Review on Wii/Wii U Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard: Ultimate Musical Experience by Jermaine Munajj

I've had the RB3 keyboard for almost a week now and I've had a very good experience. I've had musical experience on guitar and similar instruments since I was in college, as well as some basic theory/vocals/keyboards (much of which I've forgotten). Based on previous musical experience, I'll probably start with a slight edge over the average person. I've wanted to master the keyboard for a long time, and RB3's move into the realm of more realistic instrument playing was a welcome change. Construction: The keyboard is quite well made. It looks and feels like a real two-octave keyboard. The keys have just the right amount of spring and resistance. The touch-sensitive hit effect also works well in the game. I don't have a midi sequencer so I can only assume it works as expected. Gameplay: If you're interested in buying this device, you know that the key is to use it with the right mindset. If you have no keyboard experience, don't expect to be a virtuoso the first time you pick it up. If you're interested in Pro mode, you'll probably need to spend a lot of time practicing on your own (I'm finding playing Pro mode with others a little distracting right now). If you don't have the patience, the keyboard might not be for you. The game allows you to choose between Standard mode (only 5 white keys are enabled, like standard RB/GH guitars) and Pro mode (full keyboard). Both modes allow you to choose the level of difficulty, so the professional mode is not necessarily forbidden from the start. I've found I can jump right into a career/fast play at a mid-professional level (mostly single notes with some 2-note intervals in more advanced songs). Not everyone can do the same. I had a few friends who wanted to try it out at a party and they all started out in 5 button mode (non-professional). Built-in lessons come in handy. I went through a few of these to get familiar with the keyboard (simple scales, intervals) before switching to career mode. Maybe one day I'll come back and finish it, but I just wanted to play music. It takes a little getting used to seeing a partial on-screen keyboard. Instead of using a strap, I rest the keyboard on my lap, which allows me to look down every now and then. That being said, I find where the notes are first by feeling (the position of the black keys gives you an idea). I'll admit it can be frustrating at times, especially when the intervals and solos progress faster than I can keep up. Again, patience seems to play a key role in gameplay. Conclusion: The device itself is great. The gameplay is a lot of fun if you're willing to put in the time and energy to learn or if you're comfortable with the easy or non-professional mode. While this device isn't for everyone, it's a lot for those of us who want a more realistic gaming experience (and the ability to pick up a new instrument).