In Razer Synapse 3, open Synapse 3 → your device → Customize, select the key or mouse button, choose a replacement function, configure it, and save or apply the change. Test it in the program where you intend to use it.
Current status: Razer ended Synapse 3 updates and cloud-service support on February 3, 2026. Razer says an already-installed Synapse 3 can still configure its detected devices, but Synapse 4 is the supported replacement for new installations and ongoing support.
Before you start
- Synapse 3 supports Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11. Razer does not support Synapse 3 on macOS.
- Check Razer’s supported-device information before troubleshooting. Compatibility is model-specific; not every Razer keyboard, mouse, laptop key or hardware control is programmable. See Razer’s supported-device information.
- If Synapse 3 has been uninstalled, Razer’s current path is Synapse 4. Razer says the Synapse 3 installer was removed from its website after February 3, 2026; do not treat Synapse 3 as current download software.
Synapse 3 changes the software command associated with a physical key or button. It does not alter the keycap or the keyboard’s electrical layout, and the assignment may depend on the active profile, Synapse running in Windows, or the device’s onboard-memory features.
Razer’s retirement notice is at Razer Synapse 3 support and FAQs.
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How to rebind a keyboard key in Synapse 3
- Connect the keyboard directly to the computer, not through a USB hub while you are setting it up.
- Launch Razer Synapse 3.
- Under Devices (some older guides show Keyboard), select the keyboard.
- Open the Customize tab.
- Click the key in the on-screen layout. The sidebar can show existing assignments and jump to a particular assignment.
- Choose the function you want, such as Keyboard Function, Macro, Multimedia, or Disable.
- Complete any additional fields, such as the replacement key, shortcut, macro, text string, program or profile.
- Click Save or Apply if that control appears. Synapse 3 guides also describe automatic saving in older versions, but cloud synchronization is no longer available.
- Press the physical key in the desktop and in the intended game or application.
For example, to make Caps Lock act as Ctrl, select Caps Lock → Keyboard Function → Ctrl, save it, and test a shortcut such as Caps Lock+C. Some games, anti-cheat systems or elevated applications may handle software-generated input differently.
Razer’s device guide documents the Synapse 3 path at this keyboard manual.
How to remap a mouse button or laptop key
- Open Synapse 3 and select the mouse or laptop under Devices.
- Open Customize.
- Select the button or key in the device illustration.
- Choose and configure the replacement function.
- Save or apply the assignment, then test it in the target application.
A mouse side button can send a keyboard shortcut, perform a mouse action, launch a program, switch profiles or run a macro. Laptop layouts and fixed hardware controls vary, so a key missing from the diagram may not be assignable.
Razer’s current remapping instructions are at Razer support.
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What each assignment type does
| Option | Use |
|---|---|
| Default | Restores the selected key’s original behavior. |
| Keyboard Function | Sends another key or a combination using modifiers such as Ctrl, Alt or Shift. |
| Mouse Function | Sends clicks, other mouse buttons or scrolling. |
| Macro | Plays a recorded sequence of keystrokes and button presses. |
| Multimedia | Controls volume, mute, playback, microphone or tracks. |
| Windows Shortcuts | Assigns a Windows shortcut command. |
| Text Function | Types a predefined text string. |
| Launch Program | Opens an application or website. |
| Switch Profile | Changes to another configuration profile. |
| Switch Lighting | Changes supported lighting profiles or effects. |
| Razer Hypershift | Makes the selected key a modifier for a second assignment layer. |
| Disable | Stops the selected key from performing its normal action. |
| Keyboard Properties | Opens Windows keyboard settings where supported. |
Available choices depend on the device and installed Synapse modules.
How to create and assign a macro
- Open Synapse 3’s Modules tab and install Macro if it is not already present.
- Open the Macro module and record or create the sequence.
- Return to the device’s Customize page and select a key or button.
- Choose Macro, select the macro, and choose its playback behavior.
- Save and test the sequence.
Macro rules differ between games, applications, workplaces and tournaments. A macro that works technically is not automatically permitted in a competitive game.
