Ducky One 3 Macro Guide

Skip to 2:40 for the Macro 2.0 binding feature :)
The Ducky One 3 has bad instructions so here's a video on how to change a few common features up on it and bind multimedia keys.
The big missing aspect for this keyboard is the feedback after you've entered Macro Recording mode by hitting Fn + Alt + Tab for 3 seconds - all that illuminates from there is the Fn key, but the Caps Lock key should be blinking slowly.
WARNING: This video may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Only at 2:00 and 2:54 does the flashing occur, so you may want to skip forward a few seconds at both those spots!
Ducky's website for this keyboard:
www.duckychann...
The keyboard in this video is the Cherry MX Red style, but you can find all versions of it for sale here:
mechanicalkeyb...

[@cworkrwork8528]

No idea why Ducky can't make this clearer in their manual. Thanks for the explanation!

[@halfling_barista]

Thank you so much! This is very clear and also works with the non-RGB TKL. As the manual has the incorrect key combo listed to initiate, or at the very least is very opaque, this has made the difference in making this feature usable for me at all.

[@aBlackMage]

Can confirm this also works with 60%.

[@COOLHANDSOME95]

a life saver for real, thanks man. going from buttons dedicated to volume to this was a nightmare, a mind saved 🙌🙌

[@amdrke]

Thank you for the concise video, the manual made me feel like an idiot as did the complete lack of feedback! This really helped.

[@SilverGreen93]

You just saved my life after more than 1h of messing around with the stupid manual. Thanks a million!

[@Levi_The_Giant]

Thank you so much for this video. Just trying to setup my Ducky One 3 and the instructions were downright incorrect. Glad to see that they are consistent with giving poor information out of the box, but still a much nicer upgrade over my One 2

[@lagzerovr]

Thank you this helped me so much. I just got the Ducky One 3 Mini and I was wondering how to change the volume. I really do wish Ducky made there documentation on the macro system better. You have earned a like.

[@Blipzy69]

You have to hold fn

[@matey182]

This is a well presented, easy to understand tutorial. Thank you. The only other part of macro recording I want to know (for the one3) is how to configure the delay between multiple keystrokes when running a macro. Currently I can only playback a macro with multiple characters at the speed that I recored (typed) it. There are options to configure this for the one2 however they don't appear to work the same way for the one3.

[@fkfilip9]

Have you able to figure this out?

[@andrewpoloyan3590]

Thank you so much for the explanation. The keyboard is very nice but figuring out how to use its less obvious features takes quite a bit of time and effort even with the manual in hand.

[@aBlackMage]

Thank you so much, this video is a godsend. I was unhappy with the new FN arrow key binds on my 60%, the old 'IJKL' being much more ergonomic than the new 'L?. I was going crazy trying to figure out why nothing was happening, I'm so glad I found your video. I love Ducky's hardware, but Jesus Christ their firmware and customer support...

[@dazz1oad]

The fact that a consumer needs to make this to properly interpret the user manual speaks the the lack of consumer feedback they have either received or even bothered to look at

[@huhholi]

Reddit had a conversation on firmware bug on macro setting, so maybe its rather that. There is firmware update after which apparently signal leds for macro recording works. And… you are buying a fancy mechanical keyboard, firmware update is not a biggie. Though could be communicated, then again its apparently a small company so that is understandable. Focus on the product

[@birdvsworm]

@@huhholi small =/= niche. Ducky is one of the biggest mechanical keyboard manufacturers in Taiwan and a very popular brand overall. Firmware updates are fairly simple, but the implementation of their old software updater and how unstable these boards seem to be with regards to key chatter, bouncing, and programmable onboard settings is an indicator Ducky is resting on their laurels. Their Macro 2.0 feature has been out for at least 5 years and is all onboard ARM processing, and they still haven't ironed out the jankiness surrounding their only product line which is keyboards. Respectfully disagree on your points. Ducky can and should do better and there's no excuses for them to have dropped the ball this bad.

[@huhholi]

@@birdvsworm ok, yeah, I'm happy I went for keychron.. have seen those chatter complaints lately on reddit too. Though seems people are complainig about keychron QA...

