keyboardista - English version's logokeyboardista - English version

How to use and customize a Razer keyboard on macOS thumbnail

Keyboard Basics

How to use and customize a Razer keyboard on macOS

Razer keyboards are popular for their comfort and build from a gamer's perspective. Since most gamers use Windows, there are some hurdles to using it on macOS.

Modified at: 2023.2.7Posted at: 2023.1.4

Table Of Contents

  1. Works fine as a "keyboard"
  2. Razer Synapse support for macOS
  3. Only the lighting can be adjusted by OSS
  4. Windows is required if you want to use the macros on the Razer keyboard
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on keyboardista - English version. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Works fine as a "keyboard"

Razer keyboards, whether USB or Bluetooth, can be used for basic functions as keyboards by simply connecting them with a Mac.

However, the special functions of the Razer keyboard require the use of the Razer Synapse software, which must be supported by macOS.

The functions that cannot be used without Razer Synapse include the following.

  1. lighting customization
  2. macro functions
  3. game-specific lighting

These features are the selling point of Razer keyboards, so if you choose a Razer keyboard based on the assumption that you will use these features, keep in mind that they are not available on macOS.

Razer Synapse support for macOS

In the past, Razer Synapse had full Mac support. This was true up to Razer Synapse 2. Unfortunately, the latest version, Razer Synapse 3, is not Mac compatible.

The macOS on which Razer Synapse 2 can be installed are the following older versions from the Mac OS X era, which are not supported by the current version of macOS.

  • Mac OS X 10.14 (Mojave)
  • Mac OS X 10.13 (High Sierra)
  • Mac OS X 10.12 (Sierra)
  • Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
  • Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
  • Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)
  • Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
  • Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
  • Mac OS X 10.7 (Snow Leopard)

Only the lighting can be adjusted by OSS

When using a Razer keyboard on macOS, only the lighting function can be used by installing OSS such as FruityRazer or [razer-macos](https://github.com/1kc /razer-macos) and other OSS can be installed.

Note, however, that not all Razer keyboards are supported.

It does not support macros or synchronization with games, but it does allow detailed lighting patterns and color customization, so users who do not need macros, etc., can use the OSS.

Windows is required if you want to use the macros on the Razer keyboard

The Razer Synapse 3 is currently only compatible with Windows, so if you want to use the macro function, one of the Razer keyboard's selling points, you will have to use it with a Windows machine.

If you want to use the macro function on macOS, choose a mechanical keyboard from another manufacturer such as Logitech.

Categories

Tags

Makers