Author: Ethan Riley

BEST AIR ADMITTANCE VALVE FOR WASHING MACHINES: PREVENT FLOODING AND ODORS

WHY THIS CHECKLIST EXISTS

Your washing machine drain line needs air to flow smoothly. Without it, water siphons out unevenly, traps clog, and sewer gas leaks into your laundry room. An air admittance valve (AAV) fixes this by letting air in but blocking odors and pests. Skip this guide, and you risk slow drains, foul smells, or even a flooded floor. Follow every step to install the right valve correctly the first time.

BEFORE YOU BUY: PICK THE RIGHT VALVE

CHECK LOCAL PLUMBING CODES

Your city may ban AAVs or require specific brands. Call your building department or check online permits. Ignoring codes means failed inspections, fines, or forced removal later. A quick 5-minute call saves you hundreds in rework.

MEASURE YOUR DRAIN PIPE SIZE

Washing machine drains are usually 1.5 or 2 inches. Buy the wrong size, and the valve won’t seal. Water leaks or sewer gas escapes. Use a tape measure or calipers on the existing pipe. If unsure, take a photo to the hardware store.

CHOOSE A WASHING MACHINE-SPECIFIC AAV

Generic AAVs can’t handle the high flow of a washing machine’s pump. Look for labels like “high-capacity” or “laundry AAV.” Cheap valves fail under pressure, causing backups during spin cycles. Spend $20 more now to avoid a $200 flood later.

VERIFY THE VALVE’S VENTING CAPACITY

Check the AAV’s DFU (drainage fixture unit) rating. A washing machine needs at least 2 DFU. Less than that, and the valve can’t keep up with the water volume. Slow drains or gurgling noises mean you picked the wrong one.

CONFIRM THE VALVE’S SEAL TYPE

Silicone seals last longer than rubber. They resist detergent chemicals and hot water. A degraded seal lets sewer gas leak into your home. If the packaging doesn’t specify, ask a store associate or check online reviews.

BEFORE INSTALLATION: PREP YOUR SPACE

TURN OFF THE WASHING MACHINE AND WATER SUPPLY

Forget this, and you’ll flood the floor when you cut the drain pipe. Unplug the machine and shut the water valves behind it. Test by running a quick rinse cycle—no water should flow.

CLEAR THE WORK AREA

Move laundry baskets, detergent, and tools. You need 3 feet of space around the drain pipe. Tripping over clutter can crack the pipe or knock over the valve mid-install. A clean workspace prevents costly mistakes.

GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS

You’ll need a hacksaw, PVC primer, cement, a deburring tool, and Teflon tape. Missing one tool means a trip to the store mid-job. Stopping halfway risks glue drying or pipes shifting out of alignment.

LOCATE THE DRAIN PIPE’S HIGHEST POINT

AAVs must sit above the drain line’s flood level rim. For washing machines, this is usually 6 inches above the standpipe. Install it too low, and water can flood the valve, ruining it. Use a level to mark the spot.

CHECK FOR EXISTING VENTING

If your drain already has a vent pipe, you might not need an AAV. Look for a pipe running through the roof near the laundry area. Adding an AAV to a vented system can cause airlocks and slow drains.

DURING INSTALLATION: CUT AND CONNECT

MARK THE PIPE FOR CUTTING

Use a pencil to draw a straight line where the Best air admittance valve will attach. A crooked cut leaves gaps that leak water or gas. Measure twice—cut once.

CUT THE PIPE SQUARELY

Tilted cuts create weak joints. Use a hacksaw with a guide or a PVC cutter. A jagged edge can scrape the valve’s seal, causing leaks. Sand the edges smooth with 120-grit sandpaper.

DEBURR THE CUT EDGES

Plastic shavings inside the pipe can clog the valve. Run a deburring tool around the inside and outside of the cut. Skip this, and debris jams the valve’s mechanism, making it fail prematurely.

DRY-FIT THE VALVE FIRST

Slide the AAV onto the pipe without glue. It should fit snugly but not forcefully. A loose fit means leaks; a tight fit can crack the pipe. Adjust the cut if needed.

APPLY PRIMER AND CEMENT

Primer cleans and softens the pipe for a strong bond. Cement fuses the parts permanently. Skipping primer weakens the joint, leading to leaks. Work fast—cement sets in 30 seconds.