[@hish.b]

Ducky One 3 Keyboard Macro Tips To record a macro on a specific key, follow these steps: Press fn+alt+tab and hold until the lights blink to enter macro mode*. Select the key you want to assign the macro to and type the keystrokes or commands you want to record. Press fn+alt+tab to save the macro and exit macro mode. To reset a key to default, follow these steps: Press fn+alt+tab and hold until the lights blink to enter macro mode. Press the key you want to reset to default. Press fn+alt+tab to exit macro mode. To switch profiles: Press fn+profile number Profile numbers 1-6 can be used. *Profile 1 does not support macros!

[@hish.b]

Made these notes using info from this video, hope this helps someone. I have the non-led version so I don't describe the extra features of the led version (like key highlighting and macro viewing) Thank you for this video birdvsworm

[@superplastictube]

@@hish.b thank you for your explanations , I am wondering how to reset the entire profile macro? or i have to do it key by key ?

[@superplastictube]

btw ducky should hire you 😆

[@Skull_Gun]

Nice, just some change suggestions for that second paragraph: To record a macro on a specific key, follow these steps: Press fn+alt+tab and hold until the lights blink to enter macro mode*. Press fn+the key you want to assign the macro to and type the keystrokes or commands you want to record. (Example fn+win+d for play/pause) Press fn+alt to return to the macro mode menu Press fn+alt+tab to save the macro and exit macro mode. Other quick tips: Hold down both windows keys to reset ALL SETTINGS if you mess up! To change the brightness of the Lock lights press fn+up key or down key LED light controls: To cycle through the LED light modes press fn+F10 You can use fn+F5/F6/F7 to chance RGB levels on the custom modes (Each colour has 10 levels of brightness) You can press fn+left or right arrow to change the speed of the LED light modes

[@8pofi]

Thanks you a lot for the help. I hope people who is also struggling with setting keybinds can find your video. :)

[@ionutnichifor29]

YOU ARE SENT FROM JESUS MY GUY I JUST BOUGHT A DUCKY ONE 3 MINI AND I NEEDED THIS VID

[@SectionSkyly]

Thanks for this! The Ducky instructions are pretty useless but this was really easy to follow!

[@xShadowPT]

u are the goat man, ily

[@Argofox]

Thank you! Saved my volume shortcuts :)

[@penetrollolilator]

Thank you, this was very difficult without lights. This made it possible.

[@Alexmrt92]

super clear and easy to follow, thank you!

[@palteinzenberg4512]

You're the greatest person i know 🔥

[@Kababalax]

Thanks for the warning on the crappy after service from Ducky

[@odengals613]

actually a live saver

[@mixeddrinks8100]

very hard to do when you have the no rgb version, just got to keep track of what you are doing.

[@lekevka5037]

Thank you so much, works like a charm!

[@ahall3823]

I have the same problem with missing macro functionality. The macros appear to be working as they would with the one2 mini. The problem is, many of the macro functions are missing. I’ve sent an email to Ducky, but have not received a reply. Also, it appears that I can’t change the lighting per keyboard layer, as I can with my one2 TKL.

[@xusdom]

fn + alt to go 'back' is the magic step missing in manual...So, thx for your work - well done :-) There are really lots of error in the manual.

[@ForgotMyOrange]

Exactly, I spent ages trying to figure out why fn + alt + tab didn't escape the recording mode... it's because of not returning to the "main area" using fn + alt. Some very frustrating time trying to figure that out

[@FleMoo]

For everyone the Win + Alt + Tab combination isn`t wokring. Check Profile 2 or highter FN + 2 - 6. Profile 1 doesn`t support macros.

[@p.artcha]

This was a great explanation!

[@mharu8807]

great video simple to understand thank you soo much I needed this tutorial so bad for music hotkeys :D

[@ricardosanchezmacias8827]

Thank you so much! the manual was so confusing

[@yavnrh]

Thanks, this is very useful. The manual is indeed a bit opaque.

[@chilloutsloth]

Thank you

[@arminr9458]

Man you saved my day, thanks!

[@ForgotMyOrange]

And to remove a macro, just hit that key, followed by immediately returning using Fn + Alt Can't figure out how to bind CAPS LOCK to anything though. Seems like it's not possible but the manual doesn't say it is.

[@antimaterielrifle]

Lifesaver!

[@manuelgraca3118]

Thank you!

[@lennartfloreby2430]

Thanks. I just received this exact model. It turns out Caps Lock cannot be reprogrammed. There is nothing in the so called documentation about this. I upgraded firmware to 1.11 which didn't help. Very disappointed.

