Choosing the Right Keyboard for Piano Patrol
The keyboards listed below have received positive reviews and are a great match for the Piano Patrol software.
Even the more affordable models are durable and perform well.
All the keyboards feature touch-sensitive keys, so the most relevant differences between them are as follows:
- The size/width of the keys
- The number of keys
The Size/Width of the Keys
The standard width of a white piano key is typically around 22-23 mm (approximately 0.87-0.91 inches). This dimension is consistent across most modern pianos, including acoustic and digital models.
Keyboards labeled as "mini" have keys with a smaller width.
Keyboards with mini keys and fewer keys are not necessarily inferior to models with standard key widths and more keys. For example, the AKAI MPK Mini MK3 is one of the most popular models used by professionals in music production studios. It has only 25 keys, which are narrower than standard keys, yet it is widely praised for its functionality and portability.
Pros and Cons of Using Keyboards with Smaller Key Width
Pros:
- Easy for Children: Children with smaller hands will find it easier to play on keyboards with narrower keys.
- Space-Saving: Smaller keyboards take up less space on a table and can easily fit in a school bag, making them highly portable.
- Cost-Effective: Smaller keyboards are usually more affordable than larger models.
Cons:
- Transition Challenges: Players accustomed to smaller keys may need time—possibly several hours—to adjust to playing on standard pianos.
- Real Piano Experience: Standard-width keys provide a more authentic piano-playing experience, making the transition to real pianos effortless.
The Number of Keys on a Keyboard
Keyboards with 25 keys are the smallest, covering just two octaves. While this is sufficient for beginners, students advancing in their piano studies will encounter pieces that require more than two octaves to play.
Fortunately, all the keyboards listed below include octave up and down buttons, enabling them to access the full range of seven octaves found on a standard piano. However, switching octaves using these buttons is not a natural part of traditional piano playing.
Recommendations:
- We recommend a keyboard with at least 32 keys, and preferably 49 keys, for a more versatile learning experience.
- In classroom settings where students sit close to one another, it may be impractical to use larger keyboards with 49 standard keys unless each student has their own table.
A classic piano has 88 keys. While there are MIDI keyboards with 88 keys, we chose not to include them because they are generally too large, and the extra octaves are rarely needed. In rare cases where a piece spans seven octaves, the octave up/down buttons can suffice.
Keyboards with 49 or 61 keys are typically more expensive. They often feature standard-sized, high-quality keys and have a stunning, professional design.
Price/Budget
The more affordable keyboards on this list are reliable and functional. However, as the price increases, the keyboards generally offer:
- Better build quality
- Higher-quality keys
- Sleeker, more attractive designs
Sound Quality: Please note that there is no difference in sound quality between cheaper and more expensive keyboards, as the sound is generated by the software on the PC or phone, not by the keyboard itself.
Prices and Availability: Prices and availability are subject to change. Click the MIDI keyboard links to view the latest prices and availability on Amazon.
Additional Keyboard Features: Some keyboards may include extra features, such as drum pads and additional knobs. These features are not required for Piano Patrol but may be useful for other music production software.
MIDI Keyboard Manufacturers: If your preferred model is not listed, please contact us, and we will review it for potential inclusion.
Conclusion
Choose a small keyboard if:
- Budget is a concern.
- It is intended for small children with smaller hands.
- You need a compact keyboard that fits easily on a table and can be stored in a drawer.
Choose a larger keyboard (49 keys, standard key width) if:
- You want the best experience that closely resembles playing a real piano.
- You have the space to accommodate a larger keyboard at home or in a classroom.
- You value the aesthetic appeal of a high-quality, well-designed instrument.