How to Map Macros on Your Gaming Keyboard

Mapping macros is super easy to do and allows you to perform simple or repetitive tasks even quicker than before. Macros provide huge advantages to gamers, streamers, and creatives all looking to enhance their performance or productivity.

If you’ve never thought about macros before, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about them, why they could be helpful to you, and how to map macros on your gaming keyboard.

What are Macros?

Macro keys are types of keystrokes or mouse clicks that you can register to perform a specific action. Assigning different macro keys allows you to simply press one key instead of multiple to execute simple tasks.

Why are Macros Useful For…

Gaming

Macro keys can give you an even greater distinct advantage in games. You can create sequences of keystrokes and mouse clicks that remove the need to complete repetitive tasks in-game or ones that allow you to react even quicker to the enemies around you.

Streamers

Streamers can assign macro keys to automate their live streams. This could range from assigning a shortcut to quickly start your stream, switch scenes, or cut to your break screen when it’s time to replenish your snacks.

Creatives

Similarly, creatives can utilise macro keys to boost their productivity. You can assign macro keys to perform quick tasks in Photoshop such as duplicating and layering images or to make filling out spreadsheets much simpler.

How Do I Know if My Keyboard Supports Macros?

Your keyboard will feature dedicated macro keys, typically a set of six often either on the left or above the function keys. These macro keys are usually labelled ‘M1’ or ‘G1’, depending on the manufacturer of your keyboard.

If your keyboard doesn’t have dedicated keys, it may still feature support for macros. We recommend you check either the keyboard manual or the manufacturer’s page online to confirm.

How to Map Macros on Your Keyboard

Macro keys won’t have any function by default. You need to assign them a function by creating a macro key.

The process for mapping macros differs depending on the manufacturer, but typically you will need to download a corresponding software. We’ve included a step-by-step process for creating macros on some of the keyboard brands available down below. This includes Ducky, Glorious, Razer, and Corsair.

Ducky

Whilst Ducky keyboards don’t feature a strip of dedicated macro keys, they do support Ducky Macro V2.0. This is their own integrated macro software that allows you to record and assign sequences of keystrokes to specific functions. Ducky Macro V2.0 is available on One2 and One3 series keyboards. The process is the same on both models.

There are six profiles you can assign macro keys to. You’ll need to select the correct profile before you begin mapping your macro. To select the profiles, click Fn + Alt + 1 – 6.

To begin recording your macros press Fn + Alt + Tab for three seconds. Once the recording mode is turned on, the Caps Lock or indicator lights on the keyboard will slowly flash. From here, begin recording your macro by pressing the key you wish to use to activate the macro, and then entering the sequence. To end recording, press Fn + Alt + Tab for one second.

For further information on mapping macros on your Ducky One2 or One3 keyboard, be sure to download the user manual.

Glorious

Similar to Ducky keyboards, Glorious pre-built models don’t feature any dedicated macro keys. However, with Glorious CORE software, you can assign macros.

Mapping a macro is simple to do in Glorious CORE. Simply select ‘New Macro’, give it a name, and choose the type of macro it is from a drop-down list.

No Repeat: The macro will happen once when pressed.
Toggle: The macro will continuously happen when pressed. Will only stop when the key is pressed again.
Repeat While Holding: The macro will continuously happen whilst the key is pressed. Will stop once the key is released.

To start recording your macro, simply press ‘Start Record’, press the desired keys, and then press ‘Stop Record’ once you’re done. From here, you can further customise your macro by dragging key presses closer or further apart, along with shortening or increasing the length of individual button presses. Once you’ve got your macro exactly how you want it, simply press ‘Save’.

If do you struggle with mapping macros in Glorious CORE, there is a dedicated user guide which you can find on the Glorious CORE webpage.

Razer

For all Razer keyboards, you’ll need to download Razer Synapse in order to map macros.

Head into the Dashboard, select your keyboard, and then ‘Customise’. Here you’ll also be able to select the key you wish to assign the macro to. Press ‘Macro’ > ‘Assign Macro’ > Select the macro you wish to assign and the preferred playback. To complete the process, simply press ‘Save’.

Razer have made a helpful video guide detailing how you assign macros on their keyboards, which you can watch down below.

Corsair

Lastly, on Corsair keyboards to map macros you’ll need to download their corresponding iCUE software. In the iCUE home screen on your keyboard, press ‘Key Assignments’ and then the ‘+’ button. From here, select the action you want to assign, in this case, a Macro. You’ll then be able to record your macro by inputting the sequence of keystrokes you wish to map.

After this, you’ll need to select the key that you want to assign your new macro to. Once you’ve created the macro, click the menu button to save the macro to your library, copy it, rename, or even delete it.

Upgrade Your Keyboard

Has all this talk about macros made you want to upgrade to a keyboard that supports them? You can find a range of keyboards that support macro keys at Overclockers UK, and we’ve included a few of our favourites below.