PiperLinux
vs
Razer SynapseWindows
Piper as a Linux alternative to Razer Synapse
Updated
Our verdict
Piper is a viable replacement for Razer Synapse if you use a supported Razer mouse on Linux and need basic to intermediate customization. It handles DPI, button remapping, LED colors, and profile management through a clean interface. However, it lacks advanced macro scripting, cloud profiles, and full device support—some Razer models aren't recognized. If your mouse is supported and you don’t rely on complex macros or Razer’s ecosystem, Piper works well locally. Users needing full feature parity with Synapse will still face limitations.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.8 (September 24, 2024)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports DPI adjustment per profile
- Allows custom button mapping
- Enables RGB lighting configuration
- Manages multiple profiles locally
- Applies settings without requiring root
What is different
- No built-in macro recorder—macros must be defined via ratbagd or Piper with limited complexity
- No cloud syncing or Razer account integration
- Limited device support—only Razer mice confirmed compatible with libratbag
- No polling rate adjustment in Piper (handled separately by hid-raptor kernel module if needed)
- No automatic per-application profile switching like in Synapse
Opening your Razer Synapse files
Piper does not support importing Razer Synapse configuration files. Razer Synapse uses proprietary formats not readable by Piper or ratbagd. Configuration must be recreated manually. Piper can export and import its own JSON-based configuration files, which are portable between systems using the same mouse model and ratbagd version, but these are not compatible with Windows or Synapse.
Switching from Razer Synapse to Piper, step by step
- Install ratbagd and Piper (via package manager or Flathub)
- Ensure your Razer mouse is supported by checking the libratbag compatibility list
- Launch Piper after starting ratbagd as root or via systemd
- Recreate DPI, button, and LED settings manually
- Export the configuration in Piper for backup
Key features of Piper
- Adjust DPI per profile
- Create and delete profiles
- Set per‑button actions
- Configure RGB LED colors
- Export and import configuration files
- Supports multiple mice at once
- Runs on Wayland and X11
How to install Piper on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.freedesktop.PiperFrequently asked questions
Does Piper work with all Razer mice?
No. Only select Razer mice are supported by libratbag. Check the libratbag GitHub page for a full list. Unsupported models won’t appear in Piper.
Can I set complex macros like in Synapse?
Only simple macros are possible, such as key combinations. Complex macros with delays or sequences aren’t supported in the current ratbagd implementation.
Do settings persist after reboot?
Yes, Piper saves configurations locally through ratbagd. Profiles are restored on plug-in, provided the same daemon and rules are in place.
3 other alternatives to Razer Synapse
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