Audio/Mic Ports Merged together on PC?

[theamazingmettaton]

Hi! So I'm not a genius when it comes to how computers work on the inside but its been killin me not knowing something. Why is it that when I buy a new gaming headset (with Audio and Mic) I also have to get a splitter cable? I understand how it works, it basically separates the two channels so you can plug in your audio and your mic into their respected ports. My question however, is that why don't PCs have Audio and Mic ports merged together instead. I know phones and gaming consoles do it, but why is it not done on Desktops?

 

[hang-the-9]

Because it's better to have dual connections to use separate devices. Computers are not made for use with just headsets and since there is plenty of space to be had on the case, separate connections are better.