Discord v/s TeamSpeak

During a online multiplayer game, voice communications or voice chat, is essential for you to coordinate and strategize with your team. The gaming life would be so frustrating without it. Imagine this scene: you are playing a round of "Battlefield 4" with your friend Bill. You have just gotten an 8 kill-streak when suddenly, you get taken out by another player because he had voice chat and you didn't; also Bill couldn't warn you about the danger. Now that you know the importance of voice chat, it's time to decide which voice chat app is best for you.Two of the  most popular ones are Discord and TeamSpeak.

Discord

Discord is a free cross-platform voice and text chat app primarily used by gamers as a form of communication when playing with one another. To use the app, you can join a channel or create one yourself which you can customize however you like as long as its within the parameters of the app. Discord also features an friendly user interface and helpful hints when it takes you on the "Grand Tour" when you first load up the application. As you can see in the picture under the logo, the layout is very organized. You have your channels bar on the leftmost part of the screen

A look inside Discord

while the bar on the right side indicates who is currently part of the channel. On the right side of the channels bar, you can create and name text and voice chat groups for your channel. In the middle of the screen is where you can text with other people in the channel. If you want speak or text someone in another group of the same channel, just click on another group. Everything will be explained more thoroughly in the tutorial when you load the app as a for the first time. All in all, Discord is for those people that want a simple yet effective way to communicate with one another.

A look inside TeamSpeak

TeamSpeak

Though there are three versions of TeamSpeak (;TeamSpeak, TeamSpeak2, and TeamSpeak3), today, we will be focusing on the most modern version;  TeanSpeak3 which will be referred to as TeamSpeak for the duration of the comparison. TeamSpeak is a free voice over internet protocol software which allows for audio communication between users on a channel. TeamSpeak functions similarly with Discord and is also primarily used by gamers. The app has much more customization options so you can make your channel to your liking. However, with buttons here and there, you don't know where to get started. It will take a while before you get used to the app; some more than others.

Judgement Time

Both Discord and TeamSpeak are very effective for voice and text communication. The difference is in the style in which the two apps use. TeamSpeak is more for those who wish to completely deck out their channel with a truckload of customizable options and Discord is for the people who prefer a more simple way of communication so you can get right into it without looking for tutorials or anything of the sort. As mentioned before, Discord and TeamSpeak are both very effective means for communication. Whichever app you choose, I'm sure you'll find a way to enjoy gaming with friends and remember, "Be Like Bill".

Keyboard Comparison: "Ctrl" Your Typing Life

The keyboard is essential for your typing needs. In fact, I'm using my keyboard to type right now! Since we use our keyboards pretty much every day, it would be a rational decision to invest in at least in a worthy one. Though there are many types of keyboards on the market, we are going to focus on two today: mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards.

How Keyboards Work

Keyboards work by you pressing a key. Pressing down on that key completes an open circuit under said key. When the open circuit is completed, it sends an electrical signal to the computer registering whatever key you pressed on the screen. If the key is held down, the key repeats itself until you let go. All keyboards, whether mechanical or membrane, work this way. If you don't believe me; open up Google and hold down any key you like.

Membrane Keyboards

These adequate keyboards are popular on the market. Membrane keyboards feature quiet, average high-speed typing, being more affordable than mechanical keyboards while still having the same functions. On the other hand, they don't live as long a life as other types of keyboards and wear out more easily. In addition, on some membrane keyboards you feel as if you are pressing into JELL-O when the typing starts. However, experienced keyboard users know that membrane keyboards just don't cut it when it comes to professional typing/gaming.

Mechanical Keyboards

Ah, the classic mechanical keyboard, a typist's or gamer's ultimate dream: The satisfying clickety-clack sounds overwhelm you as you pass the 40 WPM mark or when you're about to receive a "Pentakill" in your "League of Legends" match. Your fingers are flying across the keyboard with speed and precision.

Above is a quite accurate description of owning a mechanical keyboard. These can also be referred to as the "Elite Group of Keyboards". Mechanical keyboards 1 up membrane keyboards in terms of high-speed typing, precision and lifetime. Professional typists and gamers know that it's like switching from driving a horse-drawn carriage to a 2017 Ferrari. However, they can be loud. The clickety-clack sound mechanical keyboards make can get quite annoying over time; especially if you're the quiet type of person. For instance, imagine you are working late at night on a project. You are tired. Loud clickety-clack sounds are not comfortable sounds to hear when you are close to collapsing in your chair.

Judgement Time

   So which type of keyboard is superior? The truth is that both keyboards have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both keyboards outclass each other depending on the situation where you use the keyboard for. If you're one of those hardcore typist/gamers and choose the mechanical keyboard with its rapid high-speed typing and long life, your choice will serve you well. On the other hand, if you're not much of a computer person or enjoy your quiet time, it's best that you stick to a more economically friendly membrane keyboard.