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10 Best Keyboard For Beginners

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Alesis Melody 61 Keyboard Piano for Beginners with 61 Keys, Speakers, Stand, Bench, Headphones, Tablet/Sheet Music Stand, 300 Sounds and Music Lessons

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,446
Keyboard Type
Layout and Size
Keyboard Type
The keyboard’s keys are responsive and don’t stick, with some models featuring weighted keys that feel closer to a real piano.
Layout and Size
Its compact and lightweight design makes it simple to move around the house or take on the go.

The Alesis Melody 61 is a beginner-friendly keyboard with 61 compact keys, designed to help new players build finger strength and develop their skills. It offers a wide range of sounds—300 built-in tones and rhythms—plus features like layering sounds and built-in effects, which can make learning more fun and creative. The keyboard comes with a great bundle of accessories including a stand, bench, headphones, and a music/tablet holder, giving beginners everything needed to start practicing comfortably at home.

Connectivity options include USB-MIDI for easy connection to a computer, which is handy for using learning software such as Skoove and Melodics. There’s also a headphone jack for quiet practice and an aux input to play along with your favourite songs. Its lightweight and battery power option make it portable enough to take on the go.

The keyboard uses compact keys rather than full-sized ones, which might feel different from a traditional piano. Additionally, the key switch type is not specified, so the touch response may differ from more advanced models. It also does not feature backlighting, which some beginners find helpful for learning notes in low light. This makes the Alesis Melody 61 a well-equipped and versatile keyboard ideal for beginners seeking a complete starter kit with lots of sounds and easy portability. It suits learners who want to explore different music styles and practice with digital lessons, though those looking for a more authentic piano feel or backlit keys might want to consider other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,446
Keyboard Type
Layout and Size
Keyboard Type
The keyboard’s keys are responsive and don’t stick, with some models featuring weighted keys that feel closer to a real piano.
Layout and Size
Its compact and lightweight design makes it simple to move around the house or take on the go.
#2

RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano Kit with Stand, Bench, Headphones & Lessons

Rating
10.0
Keyboard Type
Ergonomics
Keyboard Type
The piano sounds authentic and the dedicated synth voices provide a wide range of expressive possibilities.
Ergonomics
The stand, while a bit flimsy, is sturdy enough once assembled and the deeply padded stool adds great comfort for long sessions.

The RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano Kit is a solid choice for beginners looking for an all-in-one setup. It comes with 61 full-size keys, which is great for learning the basics of piano playing without overwhelming a new player. While it doesn’t specify the type of key switches, the keys aim to feel like a traditional piano, which helps with developing finger strength and technique. The keyboard features a clear LED display to navigate its many options like 400 rhythms, 600 instrument sounds, and built-in teaching tools, making practice more engaging. Connectivity is straightforward with a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing silent practice—a useful feature for beginners who might play at different times of day.

The kit includes useful extras like a sturdy adjustable stand and a cushioned bench for comfortable playing sessions, which is not always common in beginner packages. It also supports the Simply Piano app, which is a beginner-friendly learning tool, though you will need your own tablet or phone to use it. On the downside, the keyboard lacks backlighting on the keys, which some beginners find helpful when learning in low light. Also, the plastic body keeps the weight around 8.6 kg, making it portable but not very robust if you need to move it frequently. Power options include mains or batteries, adding convenience for different settings.

This kit suits beginners who want a comprehensive starter pack with comfortable ergonomics and useful learning aids, though those seeking weighted keys or more professional features might find it limited.

Rating
10.0
Keyboard Type
Ergonomics
Keyboard Type
The piano sounds authentic and the dedicated synth voices provide a wide range of expressive possibilities.
Ergonomics
The stand, while a bit flimsy, is sturdy enough once assembled and the deeply padded stool adds great comfort for long sessions.
#3

Alesis 88 Key Keyboard Piano with 480 Sounds, Speakers, USB MIDI, Carry-Bag, Stand, Headphones, Pedal and Piano Lessons for Beginners

The Alesis 88 Key Keyboard Piano presents itself as a comprehensive tool for beginners aiming to learn and enjoy music. With its full-size, touch-sensitive keys, it closely mimics the feel of an acoustic piano, making it a good option for those who wish to transition to traditional pianos later. The keyboard offers an impressive range of 480 sounds, which allows users to explore a variety of musical genres and styles, fostering creativity. The inclusion of built-in speakers ensures that the sound output is rich and immersive, contributing to an authentic learning experience.

