Piano keys are the levers a musician presses to produce sound on the instrument. Historically, these components have been fashioned from a variety of materials, each possessing distinct characteristics that influence the instrument’s feel and aesthetic. Traditionally, the white keys were constructed from ivory, sourced from elephant tusks. Black keys were typically crafted from ebony, a dense, dark hardwood.
The choice of materials influences the instrument’s playability, durability, and overall cost. Ivory, while offering a desirable tactile feel, is now largely replaced due to ethical and conservation concerns. Ebony remains a valued material for black keys because of its density and resistance to wear, contributing to the instrument’s longevity. The historical context of using ivory underscores the evolving understanding of environmental responsibility in manufacturing.
