These devices trigger the sounds built into your computer. Most current computers have sounds built into them and by triggering those sounds with a keyboard controller, the sum result is that you have a keyboard synthesizer. The advantage of a keyboard controller is that they are less expensive than a synthesizer. The disadvantage is that the sounds built into most computers are inferior to that of most synthesizers. For instructional courseware, the built-in computer sounds work fine and keyboard controllers are a good solution.
Keyboard controllers are ideal for computer labs because they are an extension of the computer.
These instruments most commonly come in 76 and 88 key versions. Digital pianos focus primarily on piano sounds with a limited number of other sounds. Many have speakers built in to them and are less portable than synthesizers or keyboard controllers. Since digital pianos replicate acoustic pianos, they are ideal for labs that are used for piano instruction. Here are some key features to be aware of when purchasing digital pianos.