So typing is kind of a big deal in PSO2, not just for chatting but for Personal Shop searching, keyboard hotkeys, shortcuts, etc. And while a USB keyboard is functional it's not as quick and convenient as a chatpad.
So, I was wondering if any Xbox One gamers here could recommend a good, dependable, budget-friendly (preferably around $20) chatpad. May spring a little more if it includes volume controls and mic toggle/mute built in.
And please don't recommend "Old Skool." Yes, it's very budget-friendly but it's also junk. I already have one and while the keyboard itself is functional there's no audio. I can't remember if I had that issue with the original controller (probably was and that's why it was in the box and forgotten for a couple years) but with the newer controllers, there's no audio, despite the pad including a fold-out 3.5mm plug.
Also looking for a good headset. Currently have a Nubwo headset but the earpiece volume control is wonky to adjust, having the mute switch ON the mic and under a wind screen is a horrible design, and it's been having issues with the audio cutting out on one side unless I have the volume cranked to uncomfortable levels. I had bought another, newer, supposedly more 'high-end" model form the same brand and the audio was janked straight out of the box. Absolutely love the feel of the Nubwo headsets, they're super comfortable so I'm looking for something similar in that respect, but clearly they haven't got the technical aspect locked down. So I'm looking for a budget-friendly headset with good audio (when it worked, the Nubwo had superb sound), preferably with audio controls on the cord, and something that's not going to break within a couple months.
I've been scouring Amazon hoping to find something by looking at the reviews but they're always a mixed bag with some people saying it's the absolute best product they've ever purchased and it's so life-changing for them I can't help but think "paid actor" while other reviews read, well, just like mine above "junk straight out of the box, barely even passable let alone functional," or flat out "they advertised an Xbox One product but they sent me one for the 360," and even "this product is so poorly designed it actually broke my controller."
So, and suggestions, recommendations (both what I should consider and ones I should avoid) would be appreciated.
Edit: In an effort to simplify things I've got a quick list of what I need from each accessory.
Chatpad:
Budget-friendly (under $25, maybe up to $30 IF it has volume and mic controls built in, better still if it has programmable buttons I could use as single-press access to personal quarters or a set command, such as "uioff" to disable the UI, or for single-press screenshots).
MUST work with newer XB1 controller (got one from the "Custom Lab")
MUST work with 3.5mm headset for game AND chat audio (that's the issue I'm having with the Old Skool brand pad I have now, it might just be a bad unit but I'd need convincing that it's worth buying another one).
MUST have a keyboard that recognizes holding down the key as holding down a button (as opposed to registering it as a single button press or as repeatedly pressing and releasing the button, as either of these behaviors would not allow it to work for charging PAs or Techs).
Headset:
Again, budget friendly (under $35, preferably closer to $20)
Comfortable. Going to be playing for hours at a time, and I have a large head (hat size XL, actually).
In-line audio controls. The one I've got has the volume control on the earpiece and the mic mute switch on the mic and under the windscreen, both very inconvenient locations).
MUST work with or without the chatpad plugged in, so 3.5mm jack preferred as I don't want to be adding too much bulk to the controller.
MUST work off just the controller. I don't want nor need any extra cords or ridiculous USB-powered LED light shows. I'm not hosting a rave, I'm trying to play a game. Don't need the extra bells and whistles.