Possible? Yes.
There are however some problems:
- On the output side, the speakers in your gaming headset are of
low impedance (usually around 16-32 ohms per side, stereo), whereas aviation headsets are of
high impedance (> 300 ohms per side, stereo). As a result the audio level will be very "hot" and you will need to turn down the radio volume to near minimum. Low impedance headsets are sometimes more susceptible to electrical damage.
- On the input side, you have the reverse problem. The microphone on a gaming headset is passive (unpowered), while aviation headsets have active powered mics. This means the volume from your gaming mic will be way too low to be heard over the radio. To solve this, you need to add a
pre-amp, and power it using some sort of battery -- which is also adding a point of failure.
- If you fly GA aircraft (or even some commercial jets, e.g., 737s), the cockpit environment is very loud/noisy. Most gaming headsets were not designed to work in this environment. E.g., they do not have heavy ear-cups for noise isolation, the microphone pattern is not
directed enough (will pick up tons of background noise), etc.
- Lastly, there is debate on the legality of using non-aviation certified equipment. In the US at least, there have been lawsuits / court cases involving the use of non-TSO'd headsets. (The FAA requires TSO aviation headsets to conform to a stringent standard known as RTCA DO-214). At least one headset accessory manufacturer I know of was forced to pass through the FAA TSO process before the equipment can be used aboard certain airlines.
- Personally, I don't believe most gaming headsets are generally "of a better quality" than TSO'd headsets, where it counts (reliability, build quality, etc.) They do
sound better for music (they have a more expansive frequency range) but for flying I'd take my David Clarks over my Logitech gaming headset 100% of the time.