INSERT THE VALVE FULLY

Push the AAV into the pipe until it bottoms out. Twist it a quarter turn to spread the cement evenly. A shallow insertion leaves gaps that leak. Hold it for 10 seconds to set.

SECURE THE VALVE UPRIGHT

AAVs must stay vertical to work. Use a strap or bracket to attach it to the wall. A tilted valve lets water pool inside, ruining the seal. Gravity is your enemy here.

TEST FOR LEAKS IMMEDIATELY

Turn the water supply back on and run a rinse cycle. Watch the AAV for drips or hissing sounds. A leak means the joint failed—you’ll need to cut it out and start over.

AFTER INSTALLATION: VERIFY AND MAINTAIN

RUN A FULL WASH CYCLE

Test with a heavy load to push the valve to its limit. Listen for gurgling or slow draining. If the machine pauses mid-cycle, the AAV isn’t venting enough air.

CHECK FOR ODORS AFTER 24 HOURS

Sewer gas smells mean the valve’s seal failed. Sniff around the laundry area. A bad seal can’t be fixed—replace the valve immediately.

MARK THE INSTALL DATE ON THE VALVE

AAVs last 5-10 years. Write the date with a permanent marker. Forgetting this means you won’t know when to replace it. A failed valve causes backups and odors.

INSPECT THE VALVE EVERY 6 MONTHS

Look for cracks, debris, or water stains. Detergent

ASIA9INDO VS UPWORK: WHICH PLATFORM WINS FOR FREELANCERS IN 2024?

Freelancers in Southeast Asia have two heavyweights to choose from: Asia9indo and Upwork. Both promise gigs, payments, and growth. But which one actually delivers? Let’s break it down head-to-head on the metrics that matter most to you.

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COST: WHO TAKES LESS OF YOUR HARD-EARNED CASH?

Asia9indo charges a flat 10% fee on every project. No tiers, no surprises. If you land a $500 job, you keep $450. Simple.

Upwork is a fee nightmare. First 500 bucks with a client? 20%. Next 9,500? 10%. After that, 5%. If you’re just starting, you’re handing over double what Asia9indo takes. For freelancers earning under $10k a year, Upwork is the clear loser here.

Winner: Asia9indo. Keep more of your money from day one.

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CLIENT QUALITY: WHO PAYS ON TIME AND TREATS YOU RIGHT?

Asia9indo’s client base is 80% regional—startups, local businesses, and digital agencies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These clients understand local rates and pay faster because they’re in the same time zone. Disputes? Rare. Payment delays? Even rarer.

Upwork’s clients are global. Sounds great, but it’s a mixed bag. You’ll deal with flaky startups, penny-pinching corporations, and clients who ghost you after the first milestone. Upwork’s dispute system is slow, and freelancers often get stiffed while waiting for resolution. If you value reliability, Asia9indo’s regional focus is a huge advantage.

Winner: Asia9indo. Fewer headaches, faster payouts.

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JOB VOLUME: WHO HAS MORE GIGS FOR YOUR SKILLSET?

Asia9indo’s job board is smaller but laser-focused. Most gigs are for web dev, graphic design, digital marketing, and content writing—skills in high demand across Southeast Asia. Competition is lower because the platform isn’t oversaturated with freelancers from India or the Philippines. If you’re in SEA, you’ll find relevant work faster.

Upwork has more jobs, but good luck standing out. The platform is flooded with freelancers from lower-cost countries undercutting rates. A job posting gets 50+ proposals within hours. Unless you’re a top-rated freelancer, you’ll spend more time applying than actually working.

Winner: Asia9indo for SEA freelancers. Upwork if you’re okay with a grind.

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PAYMENT PROTECTION: WHO GUARANTEES YOU GET PAID?

Asia9indo uses a milestone-based payment system. Clients fund the project upfront, and the money is held in escrow until you deliver. Once the client approves, you get paid instantly. No chasing invoices, no chargebacks.

Upwork’s payment protection is solid on paper—milestone payments, escrow, and dispute resolution. But in practice, clients can still file frivolous disputes to avoid paying. Freelancers report waiting weeks for resolutions, and Upwork often sides with the client to avoid refunds. If you want peace of mind, Asia9indo’s system is more freelancer-friendly.

Winner: Asia9indo. Less risk, faster payouts.

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GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES: WHO HELPS YOU LEVEL UP?

