openrazer as a Linux alternative to Razer Synapse
Updated
Our verdict
openrazer is a solid replacement for Razer Synapse on Linux, especially for users who prioritize core functionality like DPI adjustment, key remapping, and RGB lighting control. It supports a wide range of Razer devices and works reliably once set up. However, it lacks a native GUI, so users must rely on CLI tools or third-party frontends. It's best suited for intermediate to advanced Linux users comfortable with command-line configuration or willing to use community tools. Persistent profiles and hotplug support work well under tested distributions.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.12.4
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports device-specific configuration for Razer mice, keyboards, and headsets
- Allows RGB lighting control with customizable effects and colors
- Enables DPI and polling rate adjustments directly on the device
- Provides key remapping and macro functionality
- Saves settings locally and supports profile persistence
What is different
- No official GUI — configuration is primarily command-line or via third-party tools
- Lacks built-in cloud profile sync (Razer Synapse feature)
- No direct import of Razer Synapse profiles or file formats
- Limited support for newer devices until reverse-engineered
- No built-in firmware update capability
Opening your Razer Synapse files
openrazer does not support importing Razer Synapse configuration files. The two programs use incompatible formats and systems. There is no known converter or tool to migrate Synapse profiles directly. Configuration must be recreated manually using openrazer's CLI or supported frontends. This is expected since Razer Synapse runs on Windows and uses proprietary formats, while openrazer relies on reverse-engineered communication protocols.
Switching from Razer Synapse to openrazer, step by step
- Install openrazer via your package manager (e.g., 'sudo pacman -S openrazer-meta' on Arch or 'sudo apt install openrazer-meta' on Debian/Ubuntu)
- Add your user to the plugdev group: 'sudo usermod -aG plugdev $USER'
- Reboot or restart the daemon: 'sudo systemctl start openrazer-daemon'
- Test device detection with 'razercfg -l' or 'openrazer-cli --list-devices'
- Use 'openrazer-cli' or a GUI frontend like Polychromatic to configure lighting, DPI, and key mappings
- Set up automatic startup: 'sudo systemctl enable openrazer-daemon'
Key features of openrazer
- Supports a wide range of Razer mice, keyboard, headsets, and mice
- Controls RGB lighting effects and colors via CLI or Python API
- Adjusts mouse sensitivity (DPI) and polling rates
- Manages keyboard macros and key remapping
- Configures headset volume and microphone settings
- Provides a Python library for scripting custom behaviors
- Runs as a background daemon for system-wide access
How to install openrazer on Linux
sudo apt install openrazersudo apt install openrazersudo pacman -S openrazer-daemonFrequently asked questions
Does openrazer work with all Razer devices?
No, only devices that have been reverse-engineered and added to the supported list. Check the openrazer GitHub page for the current device compatibility table.
Can I use a GUI with openrazer?
Yes, Polychromatic is a popular third-party GUI that works with openrazer for managing lighting and profiles. Install it separately via your package manager or from source.
Are settings preserved after reboot?
Yes, openrazer saves configurations locally and restores them on plug-in or system restart if the daemon is enabled and running.
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PolychromaticPolychromatic is an open-source RGB lighting manager for Razer devices on Linux, using OpenRazer for hardware…Open sourceFreeFlatpakPolychromatic vs Razer Synapse