Velocity Curves: Customizing the Keyboard’s Touch Sensitivity

You can customize the response of your digital piano by adjusting its velocity sensitivity. What requires a piano technician’s expertise on an acoustic piano can be done in just a few steps on a digital piano: Simply select a suitable velocity or touch curve.

For Beginners: Light Touch Curves

The strength with which you press the keys affects the volume and tone of the piano: the harder you press, the louder and more brilliant the sound. For beginners learning to play the piano, a light touch curve can make it easier to get used to the keyboard. In this case, curves 1 or 2 in the graphic would be appropriate. As shown in the curve, you could then achieve loud notes with minimal pressure.

Striking the Keys with Power

For greater control in pianissimo and more dynamic range in forte, select one of the dynamic curves labeled Hard. The curve in the middle represents a linear touch response. This is typically the default setting on digital pianos and reflects the instrument’s standard velocity sensitivity.

Adjusting Velocity Sensitivity with User Touch Curve

Most digital pianos offer 3–5 preset dynamic curves, along with “intelligent” features that can automatically determine the optimal curve based on your playing style. For example, Kawai digital pianos include the User Touch Curve function for this purpose.

On an acoustic upright or grand piano, velocity adjustment is achieved through voicing—a detailed process in which piano technicians modify hammer felts and keyboard mechanics. This process has been digitized in modern digital pianos. Kawai’s Virtual Technician feature allows you to customize the touch curve, including the User Touch Curve, and fine-tune the sound behavior by adjusting velocity parameters. This provides precise control over dynamics and tonal expression.

The Kawai VPC1 MIDI controller also offers a wide range of dynamic control options. Here, numerous touch curves ensure optimal interaction with the most important piano software instruments. It is also possible to create User Touch Curves using the included editor.

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