Push to Talk (PTT)

A Push-to-Talk (PTT) is the essential link between your walkie-talkie and tactical headset. Without a compatible PTT, these devices cannot, in most cases, communicate with one another. With a single press of a button, you can easily send a message, whilst keeping both hands free to operate your replica or carry out other tasks.

Go straight to the right information:
• Why choose a Push-to-Talk device?
• How does a Push-to-Talk device work?
• Please note: Compatibility is extremely important
• Which Push-to-Talk device do you need?
• Professional use
• What should you look out for when buying a Push-to-Talk device?
• Frequently asked questions

In this category, you’ll find Push-to-Talk systems from Earmor and Z-Tactical. These PTTs have been specially developed for use with the corresponding headsets and are available with various walkie-talkie connectors, including Kenwood and Midland.

Whether you’re putting together a simple communications kit or building a complete milsim loadout, a well-chosen PTT ensures that your headset and walkie-talkie work together seamlessly.

Why choose a Push-to-Talk system?

A headset and a walkie-talkie do not, on their own, constitute a functioning communication system. That’s because there’s the Push to Talk – or PTT – in between.

The PTT connects the headset to the walkie-talkie and allows you to communicate at the touch of a button. This means you don’t have to take the walkie-talkie out of its pouch, leaving both hands free whilst playing.

A high-quality Push-to-Talk system offers, amongst other things:

• Hands-free communication.
• Quick operation at the touch of a button.
• A reliable connection between the headset and the walkie-talkie.
• Greater ease of use during CQB, woodland and milsim.
• Fewer distractions whilst playing.

A Push-to-Talk (PTT) unit forms the link between your two-way radio and tactical headset. Only when these components are properly matched can a reliable communication system be created. Would you like to find out more about how two-way radios, headsets, PTTs, hearing protection and helmet rail adaptors work together? Then take a look at our Tactical Communication & Headsets category.

How does a Push-to-Talk system work?

A PTT acts as a connector between your headset and your walkie-talkie.

The headset is connected to the PTT, which is then connected to the walkie-talkie. By pressing the PTT’s transmit button whilst playing, your voice is transmitted via the headset microphone to the walkie-talkie, allowing your teammates to hear you straight away.

Headset
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Push-to-Talk (PTT)
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Two-way radio
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Team-mates

This system means you don’t have to keep reaching for your walkie-talkie every time you want to communicate. This makes it much more user-friendly, particularly during a skirmish when you’re constantly on the move, and allows you to stay fully focused on the game.

Please note: compatibility is extremely important

This is undoubtedly the most important point to bear in mind when buying a Push-to-Talk device.

Many players assume that any PTT will fit any headset or walkie-talkie. In practice, this is not the case.

An Earmor Headset works exclusively with an Earmor PTT.

A Z-Tactical Headset works exclusively with a Z-Tactical PTT.

In addition, the PTT must also be fitted with the correct connector for your walkie-talkie.

The most common connections are:

• Kenwood → compatible with Baofeng two-way radios.
• Midland → suitable for Midland two-way radios.

You should therefore always check two things before buying a PTT:

1. Which brand of headset do you use?
2. What type of connector does your walkie-talkie have?

By ensuring that both are properly coordinated, you can avoid disappointment and be sure that your communication system will run smoothly.

Which Push-to-Talk system do you need?

Choosing the right Push-to-Talk (PTT) is easier than many people think. As long as you know which headset and which walkie-talkie you’re using, you can easily work out which model you need.

Not sure which connector your two-way radio uses? Always check the product specifications for the two-way radio or get in touch with us. This will prevent you from ordering a PTT that isn’t compatible with your communication system.

Professional use

Push-to-Talk systems are used worldwide by military units, the police, security services and emergency services. In situations where speed and clear communication are essential, a PTT system makes it possible to communicate instantly without having to pick up a walkie-talkie.

In airsoft too, a PTT is virtually indispensable when using a tactical headset. Particularly during woodland skirmishes and milsim events, where communication plays a key role, a properly functioning PTT enhances both ease of use and team efficiency.

What should you look out for when buying a Push-to-Talk device?

A PTT may seem like a simple accessory, but choosing the right one can save you a lot of frustration. You should therefore always check that all the components of your communication system are compatible with one another.

Please note, amongst other things:

• The brand of your headset.
• Connecting your two-way radio (Kenwood or Midland).
• Compatibility between the headset, PTT and two-way radio.
• The quality of the cable and connectors.
• The position and operation of the transmit button.
• How to attach the PTT to your kit.

By choosing the right combination in advance, you can be sure that your communications system will work flawlessly during every skirmish or training session.

Common mistakes

When buying a Push-to-Talk device, people often make the same mistakes.

Common mistakes include:

• Thinking that every PTT is universal.
• Just checking the walkie-talkie’s connection and forgetting the brand of the headset.
• Ordering a Kenwood PTT for a Midland walkie-talkie, or vice versa.
• Assuming that different headset brands are compatible with one another.
• Putting together a complete communications kit without first checking the compatibility of all the components.

In practice, it appears that most problems with communication systems are not caused by faulty products, but by a combination of components that are simply not compatible with one another.

Frequently Asked Questions about Push-to-Talk (PTT)

What is a Push-to-Talk (PTT)?
A Push-to-Talk is the connector between a two-way radio and a tactical headset. The transmit button on the PTT allows you to communicate without having to take the two-way radio out of its pouch.

Is every PTT universal?
No. PTTs are brand-specific. An Earmor headset works with an Earmor PTT, and a Z-Tactical headset works with a Z-Tactical PTT.

What type of connector do I need for a Baofeng two-way radio?
Most Baofeng two-way radios use a Kenwood connector. To be on the safe side, always check the product specifications for your model.

What type of connector does a Midland two-way radio use?
Most Midland two-way radios use a Midland connector. Here too, it is advisable to check the product specifications beforehand.

My headset and walkie-talkie both work on their own, but not together. Why is that?
In most cases, this is caused by a PTT that is not compatible with the headset, the walkie-talkie or both. Always check both the brand of the headset and the walkie-talkie’s connection before purchasing a PTT.

With the right Push to Talk (PTT), you can ensure a reliable connection between your headset and your two-way radio. Discover the range of Earmor and Z-Tactical PTTs and choose the model that suits your communication system, so you can communicate quickly, clearly and without any problems during every skirmish or milsim.