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This forum is a Godsend. So far I am attempting to learn to play the piano with self teaching methods. It seems the more I learn, the more I realize I need a teacher. OK, I have a stupid question. So far, I have only practiced on 2 different keyboards. A low end 61 key digital without dynamics and an upgraded 88 key digital with wooden keys. When I practice scales on either, I hear the thumping of the keys above the sound. Its like I hear the percussion part of the instrument and can tell when I'm flamming with both hands unintentionally. I know this may sound dumb, but are you supposed to hear the key depress (not the sound) and then hear it come back up and vibrate? I don't know if this is normal action and I'm just pounding too hard. Today I watched a video of Valentina Litsitsa ( I hope I didn't mispell) and I can't imagine she hears this when she plays. Thank you...Patrick

Thumping or clunking noise from the keyboard is unfortunately one of the faults which many of the entry and mid-range digital pianos suffer from.
However if you have a Kawai CE200 this is not something that I would have expected you to have problems with. A measure of mechanical noise from the keyboard is normal, but not to the extent where you are distracted by it.
On my own DP (a Yamaha) I can hear a slight, dull, mechanical sound when the keys are depressed and even less when they return, but there is certainly no perceptible vibration.
Was this thumping sound something you were aware of when you first tried it prior to purchase? There is some variation in this respect between different makes of instruments, which is why one is always urged to try as many as possible, and never to buy sight unseen.
I don't believe I've tried a Kawai CE200 so am unable to provide more meaningful advice. However I'm sure other owners or specialists such as KAWAIJames can advise further.

The mechanical noise from the keys is present to some degree on any piano, acoustic pianos included. On a digital piano, the volume comtrol can make the desired sound louder relative to the thump.

I you monitored your DP with noise canceling headphones (expensive) you shouldn't be able to hear it at all.

You may also just need to turn up the volume. I actually like hearing it because it helps me tell if my scales are even or not, and it can be heard on acoustic pianos, although I think it is pronounced on digitals. However, you can "weed" out that sound if you listen more to the tone of the piano. Try singing the melody of the songs as you play, this will help a great deal in getting you to listen more to the musical aspect of the instrument - even if you're not a good singer!

Thanks everyone for responding to my dilemma, but I think I misled you all. My problem is not with the quality of the instrument, but rather the quality of technique by the person playing it (me). Since I don't have a teacher (yet?), I may be missing some very basic ideas on how the fingers should approach the keys. I am conscious of how I sit at the piano and am working on relaxation. But something just doesn't feel right. I know I am asking alot because you can't see what I'm talking about, but any ideas will be helpful. Thanks...Patrick

My apologies. I just noticed a very similar thread in the abf. Ideas are still welcome though.

Without seeing you play there is really no way to assess if there's anything wrong. You will, however, hear the thumping more on a digital than an acoustic, and that has nothing to do with your playing.

Can you post a video of you playing?

Thank you Morodiene for your willingness to help. I probably have the means to post a video of myself, but I have never done so before and am not sure how to do it yet. I'm probably gonna look into finding a part time (maybe twice a month) teacher and hopefully solve some of my adult beginners mysteries. Thanks again...Patrick

I have played quite a few electronic keyboards that sound exactly like you describe. Either turn up the volume or it's the keyboard's fault.

Everyone should work on making their playing smooth & even with a minimum of thumping, but some keyboards no matter what you do they make that noise. I would not worry and I would blame the keyboard.

Real pianos make a noise when the key hits bottom too, but somehow it's much less distracting. I wonder if it's partly because real pianos are so much heavier and more steady, and therefore absorb shocks better.