How Hypershift adds a second layer
- Assign one key or button to Razer Hypershift.
- Switch the device layout from Standard to Hypershift when that mode is available.
- Select another key or button and assign its secondary function.
- Return to Standard mode.
- Hold the Hypershift key while pressing the other key to use its secondary action.
On supported keyboards, the Fn key is assigned as Hypershift by default, but it can be changed. Details are in Razer’s Hypershift guidance.
Profiles determine where a rebind works
Check the active profile before assigning a key. A profile linked to a game or application can switch automatically when that program launches, making a correct assignment appear to disappear. Test on the desktop and inside the target program, then inspect profile links if the results differ.
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Some devices can store profiles in onboard memory; others need Synapse running in Windows. Razer’s older feature description mentions up to four onboard profiles on supported hardware, but Synapse 3 cloud synchronization ended on February 3, 2026. Do not rely on cloud backup. Record important assignments or migrate them to Synapse 4.
See the legacy feature overview at Razer Synapse 3.
How to restore the original assignment
- Open the device’s Customize page.
- Select the incorrectly assigned key or button.
- Choose Default.
- Save or apply the change and test it.
If a whole profile is confusing, switch to another profile or create a fresh one, then reassign only the keys you need. This helps show whether the problem belongs to the profile or the device.
Troubleshooting when a rebind does not work
Synapse does not detect the device
- Confirm the exact model is supported.
- Connect it directly to the PC and restart the computer.
- Make sure Synapse is not running in Windows compatibility mode.
- Repair Synapse or reinstall the currently supported Synapse version.
- If the symptoms match, check Riot Vanguard. Razer identifies Vanguard version 1.7.0.27 as a possible cause of device-detection problems.
Use Razer’s detection troubleshooting guide for the repair steps.
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The key is absent from the layout
The key may be fixed, non-programmable, unsupported or controlled by another profile. Windows, Fn, media and hardware-control keys can have device-specific restrictions; never assume every physical key can be remapped.
It works in Windows but not in a game
- Check that the game is using the profile you edited.
- Compare Synapse and the game’s privilege level; an administrator game may not receive input from a normally launched Synapse.
- Check the game’s own bindings, Gaming Mode and other keyboard utilities.
- Some games or anti-cheat systems may restrict software-generated input.
- If the assignment was software-only, it may stop when Synapse is closed.
Synapse 3 was removed
Install Synapse 4 instead. Razer says it supports devices previously supported by Synapse 3 and warns against running both applications concurrently because their configurations can conflict. Use Razer’s Profile Migration Tool rather than manually copying a redesigned Synapse 3 profile.
Read Razer’s Synapse 4 support and FAQ and the official Synapse 4 page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you switch from Synapse 3 to Synapse 4?
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Synapse 3 is installed and detects the device | Use it to edit existing local assignments, with no expectation of updates or cloud sync. |
| Synapse 3 was uninstalled | Use Synapse 4; Razer no longer treats Synapse 3 as the supported installer. |
| First-time setup or a newer device | Start with Synapse 4 and verify the model’s support status. |
| Moving existing profiles | Use Synapse 4’s Profile Migration Tool, not manual profile copying. |
Razer presents Synapse 4 as the official replacement and lists it for Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11. Device-specific support can still change, so check the current support page before migrating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rebind any key in Synapse 3?
No. Programmability varies by model, and fixed Fn, Windows, media or hardware-control keys may be restricted.
Can a Razer mouse button send a keyboard key?
Yes, on supported devices: select the button under Customize, choose Keyboard Function, assign the key or shortcut, then save and test it.
Does a remap work when Synapse is closed?
Only if the device stores that assignment in supported onboard memory. Software-only assignments require Synapse running.
Can I use Synapse 3 on a Mac?
No. Razer lists Synapse 3 as Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 software, not macOS software.
What happened to Synapse 3 cloud profiles?
Razer ended Synapse 3 cloud-service support on February 3, 2026. Preserve important settings locally or migrate them to Synapse 4.
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