Hello. I'm a PS5 gamer. Normally when I want to game with friends online, I put on my PS5 headset and it automatically connects to the console. I start a voice chat group on the console and my friend and I can chat while we play whatever game.
How does this translate to the Steam Machine + couch? Can I just use any bluetooth headset? I thought bluetooth audio had too much latency? Or is there a special type of headset I should buy? Can I start a voice chat through SteamOS? Or do I have to use a third-party app like Fluxer to voice chat?
7 Comments
Gabadabs@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 1d
It's a computer, whatever headset you want to use will likely work. You'll have to pair it if it's Bluetooth, but after you do it should automatically connect. There's a Bluetooth menu on the quick settings menu.
You can start voice calls in steam as well, it's got a full set of social systems. A lot of PC players prefer discord calls though, you'd have to set that up in desktop mode and add it to your steam library so you can launch it from steam big picture mode, the default mode in steamos (at least in my experience on steam deck).
I haven't tried fluxer but it'd be the same idea. On a controller, doing voice chat over steam is probably easier.
boywar3@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1d
From my experience with a Logitech G435 wireless headset (though no Steam Machine), you will be just fine plugging the dongle into a USB port and using it, even 30 feet away (so long as there is no interference).
I'm also aware that Steam has a built-in audio service, ao presumably you will be able to use it on SteamOS, though I imagine discord is still going to be the main way for people to communicate through VOIP (considering SteamOS is judt that: an OS, I imagine you can install discord without issue).
artyom@piefed.social · 1 pts · 1d
BT has many types and some have more latency than others. Try what you have and it will probably be fine.
SteamOS is the operating system. That's like asking if you can start a voice chat through Windows. But yes you can start a voice chat through the Steam client.
Stiggyman@ani.social · 1 pts · 1d
Tho if you are already on a PC you can just launch Discord or matrix or what have you.
uuj8za@piefed.social · 1 pts · 12h
Ah, ok. Of course, of course.
Any thoughts on 2.4Ghz wireless headsets vs bluetooth ones?
artyom@piefed.social · 1 pts · 12h
2.4GHz is going to be objectively better but honestly I've used BT for years and it's totally fine and wouldn't recommend picking up a new headset for that reason unless you need it.
The major difference will be the quality of the mic. That's why "gaming headsets" exist. I got the cheapass Nubwo headset for $30 and it's excellent.
Kolanaki@pawb.social · 1 pts · 1d
I'd recommend a 3rd party voice chat client. Steam Friends has voice chat, but the quality is garbage.