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Kawai’s Digitals: Part 1 – Actions

PART I: DIGITAL PIANO ACTIONS

The importance of a digital piano’s action cannot be understated. The ability to play dynamically is what makes a piano a “piano” (its original name was piano-forte which translates into “soft and loud”). It doesn’t matter how many gigabytes have been sampled, or how advanced the modelled resonances are – if a digital piano’s action is sub-par, it won’t afford the player the control needed to play dynamically and ultimately the instrument will not be satisfying to play. Kawai’s ability to transfer its expertise in acoustic pianos into their digital pianos may be most evident in their line-up of digital actions, which can be split into two categories: wooden-key and plastic key.

WOODEN-KEY ACTIONS

acoustic grand action
RM III action
Kawai’s wooden-key actions have long been heralded as offering the finest touch of any digital piano. All 88 keys are entirely out of wood to ensure the natural feel of an acoustic piano. Not only do these actions feature wooden keys, but also a mechanical design similar to that found in acoustic pianos. It acts like a teeter-totter in that there is a pivot point that the key straddles and “rocks” back and forth on. This critical element provides the player with touch control usually found only on acoustic pianos. Notice the similarities between the acoustic grand action and the RM III digital action.
Millennium III Hybrid Action (NV-10)
Millennium III hybrid action shown outside the piano
   Millennium III hybrid grand action

Adapted exclusively for the NV-10, the Millennium III hybrid grand piano action is nearly identical to the actions found in Kawai’s GL and GX series of grand pianos. The traditional felt hammers are replaced with ABS equivalents that are individually weighted and balanced from bass to treble. Optical sensors take the place of metal strings, which read the subtle movements of each hammer as the corresponding keys are played. They are more accurate than key-based sensors and, as they are contact-less, do not suffer physical wear and tear.

It is important to note that certain features found on high-end digital pianos, such as triple-sensor and let-off, are meant to simulate an acoustic grand piano action. Because the Millennium III hybrid grand action is an acoustic piano action, these features are inherent.

Taking the authenticity of feel to a new level, there is a grand piano damper mechanism that alters the touch weight of the keys when the sustain pedal is engaged. While there are no strings inside that would require damping, the touch weight is lightened just as it is in an acoustic grand piano. It is truly revolutionary.

Millennium III Hybrid Action (NV-5)
   Millennium III hybrid action (upright)

Adapted exclusively for the NV-5, the Millennium III hybrid upright piano action is nearly identical to the actions found in Kawai’s K-series of upright pianos. The traditional felt hammers are replaced with ABS equivalents that are individually weighted and balanced from bass to treble. Optical sensors take the place of metal strings, which read the subtle movements of each hammer as the corresponding keys are played. They are more accurate than key-based sensors and, as they are contact-less, do not suffer physical wear and tear.

Taking the authenticity of feel to a new level, there is a grand piano damper mechanism that alters the touch weight of the keys when the sustain pedal is engaged. While there are no strings inside that would require damping, the touch weight is lightened just as it is in an acoustic grand piano. It is truly revolutionary.

