Please Explain Gaming Headsets

I've never used a headset (earphones/microphone) in an online game before, how do they work?

If I'm playing CSS, do I still have to push a key on the keyboard to talk, or is there some way that it's automatic with a headset.

Also, how would they normally be connected to the computer, with the mic and headphone jacks, or through USB? What's the best way?

Also, recommend some, will ya?

 

In CSS there is a button you have to hold down to talk, i'm not sure what it is by default but you can check your control configuration.

They can connect through usb or mic and headphone jacks i think, depending on what headset you choose.

I don't use a headset so I don't think it would be logical to recommend one.
Have a look at this Razer headset if you want
http://www.razerzone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_16&products_id=38

 

Id definitely recommend one if you use voice chat or plan too. Otherwise speakers are fine.

As for what to get?? I have my own custom combo of a skype headset merged with my audiotechnica a700's the only premade headset I have used was a plantronics dsp500 and they were absolutely great in every way.

 

http://astrogaming.com/

check out the astro headset.

 

These have really nice foam and fit my head well. They don't bother my ears. They have good sound for the money, and a good mic.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106935

These are good... The idea is kinda corny for headphones to vibrate, but still cool, and it does work pretty well. The sound is as good as or better than the set listed above and the mic sounds clearer to me. Also... On these the volume and mic controls on the cords seem to be built a bit better. The foam around the ear pieces isn't as good quality as the other 2 but they still feel good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836504001

This set is the same as the first set really... Just above the head, and more plain in color. They bother my ears more than the other 2 do. I've owned all three of these by the way.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104055

 

Thanks for all of the suggestions, I'm checking them all out, keep 'em coming!

 

Thanks for the astrogaming suggestion - will wait for reviews, but looks like something I've been waiting for, for years!

 

Sennheiser is also a good company to look into, I've owned several quality headsets from them. Check for hte 155/156 type models for good price/quality.

 

Some games have a voice activation feature which will automatically enable the microphone when it hears you speak without the need for pressing a button on the keyboard.

I would recommend a USB headset only because sometimes microphone ports on notebooks can be a bit fiddly.

 

http://www.steelseries.com/int/products/audio

Best there is, in my opinion. I'm waiting for the Siberia Neckband Headset to come out in november.

 

The standard around the neck, not over the head, style Creative headset I have seems to work great, although I only use the mic part of it and it never touches my ears since I use a fully set up 5.1 system for sound. looks abit like this one but mabe by creative http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106931

IMO it's better than this one that I used to use. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106935


btw, in Counter strike:source you can set any key to do anything. so right now I'm using the middle click, mouse 3, to chat on mic, which I find very easy.

 

yeah i'm looking for a set that i can use just for the mic. i have a nice sound system that i want to use for actual game sounds and just the mic for voice communication and hear others voice through the speakers.... although it seems like a small nuisance to wear a headset not around your ears just to use for the mic

 

Just do what I do, since we both seem to be doing the same thing, just get the around the neck style ones and just let it loosely sit on your neck, like I do. It works great, infact while typing this I'm talking to a clanmember on CS:S with the headset, and they tell me it sounds great.

Mabe a blu-tooth earpiece would suit you well, I'm thinking of getting one just for gaming.

 

i'll have to try that then with a cheap logitech set.

 

buy any cheap one that completely covers the ears...you'll get great sound that way and bass will vibrate your head anyways. i use $15 ones and i've tried headphones as high as $250 including the BOSE ones....i found almost no difference.

 

I've decided to buy the first set for use in team fortress 2 and bf2.

I'll let you guys know how they are if anyone is interested.

 

Let us know!