Full-size keys. “Slim” keys. “Mini” keys. There are these key sizes — and others — found on synths and keyboards. Unfortunately, the name given to a key size doesn’t always tell you all that much about its actual size. There are at least four “mini” key sizes, for example, several “slim” sizes, and even variations on “full-size” keys. To help clarify some of the different key sizes (and shapes) in use among various manufacturers, we’ve put together a photo chart that compares the keys found on 12 different keyboards with a standard Yamaha 6-foot grand piano key and an Apple standard computer keyboard. Of course, this is not a comprehensive chart, but it will give you an idea of what a manufacturer means when they refer to a particular key size on their keyboard.
Of particular interest is the comparison between the “mini” keys found on the DX100, the microKorg, the Casio SK1, and a toy piano, and the “slim” keys used on the ARP Odyssey and the Korg MS20mini, as well as the different-sized “synth-action” keys found on the Juno DI, Nord, Voyager, and Sub37. Compare both the white keys and the black keys to see all the differences for a given key size.
Which is the best size? The answer is totally subjective, depending on hand size, finger size, the style of music, keyboard technique, and more — none of these is necessarily a better size than another. It depends on you and how you play. And, many of these instruments can be MIDI controlled, so in a sense, key size can be changed to suit your preferences by using an external controller.
We hope you find this chart as fascinating and informative as we did. (Special thanks to Sweetwater Sales Engineer, Brendan Murphy, for the keyboard size comparison chart.)
* To view image at a larger size, right/control-click on the photo gallery below and open in a new window. Then maximize window or zoom screen.
