Keyboard

• A keyboard is electronic, and often lacks a foot pedal. The sound simulates that of a piano, but is much thinner. A keyboard generally has less keys, and in most cases can also simulate the sound of other instruments, such as a cello or a flute.
  
  

Piano

• A piano typically has more keys, and its keys are weighted as opposed to the light keys of a keyboard. There is no flat volume adjustment knob, and it usually has at least two foot pedals: a soft pedal and a damper pedal. Modern pianos usually have three pedals, with a sostenuto pedal in the middle. A real piano has a much richer sound than a keyboard.
  
  

Size

• A piano usually weighs much more than a keyboard, and tends to have more keys, making it wider across. While a small stand-up piano may take up about the same space as a large keyboard, the keyboard is no match for grand pianos or even mini-grands.
  
  

Significance

• Many people do not realize the difference, and this often causes them to buy one instrument thinking it will substitute for the other.
  
  

Considerations

• A good keyboard or synthesizer will often be used in orchestra, as it can simulate instruments that are not present, such as a harp. However, a good piano player can usually transition to keyboard without much difficulty.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The key areas of both the piano and the keyboard are called the "keyboard," which may be the source of most people's confusion.