Re:WASD, 3 months later

A few months ago, I had to replace the designated program that helped me edit settings and remap my Razer Tartarus Chroma, Synapse. Replaced by a similar program called Re:WASD, I tried setting up as much of the same settings as possible in hopes it would work better.

Print form of the changes done to my Tartarus. 1st column is Tartarus' default keys pre-assigned to the device, and each column after are the different maps assigned to different directions of the Tartarus' joystick.

The extra left-hand keyboard that I use, known Razer Tartarus V2 (Chroma for the RGB), has been really helpful since I bought the first version to make my gaming and drawing life a little easier as my then laptop's keyboard was dying out. Full of hiccups and crawling slowness switching between windows, it still proved a lot more helpful for what I could afford at the time. Synapse is the software made by Razer to function with its peripherals - controlling RGB, remapping, macros, and all kinds of other functions that would be too complicated to add in a practical manner. Main thing I used it for was mapping - the reassigning of specific keys to function as a different key on a keyboard or of multiple key presses at the same time with a single key. The thing that made it so simple to change maps as you assigned them is that, depending on what window you focused, it would change a map you assigned to that program! So if you need button number 01 (as they are labelled that way on the physical Tartarus) for ESCAPE when using Google Chrome but also need it to function as multiple key presses when playing a game (for example, in Minecraft let's say jump and move forward at the same time, so SHIFT and Up keys on a single press), Synapse made it easier by linking these changes to the programs you assign these to and not mix them up.

However, as years went by, every year Synapse started to simply freeze, crash while minimized, or buggily erase maps with a slow increase of occurrences every time. More on those frustrations in this blog post, that lead me to search for a replacement with the least amount of bugs and crashes. The most promising one I found was Re:WASD, that while I had used up the free trial trying to understand in vain how it works, I was willing to buy it based on reviews and out of desperation for a replacement. The only thing it doesn't have is RGB settings but it was the least of my worries, as long as it worked.

Re:WASD, 3 months later

After about 3 to 4 months of using this software consistently, while it took me a while to figure the multiple more features than Synapse has, it's been the smoothest I have ever been able to use my Tartarus. Switching maps have been quick, going into the software to do changes doesn't cause my PC to freeze, and most important of all is that it ALWAYS detects Clip Studio! There have been a few hiccups here and there, but I think it's more of a specific game not being completely optimized for PC affecting other programs' maps. The maps don't get erased for no reason either, and that's another big plus for me.

The only thing you need to make sure you do when changing any key over and over, especially if you make maps based on what programs you focus on, is to reapply the 'focus' function (bullseye icon at bottom left). Otherwise, any new changes will not work.

However, as much as I like the RGB aspect as I relied on colors being connected to specific software I think I relied on it heavily simply to determine how fast I can start working on the tabbed-into window, especially with the CSP issue mentioned in the other blog. Getting more software for lighting is the last in the to do list, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of the lighting and program linking a Tartarus can do.

So yes, if you're having any issues with Synapse, ditch it for Re:WASD! #notsponsored :P