Donner
DEP-20
$380
Amazon's budget weighted piano with 50W speakers
8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.8 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 11.6 kg
View Details Williams
Williams Legato IV Review
Guitar Center's lightweight 88-key starter — slim, simple, $300
88 Keys 9 kg semi weighted Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
8.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 50 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
6.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | semi weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 9 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1312 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
3.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | semi weighted (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Legato IV is Williams' entry-level offering: 88 semi-weighted keys in a slim 9kg package with lesson features and recording. It's the simpler, lighter sibling of the hammer-action Allegro IV.
Pros
- • 9.0kg and ultra-slim — one of the lightest 88-key keyboards available
- • Lesson function with 50 preset songs for self-guided learning
- • Built-in recording to capture and review your playing
- • Standard 6.3mm headphone jack for studio headphones
- • USB MIDI for connecting to a computer or tablet
- • Sustain pedal included in the box
- • Layer and split modes for creative playing
Cons
- • Semi-weighted keys — no hammer action, limited piano feel
- • Only 12W speakers — quiet, barely fills a small room
- • Only 10 sounds — very basic selection
- • No Bluetooth of any kind
- • No app connectivity
- • Williams is Guitar Center's house brand — limited availability outside the US
- • No battery power — needs an outlet
The Legato IV occupies a specific niche: you want 88 full-size keys in the lightest, slimmest package possible, and you're willing to accept semi-weighted action for that portability. At 9kg, it's significantly lighter than the 14kg Allegro IV, making it practical for carrying to lessons or between rooms. The built-in lesson function and 50 preset songs provide structure for self-guided learning. But the semi-weighted keys are a real compromise — if you're serious about developing proper piano technique, spend the extra $100 on the Allegro IV's hammer action. The Legato IV is best suited as a casual practice keyboard or a first instrument for someone exploring whether they enjoy playing.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The semi-weighted keys have some resistance but no hammer mechanism. The keys feel closer to a portable keyboard than a piano — there's minimal weight graduation between bass and treble. Touch sensitivity is present, so playing louder when you press harder works, but the physical feel won't prepare your fingers for a real piano. For learning note positions, practicing rhythm, and playing pop songs, the action is adequate. For classical training, the Allegro IV's hammer action is worth the extra $100.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want the lightest possible 88-key keyboard for a small apartment, dorm room, or as a travel practice instrument. You don't need hammer-action keys yet — you want to start learning notes and playing simple songs. The Legato IV is for the player who values portability and simplicity over realistic piano touch. At $300, it sits between the ultra-budget Alesis Recital and the hammer-action Allegro IV.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Semi Weighted |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 9 kg |
| Speakers | 12W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 50 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1312×270×80 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
Legato IV vs DEP-20
The Legato IV scores higher in Night Practice and Portability, while the DEP-20 edges ahead in Touch Reality. The Legato IV costs $80 less. Choose the Legato IV if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-20 →Legato IV vs Concert
The Legato IV scores higher in Beginner, while the Concert edges ahead in Portability. Choose the Legato IV if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Alesis Concert →Legato IV vs SP4200
The Legato IV scores higher in Night Practice and Portability, while the SP4200 edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the Legato IV if you prioritize quiet practice.
Medeli SP4200 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Williams Legato IV good for beginners?
Yes. The Williams Legato IV scores 8.4/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Williams Legato IV have Bluetooth?
No, the Williams Legato IV does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Williams Legato IV?
The Williams Legato IV weighs 9 kg (20 lbs). It scores 6/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Williams Legato IV?
Yes. The Williams Legato IV has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 6.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Williams Legato IV have?
The Williams Legato IV has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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Concert
$250
The cheapest 88-key path into piano
5.9 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 7.0 Portability 3.5 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 7.5 kg
View Details Medeli
SP4200
$350
600 sounds and Bluetooth audio in a budget portable
8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 12.5 kg
View Details