them can be a little more cumbersome, especially if you need to shift in the middle of a fast musical passage.
How Does The Cost Of A 61 Key Keyboard Compare To That Of An 88 Key Keyboard?
The cost of a 61-key keyboard can vary greatly depending on the brand, features, and quality, but it is generally less expensive than a full-sized 88-key keyboard. A basic, entry-level while a mid-range model may cost anywhere from $200 to $500.
In comparison, a full-sized 88-key keyboard can range in price from $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the brand, features, and quality. Higher-end 88-key keyboards…sometimes called digital pianos…often come equipped with more advanced features, such as a greater number of sounds, more advanced recording capabilities, and better touch sensitivity.
It’s important to note that the cost of a keyboard is not always a direct indicator of its quality, and you should always consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a keyboard. For beginners who are just starting and do not need a full range of notes, a 61-key keyboard can be a more affordable and practical option, while for more advanced players or professionals, a full-sized 88-key keyboard may be a better choice.
What Are The Limitations Of A 61 Key Keyboard For Beginners?
When starting, 61-key keyboards can be a great way to get started with learning the basics of music theory and playing the piano. However, they do have certain limitations that beginners should be aware of before making their purchase, such as:
- Limited Range of Notes – Given its restricted amount of 61 keys, the keyboard may restrict the intensity of expression and variety for some genres.
- Fewer Sound Options – With only 61 keys, a keyboard may be limited in the types of sounds and styles it can produce when compared to an 88-key one; thereby restricting your ability to create more intricate musical textures. However, some models provide a full suite of sounds and features…so this is becoming less of a problem.
- Less Advanced Recording Capabilities – When compared to its larger 88-key counterpart, a 61-key keyboard may be lacking in certain features such as multi-track recording capabilities and integrated drum patterns/loops. Again, with most modern keyboards, this is becoming less and less of an issue.
- Reduced Touch Sensitivity – Because a 61-key keyboard has decreased touch sensitivity in comparison to the full-sized 88-key keyboards, it can be more problematic when trying to control volume and expressiveness while playing.
- Limited Capacity for Learning Advanced Techniques – For those seeking to master higher piano techniques such as classical and jazz styles, a 61-key keyboard may not deliver the full range of notes required for successful practice. To truly hone these intricate styles, one must look toward a more comprehensive 88-key setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A 61 Key Keyboard Suitable For All Musical Styles?
While a 61-key keyboard provides enough keys to play most popular songs and chord progressions, it may not be suitable for some more advanced musical styles, such as classical or jazz, that require a larger range of notes.
Perfect for beginners and hobbyists, a 61-key keyboard is an optimal choice to master the fundamentals of playing popular music genres like pop, rock, and folk. As it provides all the essential features that are needed to commence learning in this area, you can shift your focus to honing your skills and technique without having any other distractions.
Can A 61-Key Keyboard Be Used For Composing and Recording Music?
Most 61-key keyboards will have USB plugs for integrating with a digital audio workstation (DAW) making them a great choice for composers. Some models also have built in sounds and onboard memory so that music can be written and recorded directly into the keyboard.
Many composers will have a full-sized 88-key keyboard as well as a smaller keyboard (either 61 or 49 keys) that they can use as part of their portable rig.