Grand Feel III Action
Grand Feel III Action
Embracing many of the long-established principles associated with an acoustic piano, the Grand Feel III keyboard action combines acoustic piano materials, motion, and mechanisms to recreate the exceptional touch of grand pianos.
1. Long wooden keys
All 88 black and white keys are crafted entirely from long pieces of wood. They are as long as a traditional grand piano key, which is 2″ longer than most digital keys. This additional length allows the player to better control playing softly.
2. Counterweights
The weight required to press the keys increases as you move from the treble to the bass. Counterweights are needed to “balance” the touch-weight.
3. Balance Pins
The balance pin anchors the key and allows it to “rock” back and forth as acoustic piano keys do.
4. Weighted hammers
Each key has a grade-weighted hammer which simulates the weight and movement of an acoustic piano’s felt hammers.
5. Let-Off Mechanism
There is a subtle “notch” sensation that can be felt when playing the keys of a grand piano very gently and is used by experienced pianists to help control playing pianissimo passages. These actions also support playing notes from the let-off point (sometimes referred to as playing “off the jack”). The Grand Feel III reproduces this let-off characteristic.
6. Triple-Sensor
The triple-sensor improves responsiveness when playing the same key repeatedly and, unlike conventional two sensor keyboard actions, allows the same note to be struck a second time to produce a sound without losing the sound of the initial strike. This feature imitates the physical action of a grand piano (uprights do not repeat notes in the same fashion and are incapable of re-sounding the same note). Additionally, the third sensor monitors the speed at which each key is lifted, influencing the release character of the sound, providing an audible change in decay when going from staccato to legato.
7. Ivory Touch Surface
Kawai’s Ivory Touch key surface is finely textured material engineered to wick away perspiration and oils to assist playing control. They possesss a natural, matte finish.
8. Ebony Touch Surface
Kawai’s Ebony Touch key surface is an all-black key material that reproduces the finely-textured grain and rich lustre of real ebony wood. It also wicks away perspiration and oils. The MP-11 uses the Grand Feel I action which has the same features as the Grand Feel III
Grand Feel Compact
diagram of Kawai's Grand Feel Compact Action
Grand Feel Compact Action
As its name suggests, the Grand Feel Compact has been designed to reproduce the authentic touch weight characteristics of a grand piano, with a smaller profile. It combines acoustic piano materials, motion, and mechanisms to recreate an exceptional touch.
1. Long wooden keys
All 88 black and white keys are crafted entirely from long pieces of wood. Unlike plastic key actions, these wooden keys extend beyond their pivot point giving the action an authentic feeling.
2. Counterweights
The weight required to press the keys increases as you move from the treble to the bass. Counterweights are needed to “balance” the touch-weight.
3. Balance Pins
The balance pin anchors the key and allows it to “rock” back and forth as acoustic piano keys do.
4. Weighted hammers
Each key has a grade-weighted hammer which simulates the weight and movement of an acoustic piano’s felt hammers.
5. Let-Off Mechanism
There is a subtle “notch” sensation that can be felt when playing the keys of a grand piano very gently and is used by experienced pianists to help control playing pianissimo passages. These actions also support playing notes from the let-off point (sometimes referred to as playing “off the jack”). The Grand Feel III reproduces this let-off characteristic.
6. Triple-Sensor
The triple-sensor improves responsiveness when playing the same key repeatedly and, unlike conventional two sensor keyboard actions, allows the same note to be struck a second time to produce a sound without losing the sound of the initial strike. This feature imitates the physical action of a grand piano (uprights do not repeat notes in the same fashion and are incapable of re-sounding the same note). Additionally, the third sensor monitors the speed at which each key is lifted, influencing the release character of the sound, providing an audible change in decay when going from staccato to legato.
7. Ivory Touch Surface
Kawai’s Ivory Touch key surface is finely textured material engineered to wick away perspiration and oils to assist playing control. They possesss a natural, matte finish.
RM3 II Action
close-up of Kawai's RM3 2 action
    RM3 II Action

It doesn’t matter how many gigabytes have been sampled, or how advanced the modelled resonances are, if the controller’s action is sub-par, the virtual piano just won’t feel satisfying to play.

Fortunately, the VPC-1 is equipped with Kawai’s RM3 II action, featuring authentic wooden keys with a smooth, consistent movement. It incorporates grand piano keyboard characteristics such as graded-hammer weighting, ivory-like key surfaces, let-off simulation, and bass note counterweights.

These premium features combine to recreate the exceptional touch of a grand piano, allowing your favourite virtual pianos to finally feel as good as they sound.

