In this head-to-head guide, we take a close look at two of Yamaha’s most popular models for beginners: Yamaha YPT 260 vs YPT 360.
While both are great for newbies, the Yamaha YPT 360’s touch-sensitive keys and more sounds and styles gives it the upper hand, in our opinion. But at the end of the day, you have to take a close look at the specs and features (which we’ve listed in this guide) to decide which one is the best for you!
Yamaha YPT 260 vs. Yamaha YPT 360 Specifications Compared
The comparison of Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 specs is as listed below:
Specification | Yamaha YPT 260 | Yamaha YPT 360 |
|---|---|---|
Cell |
|
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Keys | 61 Non-weighted keys | 61 Weighted keys |
Display | LCD display | LCD display with backlight |
Polyphony | 32 | 48 |
Lesson/ Guide | Listen & Learn, Timing, Waiting, A-B Repeat, Chord Dictionary | Keys To Success, Lesson 1–3 (Listening, Timing, Waiting), A-B Repeat, Phrase Repeat, Chord Dictionary, Chord Study, Touch Tutor, Chord Progression |
Sound | AWM Stereo Samplin | AWM Stereo Samplin |
Speakers | 12 cm x 2 | 12 cm x 2 |
Amplifier | 2.5 W + 2.5 W | 2.5 W + 2.5 W |
Power Consumption | 6 W | 5 W |
Dimensions | Width: 37 inches | Width: 37-3/16 inches Height: 4-5/8 inches Depth: 14-1/2 inches |
Weight | 4KG | 4.6 KG |
Accessories Included | Music rest | Music rest |
Cell |
​Major Similarities Between Yamaha YPT 260 vs. Yamaha YPT 360
The Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 are both great options for beginners. While they’re two separate models, there are numerous aspects in which these two models are similar to each other. Firstly, both Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 have 61 keys, which makes getting accustomed to the basic functions of a keyboard easier for beginners.
Secondly, Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 feature the Yamaha Education Suite, consisting of a 9 lesson plan that takes the player through each learning area step by step.
As far as the appearance and design are concerned, you’ll be surprised to see how similar these two models are. Both of these models feature a body made of hard plastic that is highly resistant to abrasion. Some of the keys have a rubber coating that makes keys resistant to dust and dirt and provides the user with an excellent grip on the keys. The volume knob is made from metal with just the right amount of resistance, which ensures that the knob doesn’t move while you’re playing your keyboard. Both Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 feature an LCD display that displays all the functions clearly, allowing the user to quickly get accustomed to numerous basic features and operations of a keyboard.
The Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 feature AWM Stereo Sampling and 2 speakers of 2.5 Watt each that produces a high-quality sound every time you play the keyboard.
As far as the basic features are concerned, the Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 are nearly similar. However, when you look closely, you’ll come across features that make the two models different. These areas have been discussed in detail in the next section.
​Major Differences Between Yamaha YPT 260 vs. Yamaha YPT 360
The first and the most noticeable difference between the Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 lies in the keys. While both these models feature 61 keys, the keys of the Yamaha YPT 260 are non-weighted. It means that the sound the keys produce will be consistent, regardless of how soft or hard you play. The keys of the Yamaha YPT 360, on the other hand, are weighted keys with different levels of touch sensitivity. This feature of the Yamaha YPT 360 offers the feels similar to that of playing a traditional acoustic piano. The Yamaha YPT 360 offers the user a more enhanced user experience as compared to that of the Yamaha YPT 260.
The next area where the Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 differ is the recording feature. While both of these models allow you to record your performances, the number of recordings varies. The Yamaha YPT 260 allows you to record a single track and a single song, whereas the Yamaha YPT 360 allows you to record up to 5 songs and 2 tracks.
The Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 both consist of an LCD display, but the Yamaha YPT 360 also has a backlight that makes the LCD display a lot visible during daylight.
The number of learning features is more in the Yamaha YPT 360 as compared to the Yamaha YPT 260. Moreover, the Yamaha YPT 260 features a 32-note polyphony, and the Yamaha YPT 360 features a 48-note polyphony, which makes the Yamaha YPT 360 slightly superior to the Yamaha YPT 260 in terms of sound quality.
One of the most important features that the Yamaha YPT 260 lacks but the Yamaha YPT 360 has is the USB to Host connectivity, offering the users more opportunities to experiment with various external resources and devices by simply connecting their keyboard to their computer or iOS devices.
The Yamaha YPT 260 gives the users a high degree of freedom, but the Yamaha YPT 360 goes a step ahead and offers the user a more enhanced and a lot more realistic piano playing experience.
