what is the difference between the piano and the keyboard? which one is better?

The main difference between the two is that one is acoustic and the other is electronic. An acoustic piano normally comes with one size of keyboard, 88 notes, whereas the electronic keyboard can have different sizes which can become confusing. The most popular electronic keyboard sizes are 61 key and 76 key.

Electric pianos or digital pianos normally come with 88 keys and the keys are weighted to simulate the feel of an acoustic piano. The obvious advantage of using an electric piano rather than the traditional acoustic is the former is not heavy and easy to move around and they never need tuning.

Which one is better? This depends on what you are using it for. If you are beginner, then an electronic keyboard or digital piano is more than adequate. If you are a concert pianist then you will most definitely want an acoustic grand piano. The actual keys that make up the keyboard are a lot stronger on an acoustic piano than on an electric. So if you're going to play 8 hours a day go acoustic, if you are going to play for an hour a day go for the electric.

Piano vs. Electronic Keyboard

For that matter you can get an electronic Piano.

One of the "key" differences is the weighting of the keys. With pianos, you have weighted keys so as you feel resistance when pressing a key you create a certain volume. The harder you strike the key, the harder the felt covered hammers in the mechanical part of the piano strike the strings which then vibrate to produce the tone.

Keyboards also mimick this feature with different levels of dynamics, but unless it is a weighted keyboard the playing is unnatural. IMAO you should learn on a weighted keyboard. If you can, get an acoustic upright piano and that can always be in the central part of your home to beckon reluctant learners to sit down and play, plus they can "perform" for guests and family at home.

Later you will probably add to the collection anyway and get a portable keyboard that you can take to other band members places or go to perform with, but for songwriting and learning the piano, nothing beats the action of a real piano.

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