Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Razer Synapse VS OpenRazer

Compare Razer Synapse VS OpenRazer and see what are their differences

Razer Synapse logo Razer Synapse

Razer Synapse is unified configuration software that allows users to rebind controls or assign...

OpenRazer logo OpenRazer

An entirely open source driver and user-space daemon that allows you to manage your Razer peripherals on GNU/Linux.
  • Razer Synapse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03
  • OpenRazer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-20

Razer Synapse features and specs

  • Customization
    Razer Synapse allows users to customize their Razer devices extensively, including key mapping, lighting effects, and macros, enhancing the user experience by tailoring the devices to specific needs.
  • Cloud Storage
    User settings and preferences can be backed up and stored in the cloud, allowing for easy recovery and synchronization across different devices if users log into their accounts.
  • Device Management
    The software provides a centralized platform for managing multiple Razer devices from a single interface, making it convenient for users with several Razer peripherals.
  • Driver Updates
    Razer Synapse automatically updates drivers and firmware for Razer devices, ensuring optimal performance and access to the latest features without manual intervention.

Possible disadvantages of Razer Synapse

  • Resource Usage
    Razer Synapse can be resource-intensive, consuming considerable CPU and memory resources, which might be a concern for users with lower-end systems.
  • Account Requirement
    Users are required to create an account to use Razer Synapse, which may be seen as an unnecessary step for those who prefer offline software or have privacy concerns.
  • Bug and Stability Issues
    Some users report occasional bugs and stability issues, including application crashes and failed device detection, which can disrupt the user experience.
  • Limited Device Compatibility
    Razer Synapse is designed primarily for Razer devices, limiting its utility for users who employ peripherals from other brands alongside Razer products.

OpenRazer features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenRazer is open-source software, allowing users to view, modify, and contribute to the code, fostering community collaboration and transparency.
  • Wide Device Support
    It supports a broad range of Razer devices, providing unified and comprehensive control over various hardware components.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    OpenRazer works on Linux distributions, offering customization options for Razer hardware to Linux users who otherwise have limited options.
  • Community-Driven
    Supported and improved by a community of enthusiasts, it often has quick updates and new feature implementations based on user feedback.
  • Customizable
    Allows for extensive customization of device settings, from lighting effects to key bindings, enhancing the user experience uniquely.

Possible disadvantages of OpenRazer

  • Limited Official Support
    Being community-driven means there's no official support channel, which can lead to longer resolution times for issues.
  • Complex Setup
    Installation and configuration can be complex, especially for users not familiar with Linux command-line operations.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    As with many open-source projects, there may be occasional bugs or stability problems, impacting usability until patches are released.
  • Inconsistent Updates
    Update frequency can vary, largely depending on community activity and contributions, possibly leading to delays in supporting new devices.
  • Not Fully Comprehensive
    While it covers a wide range of Razer devices, not every feature available in official Razer software for other platforms may be present.

Razer Synapse videos

Razer Synapse 3 Tutorial | Studio | Razer Keyboard Lighting

More videos:

  • Review - Razer synapse software review
  • Review - Using Razer Synapse 3

OpenRazer videos

No OpenRazer videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Razer Synapse and OpenRazer)
Note Taking
51 51%
49% 49
Gaming
47 47%
53% 53
Automation
47 47%
53% 53
Monitoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenRazer seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 27 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Razer Synapse mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Razer Synapse yet. Tracking of Razer Synapse recommendations started around Mar 2021.

OpenRazer mentions (27)

  • Why the hell do Gaming Hardware brands make drivers for Mac, but not for Linux?
    So if a very skilled developer reverse engineer a driver for some brands (OpenRazer as an example), I feel better about it especially if it's open source. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Razor setup.exe GUI - steam deck
    Why are you trying to run a setup.exe? For linux there's Open Razer. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Razer mouse does not charge (on dock) when computer is locked but powered on and not suspended.
    What a interesting device. As I searching I found mousepad has different device id than mouse itself. This driver may solve your problems. If problem continues could you please share system info with upload-system-info from terminal and sudo lspci -v. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Dead by Daylight's Steam Deck Support is Official. Confirmed to Us by Behaviour Interactive.
    Yeah I would take piper over any of that bloated peripheral software anyway, gets the job done. There's also other community projects like OpenRazer. For a keyboard I grabbed a System76 Launch, it's a bit pricey but it's super nice and fully customizable via an appimage. Source: about 2 years ago
  • razer mouse not working...
    Try installing OpenRazer, it depends on your distro how exactly, Arch has it in the AUR. Follow the installation path (adding user to plugdev group etc). Using it myself along with Polychromatic on a Viper V2 Pro. Source: about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Razer Synapse and OpenRazer, you can also consider the following products

OpenRGB - OpenRGB is an all-in-one network-based software development kit that allows you to use third-party software to control all of your RGB.

X-Mouse Button Control - XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

Key Mapper - A tool to change and program the mapping of your input device buttons.

Logitech G Hub - Logitech G HUB is new software to help you get the most out of your gear. Quickly personalize your gear per game.

Artemis RGB - An overview of the guides that'll teach you how to use Artemis

Polychromatic - Graphical front end and tray applet for configuring Razer peripherals on GNU/Linux.