​Yamaha YPT 260 Summary
The Yamaha YPT 260 is a great digital piano for beginners. It helps you learn to play the piano without having to rely on a piano coach. It is a 61-key, high-quality digital keyboard that is equipped with excellent learning features. It consists of all the basic features and even more that a beginner requires when they’ve just started to learn to play the piano. The great sound quality, onboard speakers, numerous sounds and styles, and the ability to attach a variety of external devices makes the Yamaha YPT 260 one of the finest options available for beginners today.
Major Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Keyboard Quality | Made from high-quality plastic and rubber-coated keys, the Yamaha YPT 360 is highly durable, abrasion-resistant, and provides an excellent grip on the keys. Even if you accidentally drop your piano, you can rest assured that your keyboard won’t be harmed. It is compact yet highly durable and tough. |
Sound Quality | The Yamaha YPT 260 features AWM Stereo Sampling that produces high-quality sound. Moreover, it comes with 400 voices of different instruments that allow the user to play any kind of music they wish to play. In addition, it also comes with 130 accompaniment styles that enable the user to play any style or note in the background to produce a more attractive and professional sound using their basic digital keyboard. |
Song Bank | The Yamaha YPT 260 also features a song bank with 112 songs, ranging from songs for kids to classics like Mozart and Beethoven. All you have to do is select a song and play along! |
Yamaha Education Suite | With the Yamaha Education Suite, you get to learn the basics of playing the piano through a 9-step lesson that takes you through various aspects step by step, aiding you in your journey of mastering the piano playing skills. Apart from this, it also comes with numerous other features that make learning to play the piano simpler and easier. |
On-Board Recording | You can record your performance or snippets of it to listen to them later. This feature helps you analyze where you stand and identify the areas where you need to improve. |
Duo Function | With the Duo function, you can split your keyboard into two halves, each with a middle C key. It makes it possible for two users to play the piano at the same time. This feature is specifically helpful for students and teachers. |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line​
All in all, the Yamaha YPT 260 is an ideal option for beginners who are looking for a keyboard that isn’t too complicated or heavy on the pocket. It is equipped with all the necessary features that are required for a smooth and efficient piano learning experience. The step by step learning lessons makes sure that no matter how early you’re on the keyboard learning curve, you end up playing the piano like a pro!
Yamaha YPT 360 Summary
The Yamaha YPT 360 is a premium digital keyboard that is available at a highly affordable price. It features 61 weighted keys that give you a feel similar to that of a traditional piano. Equipped with more than sufficient learning features, superior sound quality, and highly durable and compact design, the Yamaha YPT 360 is surely an attractive option at this price point.
Major Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Keyboard Quality | The Yamaha YPT 360 features a touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 weighted keys that make it superior to other beginner-level keyboards. It offers an enhanced experience that is close to the feel of a traditional, acoustic piano. |
Sound Quality | The Yamaha YPT 360 features the AWM Stereo Sampling technology that ensures a high-quality sound every time you play your keyboard. In addition, it is equipped with 574 sound effects, 150 arpeggio types, and 165 auto accompaniment styles, allowing you to produce sounds that give you an experience similar to that of playing with a live band. |
Learning Features | The ‘Keys to Success’ is one of the most prominent learning features of the Yamaha YPT 360. The numerous learning features of the Yamaha YPT 360 make it an ideal keyboard for beginners who’re willing to polish their piano playing skills. |
On-Board Recording | You can record up to 2 tracks and 5 songs for the future. The onboard recording feature is a great way to keep up with your progress and focus on areas that need improvement the most. |
Connectivity | One of the features that make the Yamaha YPT 360 one of the finest choices is its USB and MIDI connectivity that allows you to connect your keyboard to various apps and software on your computer or iOS devices and makes recording and creating great music a lot easier and fun! |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line​
The Yamaha YPT 360 is a superior option as compared to the Yamaha YPT 260 when it comes to features and functions. It is equipped with all the basic and advanced features that a beginner needs to learn to play the piano like a professional. The best thing about the Yamaha YPT 360 is that it features fully-weighted keys that give the user the feel of a professional piano. Therefore, switching to an acoustic piano and getting accustomed to its features will be easier for someone who has taken a start with the Yamaha YPT 360.
Conclusion
Both Yamaha YPT 260 and Yamaha YPT 360 are great options for beginners. While both serve as digital teachers for users and give plenty of freedom when it comes to learning to play the piano, the Yamaha YPT 360 is superior to the Yamaha YPT 260 due to the presence of touch-sensitive keys and greater options in terms of sounds and styles. Whichever keyboard you decide to buy for yourself, Yamaha won’t disappoint you!