[@ForgotMyOrange]

This is the only reason I want to use macros and even got this keyboard, because I knew I could macro away the useless CAPS LOCK key... I did it on my Ducky One 2... I really wish I could return it now... maybe I will, if that's true

[@bearsuitClan]

Thanks man I appreciate this

[@staevobr]

Excellent video. The user manual is impossible to follow.

[@gamefunatic2]

My ducky one 3 RGB left alt is stuck on volume down HELP ME.

[@escape2064]

My macro backlit modes are not working. Help!

[@tiff8346]

does your pause button work? mine has never worked. i have a ducky one 3 no backline in matcha. cos its not backlit the caps lock light is meant to flash when macro mode is switched on, but.. nothing. no flash. and the instruction manual says the you cant' bind any macros to the pause key! but! it doesnt even work!!! what is the use of the key then?? geeez... if anybody knows, i'd greatly appreciate it

[@escape2064]

how do i turn off windows keys????? i followed the manual and they still work

[@eninji]

Very good tutorial, thank you

[@endlaiers]

Hi I'm having some difficulty with mine (non-backlit). I can't tell when I enter different profiles, reset or entering macro recording mode. I did press Fn Alt and Tab which made me unable to type anything, I presume I entered macro recording mode then. However, I couldn't seem to exit that mode.

[@birdvsworm]

Worst case scenario you can just unplug the keyboard or even hold both Win keys for 3 seconds to fully reset the keyboard and return you back to square one - both of those options are the nuclear route and undo the progress you just made. Fn+Alt+Tab should get you back to having a typeable keyboard though, from the macro recording mode.

[@drgee1120]

I have this exact same problem. I just want to turn my Cal key into a Play/Pause but I have not been able to do so. It never goes back from macro mode and I either have to do the Windows button reset or unplug my keyboard to get it back to a typable mode.

[@user-rz6hg7tl9z]

I need to bind num* for any button becouse I have TKL keyboard, but I dont know the shortcut for num*((( How can I do it?

[@bc4198]

Great video, thanks! Subbed!

[@gamingduckscp]

please tell me how to use home key in ducky one 3 mini

[@tanon655]

Is this guide working on Ducky one 3 without rgb/lightning too?

[@blargd]

Wondering if you might have any ideas the fn+windows hotkeys just aren't working at all for me

[@killer695]

Is it possible to somehow check what macros I have bound? I know i had set up a macrl that wluld repeat a few keys for me and for the life of me now i cannot remember what key combo i set to start the macro. Is there a key command to like flash keys for current macros fkr the current profile?

[@VisualNovelStreaming]

How did you get the lighting mode on your keyboard? I want the same thing!

[@unknownentity8256]

I've got one 3 mini and wanted to macro arrowkeys to the bottom right but seems that the keyboard does not switch between the macro sets, or to even the macro mode. Kind of sad, I love this keyboard but wish the macro feature worked.

[@teme9132]

Anyone know why the macros dont work. I did everything right in this guide and in the macro mode, when I press fn it lights up the keys i binded the macros to. But when i exit macro mode and try to use the media keys i created, they just dont work. Some1 help plsss

[@birdvsworm]

Be sure to press the FN key with the new hotkey you've made, maybe that's the issue? Otherwise all I can recommend is making sure the Ducky keyboard you're using is the same model or follows a similar step-by-step process in the manual. In my experience they almost all behave the same way.

[@jcyt2023]

are the macros seen here the only ones you can bind? Can you bind Windows + Right arrow? Or what about a string of texts say for example "abcdefg"

[@BMarcJ]

Great video! The manual cryptically mentions a bunch of Ducky macros for changing the RGB e.g. fn+shift+T to enable full backlight, but that they need to be recorded first. I've had no luck with this; have you?

[@nnuckell]

same here, I've been trying to set up a macro to use just a couple of effects but no luck, I still have to cycle through all of them using FN+F10

[@iripru]

Same here. I've got mine recently, updated the firmware and still can't set it up.

[@heyyou7945]

same here, not able to set those. Do feel sad about the rgb settings. Not able to set low brightness for the wave mode. Such a shame. That aside it's a really good keyboard in other aspects.

