Can You Use a MIDI Keyboard as a Piano? Better for Tech Lovers?

Can you use a MIDI keyboard as a piano? This is one of many questions people might have when they are learning how to play the piano or when they’re looking for piano equipment. MIDI keyboards are certainly a modern innovation. They’re much cheaper than pianos, and provide an excellent option for those starting their journey.

What’s the difference between the two? Can a MIDI keyboard be used as a piano and how does it work?

What is a MIDI Keyboard?

If you’re buying a keyboard for the first time, it can be confusing. There are a few different styles you can buy. A MIDI keyboard is different from a standard keyboard or a digital piano. MIDI keyboards usually don’t have any sounds inbuilt. They are merely a controller, and they need to be combined with other music equipment or a computer in order to provide sound.

Can you use a midi keyboard as a piano? Not without speakers. MIDI keyboards tend to not have speakers inbuilt. Rather than being a complete console that can mimic a piano, it needs to be used in conjunction with something to generate the sound, such as a virtual instrument or a DAW. In this scenario, the keyboard is just sending a signal to the computer to tell it which notes to play, and how hard. The sound comes from the computer, and the speakers inbuilt (or external speakers).

MIDI is a very versatile technology, and this is one of the reasons people opt for this type of controller. However, many standard keyboards can be used as MIDI controllers or MIDI keyboards as they have USB to MIDI outputs, so there aren’t as many MIDI keyboards as there were perhaps 10 years ago.

The answer to the original question of “can you use a MIDI keyboard as a piano?” is yes, sort of. It won’t be exactly the same as playing the piano, but it can trigger digital piano sounds.

Naturally, there are some pros and cons to doing so. Because of the fact that the sounds aren’t included, you might struggle somewhat with portability. The actual keyboard is simply an accessory for your computer or digital audio workstation.

How to Use a MIDI Keyboard to Learn Piano

If you want to set up a MIDI keyboard with piano sounds, you will need software. This can be played via a DAW or standalone piano virtual instrument. If you have a Mac, there is an inbuilt plugin called “DLS Audio Device” that can be played through any DAW.

The important thing you need to remember is that the MIDI keyboard does not generate any sound on its own.

Some software and beginner lessons can also be controlled with a MIDI keyboard, and you can do so within your browser. Our academy allows people to plug a MIDI keyboard into their USB port, and your web browser will recognize it, allowing you to learn how to play any of the songs featured on our site.

MIDI keyboards tend to feel a bit different from playing an acoustic or digital piano. If you want a realistic feel then look for a model that has weighted keys, or at least touch sensitivity. This means that the harder the keys are pressed, the louder the note that will be triggered. This is much like the way a hammer action works when triggering the sounds on an acoustic piano. When the time comes to switch to a piano, it will feel very similar, and you won’t feel like you’re learning from scratch again. A hammer action provides a more realistic feel (and learning experience).

A MIDI keyboard can have some other cool benefits, too, they can control loads of VST synthesizers or you can even assign the notes to trigger loops, play drum patterns and more. Can you use a MIDI keyboard as a piano? Yes, but it isn’t the ideal situation for everyone. It may be easier to buy a keyboard that has MIDI compatibility but still has its own sounds inbuilt.

Conclusion

The answer is that yes, you can use a MIDI keyboard to learn piano. You will need a method of generating sound though. This can be as simple as connecting your keyboard to your laptop. Simple software can provide an emulation of a piano sound.

MIDI keyboards are a huge step forward for the industry. It’s much more convenient to carry around a MIDI keyboard than it is to play a hefty piano, of course. For aspiring pianists, MIDI keyboards may be a good solution. We know how difficult it is in terms of space and money to get a quality acoustic piano. Alternative methods mean that you can build up the skills before taking the plunge and playing an acoustic piano.

FAQs

Should I get a piano or a MIDI keyboard?

Think about your priorities. If you want something that is portable then a MIDI keyboard may be best. If you want the authentic piano sound, nothing can quite beat the acoustic piano option (yet). The good news is both can help you to learn.

Which software is best for use with a MIDI keyboard for piano practice?

Most DAWs can handle this task. If you are an Apple Mac user, Garage Band already has the sounds you need to start playing, it is just a case of connecting your keyboard. Reaper and Logic Pro are also good software options. It will normally be a plugin generating the sound.

Does a MIDI keyboard sound like a piano?

You need to assign the sound to the keyboard using software. A MIDI keyboard can sound like a good estimation of a piano, but only if you assign the right piano sound. A piano emulator VST can help greatly with this.

Are MIDI keyboards good for beginners?

Yes. They are inexpensive and portable, as well as being versatile. This means MIDI keyboards are excellent for beginners. Buying a grand piano for a kid who wants to start to learn doesn’t make any sense.

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