When purchasing a keyboard, synthesizer, or digital piano, the keyboard plays a central role, as it significantly influences the playing feel and expressive possibilities. Choosing the right keyboard can greatly enhance comfort and precision depending on musical style and playing technique. In addition to key weighting and touch sensitivity, there are also different key constructions. In this article, we take a look at three common types: Lipped, Waterfall, and Diving Board. We compare their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as their suitability for different playing techniques.
1. Lipped Keys
Characteristics:
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Have a visible edge ("lip" or protrusion) at the front.
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Often found on digital pianos or classic stage pianos.
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Visually and tactilely modeled after the mechanics of acoustic pianos.
Advantages:
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Excellent control for classical and dynamic playing.
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Provides firm resistance for pianists transitioning from acoustic pianos.
Disadvantages:
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Less suitable for fast glissandi with the palm or back of the fingers.
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May feel sluggish for organists or synth players.
Suitability for Playing Techniques:
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Ideal for classical pianists.
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Less comfortable for palm or back-finger glissandi.
2. Waterfall Keys
Characteristics:
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Have a flat front without a protruding edge.
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Often found on organs or vintage synthesizers like Hammond organs or Clavinets.
Advantages:
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Very well suited for fast glissandi and palm slides.
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Smooth and lightweight, especially for organists and synth solos.
Disadvantages:
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Less resistance, which may feel unfamiliar for pianists.
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Less control in dynamic playing.
Suitability for Playing Techniques:
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Excellent for palm slides and back-finger glissandi.
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Less ideal for classical pianists, as the key feel is lighter.
3. Diving Board Keys
Characteristics:
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Keys are shaped like a "diving board," with a free-standing front edge.
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Often found on synthesizers and workstations.
Advantages:
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A combination of control and speed.
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Suitable for various playing styles.
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Good feedback when pressing the keys.
Disadvantages:
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Depending on the design, the keys can be too rough for extreme glissandi.
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May be less robust than a lipped keyboard.
Suitability for Playing Techniques:
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Flexible for various genres.
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Good balance between control and ease of play.
Conclusion
Choosing the right keyboard type largely depends on personal playing style. Those who want to play classical piano passages will benefit from a Lipped keyboard. Waterfall keys are ideal for organists and glissando techniques. Diving Board keys provide a good balance for versatile applications.
