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Why doesn't Valco make gaming headphones?

Updated

Symptom

You're wondering whether Valco headphones can be used for gaming and how the microphone, latency, and console connectivity work.


Quick Fix

The lowest-latency solution is a 3.5 mm AUX connection and a wired boom microphone. Wireless performance depends on your computer, console, and the transmitter used.

Why doesn't the box say GAMING?

We don't make a separate gaming headphone, because a good headphone doesn't check your Steam library before agreeing to play sound. Valco headphones can be used for gaming, but the right connection depends on your device and how much latency bothers you in the games you actually play.

A blue light and an angular font don't remove Bluetooth latency. Which is a shame, because the font would be cheap.

3.5 mm AUX: the reliable low-latency route

When headphones are connected via a 3.5 mm cable directly to a computer, controller, or another compatible audio jack, Bluetooth latency is eliminated. Still, check your device's manual to confirm whether the jack also supports a microphone and whether it requires a four-pole connector or adapter.

Valco's wired microphone accessory uses a 3.5 mm four-pole connection and, according to Valco's own compatibility list, is compatible with the VMK15, VMK19, VMK20, VMK25, and VMK25.2 models. It features a boom microphone that sits in front of your mouth, a mute button, and volume control.

Standard Bluetooth on a computer

On a computer, standard Bluetooth can work well for relaxed games and general use. Latency depends on the computer's Bluetooth radio, drivers, codec, and the game itself. In competitive games or games requiring precise timing, latency may be noticeable, so we can't promise it will be imperceptible.

When a Bluetooth microphone is enabled, the computer may switch to a hands-free audio profile. This can reduce playback audio quality. Check the audio settings of your game, voice application, and operating system separately for both playback and microphone device.

USB transmitters and wireless boom microphone

A compatible USB transmitter can offer a more stable or lower-latency connection than standard Bluetooth, but performance depends on the transmitter, platform, and supported audio formats. Always check with the transmitter manufacturer for compatibility with your specific computer or console.

Valco's wireless USB-C boom microphone is compatible with the VMK15 and VMK25.2 models. It improves voice pickup, but the headphone's game audio still travels over Bluetooth. So it does not in itself remove gaming latency. For a fully low-latency setup, the wired option is more reliable.

What about PlayStation and Xbox?

PS5 does not support standard Bluetooth audio devices directly. Use a USB solution that is declared compatible, or connect via 3.5 mm through the controller, and verify microphone support separately.

Xbox and other console connections vary by model, controller, and accessory. We do not promise wireless compatibility without a named and manufacturer-confirmed route. An analogue 3.5 mm connection to a compatible controller is generally the clearest starting point.

Summary without tournament talk

  • For gaming, the lowest latency comes from a 3.5 mm cable.

  • Standard Bluetooth may be enough if a small amount of latency doesn't bother you.

  • For voice in a noisy environment, a boom microphone is more reliable than a built-in microphone.

  • On a console, always check the connection method, not just the Bluetooth logo on the headphone box.

Valco headphones don't need to be reserved solely for music. They can work really well for gaming, as long as you choose the connection based on your actual needs rather than the flame graphics on the box.

Still stuck?

We get it — technology should just work. If these steps didn't help, our support team is ready. Include the following when reaching out:

  • Your product model and firmware version
  • A description of the issue
  • Steps you've already tried from this article

Small disclosure: we're a tiny company and none of us has time to hand-write all these articles, so they were generated by AI. Some of it is bound to be total crap. If this article is wrong, misleading, or just bad, flag it for us — we go through the flagged ones and either fix them or kill them.

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