Asia9indo is still growing, which means less competition and more room for freelancers to build a reputation. The platform highlights top performers, and clients often reach out directly to freelancers they like. If you’re consistent, you can become a go-to expert in your niche.

Upwork’s algorithm favors established freelancers. Newcomers struggle to get visibility unless they bid aggressively low. Top-rated freelancers get priority in search results, making it hard to break in. If you’re just starting, you’ll need to hustle harder for less pay.

Winner: Asia9indo. Easier to stand out and grow.

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WHO SHOULD USE ASIA9INDO?

If you’re a freelancer in Southeast Asia, Asia9indo is the clear winner. Lower fees, better client quality, faster payments, and less competition. It’s built for you, not for a global race to the bottom.

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WHO SHOULD USE UPWORK?

Only choose Upwork if you’re targeting high-paying clients outside SEA and are willing to fight for visibility. It’s a grind, but if you’re patient and persistent, you can land big projects. Just be prepared to deal with higher fees and more disputes.

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FINAL VERDICT: ASIA9INDO IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR SEA FREELANCERS IN 2024

Asia9indo wins on cost, client quality, payment protection, and growth opportunities. Upwork has more jobs, but the trade-offs aren’t worth it for most freelancers in the region. If you want a platform that works for you—not against you—sign up for Asia9indo and start landing better gigs today. Asia9indo.

10 PRO TIPS TO ELEVATE YOUR HORSE GELATIN RECIPE INSTANTLY

Horse horse gelatin for men isn’t just another kitchen experiment—it’s a powerhouse of joint support, gut healing, and collagen boosts that outperforms store-bought alternatives. If you’re already making your own, you know the basics: simmer bones, strain, chill. But the difference between good and *great* horse gelatin lies in the details. These 10 pro tips will turn your batch from functional to exceptional, whether you’re a home cook or a wellness-focused chef.

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USE PASTURE-RAISED, GRASS-FED BONES FOR MAXIMUM COLLAGEN

Pasture-raised horse bones contain up to 30% more collagen than conventionally raised ones. The stress-free lifestyle and natural diet of grass-fed horses translate to denser connective tissue, which means richer gelatin. This tip is non-negotiable if you’re after the highest nutrient yield. Look for knuckle bones or joints—these areas are collagen goldmines.

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SLOW-SIMMER FOR 48 HOURS TO EXTRACT EVERY DROP

Most recipes call for 12-24 hours, but the real magic happens in the second day. A 48-hour simmer breaks down stubborn collagen fibers that shorter cooks miss. Use a low, steady heat—just below a simmer—to avoid cloudy broth. Pro move: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the start to help leach minerals from the bones.

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ADD PIG’S FEET FOR A THICKER, MORE LUXURIOUS TEXTURE

Horse bones alone make a decent gelatin, but pig’s feet are the secret weapon for unmatched richness. They’re packed with natural gelatin that thickens the liquid without additives. Use one pig’s foot per 5 pounds of horse bones. The result? A gelatin that sets like Jell-O but melts like butter on the tongue.

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SKIM THE FOAM RELIGIOUSLY FOR CRYSTAL-CLEAR RESULTS

Cloudy gelatin isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a sign of impurities that can affect flavor and texture. Skim the foam that rises in the first hour, then every 4-6 hours after. Use a fine-mesh ladle or a fat separator for precision. This step is tedious but transforms your gelatin from murky to restaurant-quality.

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STRAIN THROUGH A CHEESECLOTH-LINED CHINOIS FOR ULTRA-SMOOTH FINISH

A regular colander leaves behind tiny bone fragments and sediment. Upgrade to a chinois (fine-mesh strainer) lined with cheesecloth for a silky-smooth texture. Pour slowly and avoid pressing the solids—this forces bitter flavors into the liquid. The difference is night and day in both mouthfeel and appearance.

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CHILL IN SHALLOW CONTAINERS FOR FASTER, EVEN SETTING

Dumping hot gelatin into a deep pot means uneven cooling and a weak set. Instead, pour it into shallow glass or stainless steel containers—no deeper than 2 inches. This speeds up chilling and ensures a uniform gel. Pro tip: Line the containers with parchment paper for easy removal.

