Lots of people, musicians or otherwise, use "synthesizer" and "keyboard" interchangeably. However, these terms mean two completely different things.

If you're thinking about buying a digital piano, these are your two main options. Below, we'll discuss the differences between keyboards and synthesizers to help you decide which one would be better suited for your unique needs.

Keyboards

The keyboard itself is the actual instrument, whereas a synthesizer by itself is not actually an instrument. Keyboards look like an acoustic piano with their black and white keys but have a different source for the sound. When you press a key on a keyboard, you're completing an electric circuit that signals the production of the tone for that note.

Keyboards are made with portability in mind — they're typically lightweight and easy to transport. They also make great beginner instruments, especially for children. If you're thinking about learning how to play the piano, it's a great first instrument to start with. You can get a decent keyboard for a fair price, so you don't have to make a big investment up front before you know you enjoy it.

Synthesizers

Keyboards often contain a synthesizer, whether it's simple or complex, but they don't need to have one. Like we mentioned before, a synthesizer by itself is not an actual instrument — it's more like a controller. A synthesizer is much more complicated than the keyboards by themselves.

Synthesizers mimic sounds that are made acoustically. Naturally, sounds come from vibrations in the air. Our eardrums pick up those vibrations, which are translated into sounds. A synthesizer has an oscillator, which is the source of the sound that creates electrical signals. Those signals move through an amplifier, then a speaker. The speaker turns those signals into vibrations, which turn into sounds.

With additional components, a synthesizer can mimic any instrument and produce many other unique sounds.

Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing between a keyboard and a synthesizer, you simply have to consider how you're planning on using it. If you want to learn piano and don't need a ton of extra features, a keyboard would work great. If you're looking for a useful tool to add to your home studio, a synthesizer would be the much better choice.

Be sure to think about the long-term, too. Even if you're just starting out but are planning on using more complex settings and features later on, you should consider investing in a more complex instrument now.

When you're looking at a synth vs. a keyboard, you should talk to someone who really knows their stuff. We've given you a great starting point, but you may have more questions. Shop our selection of Korg portable keyboards and synthesizers to choose from, as well as an expert staff.

View our full inventory online or stop by one of our two locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. We're ready to answer all of your questions and help you find a great new instrument.