PLASTIC KEY ACTIONS

Kawai’s plastic key actions use an industry-standard design where the pivot point is placed at the back of the key, not in the middle. These actions utilize hammer components under the keys to create a mechanical movement similar to an acoustic piano. Additionally, the hammer weights are “graded” which simulates an acoustic piano action where the hammers are larger in the bass region and gradually get smaller as you move up the keyboard.
piano hammers of various sizes
acoustic piano hammers go from large to small
Responsive Hammer III Action
The Responsive Hammer III keyboard action has been developed to recreate the touch feeling of playing a grand piano. Each key is weighted using metal hammers which are “graded” (ie. slightly heavier in the bass region and lighter in the treble) just like an acoustic piano. These weights also allow released keys to return to their original position with-out the aid of springs, resulting in a smooth, natural playing experience.
1. Ivory Touch Keys
Kawai’s Ivory Touch key surface is finely textured material engineered to wick away perspiration and oils to assist playing control. They possesss a natural, matte finish.
2. Counterweights
The weight required to press the keys increases as you move from the treble to the bass. Counterweights are needed to “balance” the touch-weight.
3. Triple Sensor
The triple-sensor improves responsiveness when playing the same key repeatedly and, unlike conventional two sensor keyboard actions, allows the same note to be struck a second time to produce a sound without losing the sound of the initial strike. This feature imitates the physical action of a grand piano (uprights do not repeat notes in the same fashion and are incapable of re-sounding the same note). Additionally, the third sensor monitors the speed at which each key is lifted, influencing the release character of the sound, providing an audible change in decay when going from staccato to legato.
4. Let-Off Mechanism
There is a subtle “notch” sensation that can be felt when playing the keys of a grand piano very gently and is used by experienced pianists to help control playing pianissimo passages. These actions also support playing notes from the let-off point (sometimes referred to as playing “off the jack”). The Responsive Hammer III action reproduces this let-off characteristic.
5. Weighted Hammers
Each key has a grade-weighted hammer which simulates the weight and movement of an acoustic piano’s felt hammers.
6. Key Pivot Point
Though the pivot point length is industry standard, Kawai has designed the keys to slide into place before being locked into position unlike most plastic key actions which bend the key outward to snap it into position. The bending causes stress to the key and is often where they break.
Responsive Hammer Compact II Action
Kawai's Responsive Hammer Compact II action
    Responsive Hammer Compact II Action
The Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action is based on the highly-regarded RH keyboard action design. Its spring-less technology and sturdy construction deliver consistent touch-weight for a smooth, natural, and highly authentic piano playing experience.
1. Matte Key Surface
The RHC-II action has matte key surfaces for a more natural and authentic look.
2. Hammer Sensor
Sealed to prevent dust and debris from impacting its function, the hammer sensor evaluates key movement which is translated into the volume and tonal changes in the note’s sound. The RHC-II positions its hammer sensors far away from the key pivot point for increased precision.
3. Hammer Pivot Point
The Responsive Hammer Compact II is so named because it tucks the hammer under the key. Its ergonomic design is spring-less and provides realistic key movement that is satisfying to play.
4. Key Pivot Point
Though the pivot point length is industry standard, Kawai has designed the keys to slide into place before being locked into position unlike most plastic key actions which bend the key outward to snap it into position. The bending causes stress to the key and is often where they break.
5. Weighted Hammers
Each key has a grade-weighted hammer which simulates the weight and movement of an acoustic piano’s felt hammers.
Responsive Hammer Compact Action
Kawai's responsive hammer compact action
    Responsive Hammer Compact Action
The Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard has been developed to represent the distinctive touch of an acoustic piano. Based on the highly-regarded RH keyboard action design, its spring-less mechanism and sturdy construction deliver consistent upward and downward motion, while improved cushioning material helps to reduce keyboard noise.
1. Matte Key Surface
The RHC-II action has matte key surfaces for a more natural and authentic look.
2. Hammer Sensor
Sealed to prevent dust and debris from impacting its function, the hammer sensor evaluates key movement which is translated into the volume and tonal changes in the note’s sound. The RHC positions its hammer sensors far away from the key pivot point for increased precision.
3. Hammer Pivot Point
The Responsive Hammer Compact is so named because it tucks the hammer under the key. Its ergonomic design is spring-less and provides realistic key movement that is satisfying to play.
4. Key Pivot Point
Though the pivot point length is industry standard, Kawai has designed the keys to slide into place before being locked into position unlike most plastic key actions which bend the key outward to snap it into position. The bending causes stress to the key and is often where they break.
5. Weighted Hammers
Each key has a grade-weighted hammer which simulates the weight and movement of an acoustic piano’s felt hammers.

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