10 Best Keyboard Weighted Key 2025 in the United States

The Yamaha P225B is designed for those seeking the authentic feel of an acoustic piano with its 88 weighted keys that feature Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action. This makes it a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced players alike who value touch sensitivity and realism in their playing experience. The CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice enhances this experience by delivering rich and powerful sound, mimicking the flagship CFX concert grand piano remarkably well. Additionally, the Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) recreates the nuanced resonance that one would expect from a traditional piano, contributing to a more immersive playing experience.

One of the standout features is the Half-Damper Pedal, which allows for greater expressiveness during play, giving musicians the ability to control sustain more precisely. Coupled with the Smart Pianist app, users can unlock additional functionalities and customize their playing experience even further, making it a versatile option for different skill levels.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the compact design is space-saving, it may not provide the same fullness as larger digital pianos. Weighing in at 25.4 pounds, it’s somewhat portable, but transporting it frequently could be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, being a corded electric model, it requires a power source, which may limit where you can play compared to battery-operated options.

The Yamaha P143B is designed as a digital piano with weighted keys, making it suitable for beginners and those seeking an authentic piano feel. Its key weighting, mimicking that of an acoustic piano, allows for expressive playing, which is important for developing proper technique. The touch sensitivity feature enhances the playing experience, responding to the dynamics of how hard or soft you play. The premium sound quality is a standout aspect, with 10 unique voices derived from Yamaha's grand pianos, ensuring a rich and realistic audio experience.

A notable strength is its compact and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to fit into various living spaces. The built-in speakers provide a decent sound output for home practice, and the inclusion of accessories like a sustain pedal and music rest enhances usability right out of the box. Additionally, the user-friendly controls and compatibility with the SmartPianist app make it accessible for players of all skill levels.

The sound quality is impressive for its price range, but it may not match the depth of sound found in higher-end models, especially in professional settings. The 24.5-pound weight is manageable, but it can still be cumbersome for frequent travel. While it offers a good amount of features, advanced users might find the number of voices and polyphony limited compared to more sophisticated digital pianos.

The Yamaha P45B Digital Piano is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable yet high-quality digital piano with weighted keys. The 88 fully weighted keys offer a genuine acoustic piano feel, thanks to the GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) weighted action, which makes the lower keys heavier and the higher keys lighter. This feature significantly enhances the playing experience, especially for intermediate players who are transitioning from a traditional piano to a digital one.

The touch sensitivity is well-calibrated, allowing for expressive playing, and the key material is durable, ensuring longevity. The polyphony of 64 notes is decent, although it may be limiting for more advanced compositions that require complex layering. The action type, hammer action, mimics the mechanics of an acoustic piano, contributing to a realistic playing experience.

Additionally, features like dual mode and ten different voices, including samples from Yamaha grand pianos, provide versatility and inspiration for various musical styles. The inclusion of a sustain pedal and power supply adds value, making it a complete package for home use. However, the built-in speakers might not deliver concert-level sound quality, and the absence of higher polyphony may not satisfy advanced pianists. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Yamaha P45B stands out as an excellent choice for intermediate players looking for an authentic piano feel in a digital format.