Need help picking out a gaming headset - Ubuntu/Linux OS

[sirweazel]

Thanks in advance for any help. I need help choosing a headset. I plan on playing some games were i would need to talk to other players and am unsure to the best setup. Currently all sound is going through a stereo amplifier connected to a set of bookshelf speakers around my desk. I'm not sure if i should just hook up a microphone, or do i need a headset. If i use a headset will voice/communications be routed to the headset and game play still come out of my speakers? I'm afraid if i just use a microphone that it will interfere with the speakers, i would prefer my setup to work similarly to my Xbox (one earpiece for communicating, yet i still utilize my surround sound). I need some general guidance on the best route to take and benefits/disadvantages if there are options?
I'm curious what other linux users are using.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. OS = Ubuntu 13.04 / linux
2. I do have front headphone/microphone jacks on my case. (i can access rear input/output jacks if needed)
3. I also have a headphone jack on my stereo amplifier if needed.
4. Wireless is preferred if possible.
5. I have plenty of USB ports, i do not have Bluetooth but would get an adapter if needed.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

If u want the worry less approach, use a headset that has 3.5mm jacks, not USB.
Overall, most USB headsets don't require any special driver, and should be plug&play. USB headsets act as their own sound card, and will show as it's own audio device within the OS audio settings. The default OS driver should be all you need for them to function properly.

Wireless should work the same, but that is more of a personal preference.

[sirweazel]

1. With a headset, will communication only come through the headset? Or will all game music/sounds be through the headphones?
2. I'm also looking for any specific brand/models (if USB) people are using with their Linux setups.

Thanks.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

A microphone would work, but it will most likely capture sound coming out of your speakers. How much, well that depends on your sound card features (such as Noise Supression, or Voice Focus) as well as the quality of Mic you buy. If you want an easy route to avoid that, go with a Headset that has a built-in Mic. The sound will come through the headset instead of your speakers (depending how you set it all up) but this is kind of the point for gaming. This way you hear all the sounds needed, but when you speak through the Mic, it captures your voice clearer and not capturing possible sounds from the game coming out of your Speakers.

[sirweazel]

"The sound will come through the headset instead of your speakers (depending how you set it all up) but this is kind of the point for gaming. This way you hear all the sounds needed"

This makes a lot of sense. Any specific recommendations?

[Bad 💀 Motha]

What kind of budget price limit did u have in mind?
Quality can be expensive.
Off top of my head, Sennheiser is a top-tier brand when comes to overall quality.

[sirweazel]

For now with the amount of gaming i'll be doing on my PC, $100 or less seems reasonable to me. Keep in mind i'm using Ubuntu. (Motherboard is Crosshair IV). Obviously with 3.5mm connections i wouldn't have to worry about compatibility.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

What gaming are u doing in Ubuntu may I ask?
Just curious.

[rotNdude]

I would just get a cheap set like this

Logitech H110 3.5mm Connector Stereo Headset $15[www.newegg.com]

[The Laughing Cow]

I found this forum thread while I was searching a replacement headset. Mine is getting a bit old, and I want to try something new, but so far, it has been running flawlessly under Linux (I didn't try pulseaudio, but it was fine with alsa).
I have been using the speedlink medusa NX USB headset for the past 4-5 years, without big issues. Only recently it has been broken, but I think I can fix it.