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BALANCE FLAVOR WITH A TOUCH OF SALT AND HERBS

Horse gelatin has a mild, slightly earthy taste that benefits from subtle enhancement. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt per gallon at the start of simmering to round out flavors. For depth, toss in a bay leaf, a few peppercorns, or a sprig of thyme. Avoid overpowering herbs like rosemary—they clash with the delicate profile.

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STORE IN ICE CUBE TRAYS FOR PORTION CONTROL

Freezing gelatin in ice cube trays lets you use just what you need—no thawing a whole batch for a single recipe. Each cube holds about 1 ounce, perfect for smoothies, soups, or coffee. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealed bag for long-term storage. This method cuts waste and adds convenience.

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RENDER THE FAT FOR A SEPARATE CULINARY GOLD

Don’t toss the fat that rises to the top—it’s a flavor bomb for cooking. Chill the gelatin, then lift off the solidified fat (schmaltz) and store it in the fridge. Use it to fry eggs, roast vegetables, or make flaky pie crusts. Horse fat has a higher smoke point than butter and a rich, savory depth.

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TEST GELATIN STRENGTH WITH THE “SPOON TRICK”

Not all batches set the same. Before committing to a recipe, test a spoonful: Chill it in the freezer for 10 minutes. If it holds its shape when tilted, it’s ready. If it’s runny, simmer longer or add a packet of unflavored gelatin to rescue it. This quick check saves you from weak or watery results.

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THE OVERALL WINNER: 48-HOUR SLOW-SIMMER WITH PIG’S FEET

If you only implement one tip, make it this combo. The extended simmer extracts maximum collagen, while pig’s feet guarantee a thick, luxurious texture. Together, they create a gelatin so rich and versatile it’ll replace store-bought versions for good. Pair it with pasture-raised bones and meticulous skimming, and you’ve got a recipe that’s leagues ahead of the rest. The other tips fine-tune the process, but this duo is the foundation of elite horse gelatin.

5 COSTLY MISTAKES TO AVOID IN CALIFORNIA MEP ENGINEERING PROJECTS

MEP engineering sounds technical foul, but it s just the behind-the-scenes systems that make buildings work. MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. Think of it like the body s vascular system, tense, and digestive systems. Mechanical handles heating, cooling system, and air flow. Electrical powers lights, outlets, and tech. Plumbing moves water in and run off out. In California, these systems must meet stern rules to save vitality, protect the environment, and keep populate safe. Small mistakes can turn into big, high-priced problems. Here are five dearly-won mistakes to avoid.

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NOT PLANNING FOR CALIFORNIA S CLIMATE ZONES

California has 16 mood zones, from shore fog to inland deserts. Each zone demands different MEP designs. A system that workings in San Diego won t cut it in Lake Tahoe. Ignoring this leads to ineffectual warming or cooling, high vitality bills, and unpleasant tenants.

For example, a edifice in Palm Springs needs warm air conditioning but token heating. A system of rules designed for San Francisco, where temperatures rarely hit extremes, would fail in the desert. Engineers must pick equipment eightpenny for the local mood. Oversized units run off money direct and vitality long-term. Undersized units can t keep up, forcing repairs or replacements.

Next stairs: Before design, the California Energy Commission s mood zone map. Use it to guide equipment choices and insulation levels.

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SKIPPING TITLE 24 COMPLIANCE CHECKS

Title 24 is California s edifice vim standard. It s not elective. It sets rules for insulant, lighting, HVAC, and more. Skipping submission checks can permits, activate fines, or wedge dearly-won redesigns.

For exemplify, Title 24 requires high-efficiency lighting in most spaces. Using old-school incandescent bulbs might seem cheaper, but inspectors will flag it. The fix? Swap them out, which costs time and money. Similarly, HVAC systems must meet stern efficiency ratings. Installing a non-compliant unit substance cacophonic it out and start over.

Next stairs: Work with an engineer who knows Title 24 interior out. Use compliance software system like EnergyPro or CBECC to run checks before submitting plans.

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UNDERESTIMATING LOCAL PERMITTING TIMELINES

California s permitting process is slow. Cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco can take months to okay mep engineering plans. Underestimating this timeline delays construction, increases labor , and frustrates everyone involved.

For example, a picture in Oakland might wait 12 weeks for electrical permits. If the team assumes it ll take 4 weeks, they ll jumble to adjust schedules. Subcontractors may shoot up supernumerary for rushed work, or the visualise might miss key deadlines.

