[1] On modern, electric keyboards, sensors can pick up the piano key movement, converting it to a MIDI signal[citation needed] that can be sent to an electronic sound module, allowing the person playing to use headphones.
The pianos also have full MIDI capability for sending signals and can be linked to a computer for use with notation software, etc.
Older models detected key movement by using mechanical sensors that affected the touch and produced a clicking sound, whereas newer models use optical sensors that do not affect the feel or sound of the piano.
This changes the action's letoff setting so that the escapement trips at a lower point in the hammer's motion towards the string.
Silent pianos are available from many manufacturers, including Steinway, Bechstein, Bösendorfer, Grotrian-Steinweg, Kawai, Yamaha, Schimmel, Petrof and Seiler.