Steam Deck @sopuli.xyz Elextra @literature.cafe 6 days ago

[Discussion] Do you use any headphones with your Steam Deck?

If so, which ones? I am looking to game and talk to friends over discord on my Steam Deck. No FPS, more bullet hells, ARPGs, etc. Thank you!!

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I don’t do voice chats on Deck. But when I only have a short time to play, I just use standard Apple earbuds that I’ve had for years.

When I get to game for more than an hour and feel like gaming on the couch, then I use my JBL Quantum TWS earbuds with the USB C adapter. These are primo ear buds, incredibly low latency, sound excellent, and are immersive with the noise canceling and noise isolating. Built in microphone, but I don’t use it for that purpose. I’d imagine for the price point the mic quality should be somewhere between good and great, depending on preference.

Edit: I chose the JBLs primarily because of the low latency. I can’t do Bluetooth because the input lag is so noticeable. Some Bluetooth headphones are great at reducing it, but nothing beats a USB receiver if you’re looking for low latency wireless. A note of caution that you’ll use up your USB C port so you can’t sit and charge your Deck. This setup works great for me though when I feel like having a semi long gaming session, but if I’m gonna game longer or play a more demanding game I head to my gaming PC instead.
- Thank you! I was wondering how noticeable BT latency is. Unfortunately, my gaming PC is currently outdated (970) and that's a significant reason why I got a deck. I wanted to play newer games and with my friends again. Setting up audio for a full PC is something I'm more used to than the deck.
  
  BT latency depends so much on the exact model of headphone it's almost impossible to give an accurate answer, other than "If it supports AptX LL, it's going to be as good as gets."
  
  I personally can't notice it while using Airpod Pro 2's (around 125ms) with my Deck unless I'm playing an actual rhythm game. Then it completely messes me up and I switch to wired ones.
  
  Thank you! Yeah, I'm not looking to play any sound sensitive games like rhythm or FPS. So its good to know the consensus is that most people dont seem to notice it.
  
  970 may be faster but I can play a few more games I couldnt before on the card (Cyberpunk, Balders Gate, etc). The resolution isnt amazing or anything but I just want to play :) Not trying to upgrade ATM, which is a significant investment. Hoping this would help with eventual transition

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