What are the best 73-Key portable keyboards on the market?
First of all, a 73-key digital keyboard is a rarity. Purchasing a keyboard does not always mean your strictly doing it to become a future keyboardist or grand pianist. In fact, many people start with a 73-key low budget keyboard to learn music theory and expand musical creativity. Many people also use keyboards for the recording studio, where 73-keys are all most people need.
Luckily, there are many incredible keyboards with 73-keys on the market. These keyboards that we picked are incredible for the studio, learning to play music, and live performance. After extensive research, personal experience, and the help of a few keyboardist friends; we narrowed it down to the 6 best portable 61-key digital keyboards on the market.
In Short, Here Are The 4 Best 73-Key Digital Portable Keyboards
- Yamaha P121
- Korg KROME73
- Korg SV1
- Nord Electro 5D
Yamaha P121
First up, the Yamaha P121 is an excellent digital keyboard with 73-keys. It is also one of the highest-reviewed portable keyboards on the entire market. All of the keys are fully weighted, meaning the action is remarkably similar to, or equal, of a grand piano. Only at 22 pounds, it’s effortless to travel with for just about anyone.
Something I really like is the secure MIDI connectivity. With only one USB cord, you can plug-in your computer for music/audio effects and integrate it with the keyboard. They specifically designed the weighted action to be more substantial in the low-end and slightly lighter end, just like a real piano. Not to forget, they did an outstanding job of doing so as well.
Another thing I like about this keyboard is the ease of changing functions. It is generally much more comfortable to navigate features with the Yamaha P121 compared to many other keyboards in this price range.
There are a few purchasing options for the P121. You can either get the keyboard with a plastic stand and chair, a wooden stand and chair, a wooden stand with pedals and chair, or by itself. The most inexpensive way to get it is obviously the piano by itself. Attached at the top is a sheet music stand.
With a wide dynamic range, crisp tone, and excellent resonance, the overall sound quality is absolutely fantastic. Especially for the affordable price, his keyboard is built very well and has an excellent feel. Overall, the Yamaha P121 is an excellent 73-key digital keyboard. It has great weighted action, excellent sound quality, lightweight but sturdy build, and has an easy USB connection. We highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews on Amazon below.
Details & Tech Specs
- Weighted action (similar to a grand piano)
- 73-keys
- Keyboard Weight: 22 pounds
- USB connectivity for midi
- Pure CF sound engine
Korg KROME73
Next up, the Korg KROME73 is a professional top-tier digital keyboard with 73-keys. This outstanding work-station keyboard has excellent sound quality. As a matter of fact, it’s possibly the very best bang for the buck keyboard for the sound.
One of the things I appreciate is its multiple built-in effects. With 900 built-in arpeggio patterns, 640 different programs, 288 combinations, and 600 different drum beats to play along with; The likelihood of getting bored with KROME73 is near impossible. You most certainly get what you pay for with this pro-level portable keyboard.
One of my favorite sounds it produces is the synthesizer. To my ears, all of the synth sounds are fantastic. It has a highly responsive pitch corrector that works excellent for bends. With 3.8 gigabytes of memory, it has a plethora amount of effects, presets, and tones.
The front has an intuitive touch-screen that’s responsive and easy to navigate. To the left of the screen, you will find an arpeggio section and a tone section. Both are straightforward and easy to understand.
Another great thing about the Korg KROME73 is its design and build quality. Weighing at only 18 pounds, portability and travel are effortless. Overall, the KROME73 is one of the most pro-level digital keyboards with 73-keys on the market. If you’re looking for a non-weighted keyboard for gigs, studio, or touring; This is a great choice!
Details & Tech Specs
- Non-Weighted action
- 73-keys
- 640 programs
- 900 built-in arpeggio patterns
- 288 combinations
- 600 drum beats
- 3.8 gigabytes
- Pitch wheel
- 16 track sequencer
- Weight: 18 pounds
Korg SV1
For those who don’t know, Korg, the over 50-year old Japanese company, has specialized in music equipment since the 60s. While Korg keyboards are highly respected in the community, the company truly hit a home run on this one.
The Korg SV1 is another incredible sounding portable keyboard with 73-keys. With two astonishing grandstand piano sounds and one upright, the built-in presets are incredible. It will amaze even the most advanced keyboard players with its light-weight but tough build design.
Overall, the Korg SV1 is a great portable keyboard for part or full-time musicians who prefer 73 keys. With its great sound quality, tough-build, sturdy controls, incredible feel while playing, and compact design; You will be very pleased with it. The Korg SV1 is the dream instrument for those who want a durable but travel-friendly Midi keyboard. We highly recommend it for part-time to touring musicians.
Details & Tech Specs
- 73-keys
- Great piano sound
Nord Electro 5D
Last but certainly not least, the Nord Electro 5D is the absolute top-tier professional keyboard on the market with 73-keys. While it may be the most expensive on the list, we believe it’s the overall best for many reasons.
It has a very nice hammer-weighted action which feels very good to play. With undeniably brilliant sound quality and build, we highly recommend this keyboard for semi-professionals and up. It’s fantastic for both studio work and live performance.
The added durability mixed with easy portability makes it great for traveling musicians. Nord’s lossless compression makes each and every note shine regardless of the sound preset.
The OLED display is beneficial and easy to understand. It shows the preset sound, the configurations of the physical drawbar, and graphics. One of my favorite features of this keyboard is the incredible sound presets. With 1 Gigabyte of Nord’s piano library and 256MB of samples, they specifically optimized the settings that were the highest in demand. The 6 separate split points are another essential feature this keyboard offers. The build quality is excellent. It is easily able to withstand vigorous touring conditions for extended periods of time. Overall, if it’s not the best, the Nord Electro 5D is a fantastic 73-key semi-weighted keyboard for professional musicians. Whether your touring, weekly gigging, or in the studio; this is a flawless option. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Details & Tech Specs
- 73-keys
- Physical drawbars
- 6 Split Points with LED indicators
- Hammer action/ Semi-weighted keys
- OLED display
- 1 GB Nord piano library
- 256 MB Nord sample library
- Velocity-sensitive
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best 73-Key Portable Keyboard
- Yamaha P121
- Korg KROME73
- Korg SV1
- Nord Electro 5D
If you’re looking for over-ear headphones, see our top picks here.
See the top made-in-USA sunglasses here.
See the difference between hiking waterfalls or mountains here.
Need a modern outdoor coffee table? See the top picks here.
Need an alarm clock? See the top choices here.