Connectivity is versatile, with USB-MIDI support allowing integration with a computer for recording and educational software, which could be beneficial for structured learning. The educational features such as Split, Lesson, and Record Modes, along with a metronome, are valuable tools for guided learning, enabling both solo practice and lessons with a teacher. Moreover, the complete accessory bundle, including a stand, headphones, and a sustain pedal, makes it a ready-to-use package for beginners.

However, the lack of backlighting on the keys might make playing in low-light conditions challenging, which is something to consider if you practice at varying light levels. While the keyboard is portable, weighing approximately 5.5 kg, its size might still pose a challenge for very young users or those with limited space. The ability to power it via batteries adds to its portability but requires additional investment in batteries. This keyboard is ideal for beginners who seek a portable, comprehensive learning tool that offers a wide range of sounds and connectivity options, facilitating both personal practice and formal lessons. Its design and features align well with the needs of learners who want to explore music in a structured yet flexible manner.

Buying Guide for the Best Keyboard For Beginners

Choosing the right keyboard as a beginner can significantly enhance your typing experience and productivity. It's important to consider what you'll primarily use the keyboard for, such as typing, gaming, or general use, as this will guide you in selecting the right features. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.
Keyboard TypeKeyboards come in various types, such as membrane, mechanical, and chiclet. Membrane keyboards are generally quieter and more affordable, making them a good choice for general use. Mechanical keyboards offer tactile feedback and durability, preferred by gamers and heavy typists. Chiclet keyboards, often found in laptops, have flat keys and are compact. Consider what you'll be using the keyboard for and choose a type that aligns with your needs. If you type a lot, a mechanical keyboard might be worth the investment, while a membrane keyboard is suitable for casual use.
Key SwitchesKey switches determine the feel and sound of a keyboard. Mechanical keyboards have different types of switches, such as linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide smooth keystrokes, tactile switches offer a noticeable bump, and clicky switches give an audible click. If you prefer a quiet typing experience, linear switches are ideal. For feedback without noise, tactile switches are a good choice. Clicky switches are great if you enjoy the sound and feel of typing. Consider your environment and personal preference when choosing key switches.
Layout and SizeKeyboards come in various layouts and sizes, including full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and compact. A full-size keyboard includes a number pad, which is useful for data entry. TKL keyboards omit the number pad, saving space and offering a more ergonomic setup. Compact keyboards are even smaller, often lacking function keys. If desk space is limited or you travel frequently, a TKL or compact keyboard might be more suitable. For extensive data entry, a full-size keyboard is recommended.
ConnectivityKeyboards can be wired or wireless. Wired keyboards offer a stable connection and are often preferred for gaming to avoid input lag. Wireless keyboards provide more flexibility and a cleaner setup, ideal for general use and portability. Consider how you plan to use the keyboard and whether you prioritize a clutter-free desk or a stable connection. If you move around a lot or dislike cables, a wireless keyboard is a good choice. For gaming or stationary use, a wired keyboard might be better.
BacklightingBacklighting can enhance the aesthetics of a keyboard and improve visibility in low-light conditions. Keyboards may offer single-color backlighting or RGB lighting, which allows for customizable colors and effects. If you often work in dim environments, backlighting can be beneficial. RGB lighting is popular among gamers and those who enjoy personalizing their setup. If aesthetics and visibility are important to you, consider a keyboard with backlighting. Otherwise, a non-backlit keyboard is perfectly functional for well-lit environments.
ErgonomicsErgonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain and improve comfort during extended use. They may feature split designs, adjustable heights, or wrist rests. If you spend long hours typing, an ergonomic keyboard can help prevent discomfort and repetitive strain injuries. Consider your typing habits and any existing discomfort when choosing a keyboard. If comfort is a priority, look for ergonomic features that suit your needs. For occasional use, a standard keyboard may suffice.