CRKD’s Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controllers Are Available Now

The multiplatform editions of CRKD’s new guitar controller is compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Android, and PS3. It supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless, and wired connections. All of the models are compatible with CRKD’s mobile companion app, which lets you configure and customize the controls.

Though it doesn’t have full compatibility for modern platforms, the multiplatform editions have a unique mode called KEYJAM. With this mode activated, the controller is registered as a mouse and keyboard, allowing you to use it for Fortnite Festival on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. KEYJAM Mode is plug-and-play, but it’s only available in wired mode with the included 8.2-foot detachable cable.

The Pro edition of CRKD’s Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller has some upgraded features beyond the Blueberry Burst color scheme. The Hall Effect strum bar has built-in haptic feedback with customizable sensitivity and multiple actuation points. Additionally, the fret buttons on the Pro models utilize mechanical switches to promote fast movements and input recognition. Mechanical buttons have more tactile feedback, and some find that these mouse-like buttons on controllers increase precision.

The sticks and and whammy bar are also activated by Hall Effect sensors, which will prevent drifting issues from popping up and prevent the internal mechanisms from wearing down over time.

One of the analog sticks is surrounded by a ring of buttons you’d find on a normal controller: ABXY, RB/LB, and RT/LT. It also has a mode dial and input switch on the lower right-hand portion of the body next to the second analog stick. A tilt sensor activates Star Power in games like Guitar Hero and Clone Hero. A D-pad is located on the back of the headstock, and there’s a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones.

The neck has RGB lighting effects and and a modular design. You can detach it from the body, which should when traveling, and allows you to upgrade your setup in the future. You can replace the neck entirely with an upgraded model with five additional solo buttons–located closer to the body–or replace individual buttons.

Beyond Fortnite Festival, the multiplatform edition will be ideal for those who want to play Clone Hero and YARG on PC or Guitar Hero and Rock Band games on PS3.

The Encore version of the multiplatform edition uses CRKD’s Black Tribal has a decorative pattern on the lower half of the body. It has all of the same core features and platform support as the Pro, but the strum bar and frets aim for the classic Guitar Hero and Rock Band feel. The Encore moniker is fitting here.

The strum bar is still activated via a Hall Effect sensor, but it drops the haptic feedback in favor of the “clicking” sound and feel anyone who played the old Guitar Hero controllers will be familiar with. The frets have rubber membranes instead of mechanical switches in order to replicate the feel and sound of the classic controllers.

The Pro edition is more technologically advanced and costs 10 bucks more, but some players will prefer to return to the original style.

The Xbox edition of the Blueberry Burst Pro is officially licensed and supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Android. It costs 10 bucks more than the multiplatform edition of the Pro model–likely due to the licensing.

The CRKD button is replaced by the Xbox Guide button. Notably, the Xbox version does not have KEYJAM Mode, so you won’t be able to use this one at all on PlayStation consoles. That said, you do get wireless support for Xbox consoles, so Rock Band 4 players on console will want to opt for this one.

Beyond those differences, the Xbox edition has the same feature set, including the strum bar with haptic feedback and mechanical frets.