What Is a “Triple-Sensor Digital Piano”?

You’ll find the term triple sensor, 3-sensor, or tri-sensor technology in the specifications of many digital pianos. But is a triple-sensor digital piano really better, or can you safely ignore this feature? A brief look at digital piano technology.

The term tri-sensor or triple sensor refers to a technical detail of the hammer action keyboard. While you’ll always hear about this feature in the context of let-off simulation, this does not refer to the same feature.

A digital piano keyboard with three sensors allows for a more precise touch when playing pianissimo and when repeating notes quickly.

Why Multiple Sensors?

On a digital piano, a hammer mechanism simulates the feel of a real piano. However, in addition to the hammer mechanism, the keyboard of a digital piano is also equipped with sensors that transmit the movement of the keys as digital information to the sound generation. How does this work?

• 1 sensor – This “turns a note on and off”. However, this also means that velocity-sensitive play is not possible.
• 2 sensors – This allows for dynamic piano playing. It measures the time it takes for the key to move from the rest position to the “played” position – i.e. from one sensor to the other.
• 3 sensors – A third sensor monitors the movement of the key. This transmits the exact position of the key to the sound generation so that the velocity can be measured from any point.

This mechanical implementation differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, and not every manufacturer maps the keyboard mechanics as transparently as Kawai (see fig.).

For reasons of synchronicity, it is never the key itself that comes into contact with the sensors, but always the movable hammer element. The hammer strike itself triggers the sound, and electronics in the circuit board and the plastic elements make further measurements possible.

Piano Technique: 2 or 3 Senors?

While initially difficult to grasp, playing the piano involves much more than just playing loudly or softly with varying degrees of force.

Velocity sensitivity allows for a wide range of playing techniques and articulations. This is what makes the piano such a powerful instrument with a wide range of expressive possibilities and subtle nuances of sound.

Dual-sensor keyboards are common on less expensive entry-level models, and in principle, this is sufficient. After all, you can play dynamically from pianissimo to fortissimo, which would be the basic building blocks of a pianoforte.

However, a digital piano with three sensors also allows you to control the tones via the key travel. This is not only better from a purely technical point of view, but it also comes closer to the playing feel of the acoustic model.

Advanced players will feel and use the advantage because the triple-sensor technology allows a finer dosage of piano touch when playing pianissimo. The repetition characteristics of a keyboard also benefit from a triple-sensor system.

How Much Is a Triple-Sensor Digital Piano?

Entry-level digital pianos under 1,000 Euros are usually equipped with dual-sensor keyboards. However, there are exceptions, such as the Kawai KDP-120 or the Thomann DP-51 and DP-140B U digital pianos.

Disadvantages of Dual-Sensor Systems

Since a dual-sensor system cannot sense the key travel, there is a certain gray area in the keystroke: It lacks precision. Beginners will not be bothered or even notice this at first, but advanced players can feel the difference: It is more comfortable for them to play on a triple-sensor keyboard and a nuanced pianissimo is easier to achieve.

The difference between a dual-sensor and a triple-sensor keyboard is shown in a section of our comparison test between the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Kawai KDP-120. The latter has a keyboard with three sensors, while the Yamaha YDP-145 has only two.

Triple-Sensor Digital Piano with Let-Off Simulation

A let-off simulation is a feature for advanced players. That’s why this feature is only available on mid-range models starting at 1,200 Euros. The so-called let-off simulation (also known as Escapement) allows you to control a slightly noticeable release point in the key travel. It goes without saying: Without a triple sensor, this playing technique would not be possible.

Sensor Technology in Hybrid Pianos

Whether you are looking at a hybrid digital piano or an acoustic hybrid piano, the sensor technology used in these keyboards is significantly more sophisticated than what you find in keyboards of mid-range digital pianos. The playing experience reflects this accordingly. Acoustic hybrid pianos use non-contact systems that do not mechanically affect the keystroke.

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