[@RubyRobbins]

Thank you so much! You really helped me. I'm using the white Ducky One 3 RGB, and get not find a way to get 'rainbow mode' I scroll through all the options, and can't find it. I find it no problems on my One 2 SF. Any ideas? ❤

[@DaniOhDani]

I have the same model, and it's definitely one of the 12 RGB options that I can cycle through. You're using Fn+F10, yeah?

[@RubyRobbins]

@@DaniOhDani Yes, I'm using Fn+F10. I've had a few Ducky keyboards, and I've been able to get the 'raindrop mode' no problem. Oh I've just noticed I said 'rainbow mode' when I should have said 'raindrop mode' haha oops.

[@tmnt9001]

The manual mentions "choose the Macro implementation and Record Time option" any idea what those are?

[@ForgotMyOrange]

I couldn't figure that out either

[@Pipoh522]

Hey man! This video is very helpful, thank you. I have a questions to ask regarding the macro before i'm going to get one. I would like to get a TKL version bcs i dont use the numpad, but i do need dedicated media keys so i stumbled upon your video here. If we set macro on some specific keys we want, and from the way you demo it here, does it mean we will lose the original function for those key unless we unbind the macro again? My case was, I code, game and stream. I'd like to have dedicated media keys, some keys for soundboard, and the original functions for the key it self. 😂Sorry if i go around my words and if its difficult to understand. hope you get the gist of my question

[@Lesnoy40rt77]

Hi, please, can you reffer to any guide on rgb setup? I cnat figure it out for a month now D:

[@bc4198]

Have you looked into using the ducky with AHK or the Hasu QMK adapter?

[@birdvsworm]

I did see a LTT video a while ago for the Hasu QMK and it seemed really awesome. Part of the reason I liked Ducky keyboards was because the macro mode was pretty robust and accommodating, despite their bad instructions.

[@bc4198]

@@birdvsworm Thanks!

[@testdrive2057]

How many key I can set in this keyboard. I mean, I am looking a keyboard which can set up a long macro. For example"""" Type A (wait 10 second) Type B (wait 10 second) Type C, and repeat this action until and close it. """" Can this keyboard do it?

[@extrabeef4363]

Quick question. So is their a way that you know of to bind keys so I don't need to press the fn key and a key?

[@slooze]

Late answer, but just dont hold fn down when reassigning the button. So assigning Del to mute would be Del, then fn + alt + a.

[@bc4198]

Thanks, this keeps Ducky on my short list! Do you know if mouse mode can be part of the macros?

[@motorhead41]

Great video, I can't believe how atrociously awful ducky's manual was at explaining this. One thing to note however is that, once in macro mode, assigning delete to mute by pressing Fn + Del did not work for me. I had to just press Del and then the mute function in order to assign mute to the delete button. I do have the 65% version of the daybreak though, so maybe that's why? Not sure.

[@marcowav]

thanks man!

[@Rageven]

Thanks a lot

[@egieggz9341]

Thanks a bunch! very clear instructions

[@ALLstarFullspeed]

Hey! Do u know how to turn the colour/light brightness down? like all at once, cant find it anywhere

[@jareddavid2926]

just got a ducky one 3 with no backlight or rgb, whenever I enter macro mode the caps lock light keeps flashing and i cant use the keyboard anymore

[@birdvsworm]

The caps light flashing indicates you're in macro recording mode so you will only be able to assign macros. You should be able to exit this mode by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Tab.

[@superplastictube]

@@birdvsworm should it be Fn + Alt(exit binding mode) ,then Fn + Alt + Tab (exit macro mode)?

[@pralou_]

omg thank you

[@pralou_]

going back to this video ahah had to reset my keyboard for some issues and i forgot cuz the manual is terrible, you're the best

[@apondo100]

god bless your f**king soul. the manual is so insanely confusing.

[@birdvsworm]

Sure thing. By the way the pinging noise on your board could be the switch or backplate. The acoustics are one of ths weaker aspects of the Ducky boards as of late

[@apondo100]

@@birdvsworm I replaced the Cherry MX Brown's with Gateron Oil Kings switches (I believe they are thoroughly factory lubed) and the pinging sound went away🙂. How did you know my keyboard had this issue..?

