The digital and hybrid piano market follows different rules from acoustic. We have therefore adapted our Le Diapason method with a dedicated grid, focused on what really matters for an electronic instrument.
The 5 digital rating axes
| Axis | Weight | What we assess |
|---|---|---|
| Touch | 30% | realism of the action (graded hammers, escapement, wood), consistency across the keyboard. |
| Sound | 30% | sampling or modelling quality, polyphony, resonances, built-in amplification. |
| Connectivity | 15% | Bluetooth MIDI/Audio, USB, headphone/line outputs, apps, recording. |
| Value | 15% | objective specification against the observed street price. |
| Versatility | 10% | extra sounds, split/dual modes, portability, stage/home/studio use. |
The overall score is the weighted sum, rounded to one decimal. Specs and prices come from the manufacturers (Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, Casio) and specialist resellers (Thomann); prices are indicative.
Why a separate grid?
On an acoustic, “finish” (cabinetry, soundboard) weighs heavily. On a digital, it gives way to connectivity and features, and touch matters even more as it drives progress. This grid keeps our digital comparisons honest and consistent.