PC Audio Interface Question:

SO im brand new to all this stuff, specifically setting up an audio system for an in progress PC build. After hours and hours of research, I cant seem to come up with answers to my questions. Maybe one of yall smart individuals can help me out a bit here.

So: What I am wanting is a fancy little box that takes input audio from the pc, and 2 outputs (one for a pair of headphones, the other are speakers so i can have the ability to turn one on and the other off depending on what im doing, without unplugging all the time as well as some basic audio control to fine tune). Ideally this magical box has the ability to boost and enhance the audio quality vs the default sound card on my motherboard. The other primary component id desire is microphone passthru to the pc. I dont have an xlr mic or anything like that, just one that hooks with a 3.5mm jack... maybe has the option for both in case i upgrade? More nice to haves are effects buttons and/or live sampling and playback for simple fun and gags on game chat. In an ideal world i would want something like the GOxlr, but im not paying $400+ thats nuts.

I see stuff like an "audio interface" but it keeps saying its for recording... i dont plan on "recording" anything. Just wany better audio quality, control, and ease of use on my desk for easy access... can i use these things in the way i described normally or does it ONLY "record audio"?

My current solution is a cheap 4 channel headphone amp so i can control my individual output volumes, but obviously no mic passthru from my headphones. I see stuff like the creative soundblaster k3, that seems to be more my speed but im just not sure if itll work how I want it to, and trying to get the "info for absolute drooling dummies" online has proven embarrassingly difficult. Any thoughts, suggestions, current setups are all appreciated!