[@apondo100]

@@birdvsworm Also, I want to be able to simply and easily turn my backlight off and on (so it comes back to the setting I had it on before I turned it off). One way which I think it may be possible to do this is with "Ducky Macro V2.0 Keyboard Button Function Keys". This is because the setting I want it to be able to toggled between are both in that list in the manual. I thought I could assign one key to initiate "Backlit mode : 100% Full backlit mode" and one key to initiate "Backlit mode : Backlit OFF". I followed your tutorial to do this but instead used the "Fn + Shift + Keys below" command to set macro's (used Fn + Shift + W for the key I wanted to initiate 'Backlit mode : Backlit OFF' and Fn + Shift + T for the key I wanted to initiate 'Backlit mode : 100% Full backlit mode') and the keys are lit up in macro setting mode to show that they have successfully been bound, however, when I use press them neither one iniates the modes they are supposedly supposed to initiate (i.e. when I supposedly initiate "Backlit mode : Backlit OFF", backlights do not turn off etc..). Do you have any thoughts regarding what might be the issue (my keyboard is on firmware V1.11)?

[@elgoog-the-third]

For me, this doesn't work at all. I have a Ducky 3 SF.

[@softsoftsoft]

i am still so confused with this... i use the nonbacklit matcha version and its so unclear what i'm doing. i'm trying to set the pause/break key to pause media

[@birdvsworm]

It's tougher to figure out without backlit keys. Make sure you're on firmware 1.07 or 1.10 and are on profile 2-6. According to the user manual I'm reading, entering macro mode should be the same Fn + Alt + Tab for 3 seconds, and then hit Fn + Pause Break. After that, hit Fn + Windows Key + D to bind the play/pause command. Then you should be able to to hit Fn + Alt + Tab and exit macro record mode. I've heard some people are struggling with the non-backlit keyboards though so I don't know much more as far as the Macro 2.0 recording mode goes for that keyboard.

[@mastersconi]

@@birdvsworm I have the matcha and tried messing around with it for a long time. It seems that for a non LED variant you do not use Fn when selecting the macro key or the macro input. Firmware 1.10 here. profile 2-6.Enter macro mode the same Fn + Alt + Tab for 3 seconds. NOW IT CHANGES. The Caps lock light will now pulse letting you know it is ready for input. You simply select your macro key without using Fn. The Caps lock light will do a slight pulse variant letting you know it is accepted. Then again enter your macro input without using Fn. When finished press Fn + Alt. Caps lock with again pulse notifying. Then you should be able to to hit Fn + Alt + Tab and exit macro record mode. Caps lock light notification should turn off if accepted.

[@jareddavid2926]

@@mastersconi the feedback works up until i need to set my keybinds. Lets say i want my del. key to be my mute, i do everything as you say, i get all the flashing feedback, but once I'm done it doesnt work

[@mastersconi]

@@jareddavid2926 I guess I as speaking for just single key replacements. With a keybind you do press Fn + Win + a. Is that what you did? I was able to successfully reassign delete to mute.

[@jareddavid2926]

@@mastersconi it's very buggy for me, somehow managed to bind some keys, but now they're working weirdly. I put Volume up on f11 and now when i press it once, it starts shooting up 40-50 steps at once. very weird keyboard, love the quality, feel, sound and color of the one I've got. but binding these keys has been a fucking hassle and I'm honestly thinking about sending it back as nothing seems to work in its intended way. My old reddragon keyboard had all these binds automatically assigned no issues whatsoever

[@vitaly3415]

idk y its hard for ducky to make at least proper/correct manual not even talking about software

[@Bajablast_scuba_cat]

I hate to be that guy, but is there anyway you could go more in depth on how to fully customize the rgb? I am beyond confused and all I want is a dimly lit solid color. It would be immensely helpful.

[@Bajablast_scuba_cat]

In other news, I figured it out by complete accident not 5 minutes later. Still really appreciate the above content

[@PawPawPandas]

I followed the guide and the macros I assigned for Volume up & down on PGup/PGdown don't seem to work. Could be that I'm on Windows 11, but the macros do light up when I hold Fn. Ugh what a headache.. Edit: Okay I just.. Basically I tried to do the macros again without the video. FN + Alt + Tab, Fn, PgUp (Lights up), Fn + Win + B, Fn + Alt + Tab. Now it suddenly works, somehow using Fn + Alt to go back to main menu messed up the macro binding. Man this is a mess.. Hopefully I'll never have to do this again and it'll stay saved to the keyboard if I ever reinstall windows again.

[@bromenzalads]

Thank you!