Next stairs: Contact the local anesthetic building early on. Ask for average let processing multiplication. Build cushion time into the figure schedule.

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IGNORING SEISMIC AND WILDFIRE RISKS

California sits on fault lines and faces wildfires. MEP systems must pull through both. Ignoring unstable or fire risks can lead to system failures, safety hazards, or insurance policy nightmares.

For example, water pipes must flex during earthquakes. Rigid pipes can break open, flooding buildings. Electrical panels in wildfire zones need fire-resistant enclosures. Without them, a actuate could light a blaze.

Next steps: Use unstable-rated equipment and flexible pipe connectors. In wildfire-prone areas, establis fire-resistant materials and sprinkler systems.

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OVERLOOKING MAINTENANCE ACCESS

MEP systems need fixture upkeep. If designers don t plan for easy access, sustainment becomes a incubus. Technicians might need to tear into walls or ceilings, adding time and cost.

For example, an HVAC unit tucked into a fast corner might seem space-efficient. But if technicians can t reach it, repairs take longer and cost more. Similarly, physical phenomenon panels concealed behind drywall force extra drive to get at them.

Next steps: Design with sustentation in mind. Leave quad around equipment and label get at points clearly.

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WHAT TO DO NEXT

Start by gathering your picture inside information. Note the mood zone, topical anesthetic permitting timelines, and any seismal or wildfire risks. Share these with your MEP orchestrate direct. Ask them to how they ll wield Title 24 submission and sustainment get at.

Next, hire an mastermind with California go through. They ll know the local rules and risks. Check their past projects to see if they ve worked in your area.

Finally, use submission computer software to -check designs before submitting them. This catches mistakes early, deliverance time and money.

MEP technology in California isn t just about picking the right pipes or wires. It s about preparation for the posit s unusual challenges. Avoid these five mistakes, and your figure will run electric sander, cost less, and last longer.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The RK55 and HyperX Alloy Origins Core are both 60 % mechanical keyboards aimed at gamers and typists who want a compact layout without sacrificing performance. The RK55 is a budget-friendly, wired-only board with hot-swappable switches and PBT keycaps. The Alloy Origins Core is a premium, wired-only board with HyperX’s own linear switches and a metal top frame. If you need wireless, RGB that actually works, or a brand with better quality control, neither board is for you. If you’re choosing between these two, the decision comes down to whether you value customization (RK55) or build quality and switch feel (Alloy Origins Core).

GENUINE BENEFITS OF THE RK55

HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCHES FOR UNDER $50

The RK55 lets you swap switches without soldering. That’s rare at this price. You can test Gateron Reds, Kailh Box Whites, or even 3-pin Zealios if you want to mod later. It’s the only reason some users tolerate its flaws.

DOUBLESHOT PBT KEYCAPS OUT OF THE BOX

Most keyboards under $60 ship with thin ABS keycaps that shine after three months. The RK55 includes thick, textured PBT caps that resist wear and won’t develop a greasy sheen. The font is clean and legible, not the gamer-y mess you see on cheaper boards.

DECENT STABILIZERS FOR THE PRICE

The stabilizers are pre-lubed and don’t rattle like the ones on the Redragon K552. They’re not as smooth as Durock V2s, but they’re good enough for a board that costs less than a tank of gas. Clip-in stabilizers make future modding easier if you decide to lube them properly.

USB-C CONNECTIVITY WITH A DETACHABLE CABLE

The cable is braided and detachable, so you can replace it if it frays. USB-C is reversible, which is a small but welcome convenience. No wireless, but at least the wired connection is reliable and won’t disconnect mid-game.

GENUINE BENEFITS OF THE HYPERX ALLOY ORIGINS CORE

HYPERX NGENUITY SOFTWARE IS ACTUALLY USABLE

Unlike the janky software that comes with most budget boards, NGENUity is stable and intuitive. You can remap keys, create macros, and save profiles to the onboard memory. No more losing settings when you unplug the keyboard.

HYPERX RED SWITCHES ARE CONSISTENT AND SMOOTH

HyperX’s linear switches are factory-lubed and feel more refined than Gateron Reds. They’re not as smooth as Zealios or Tealios, but they’re a step up from the scratchy switches you get on most budget boards. The sound is deeper and more satisfying than the RK55’s stock switches.

METAL TOP FRAME ADDS DURABILITY AND WEIGHT

The Alloy Origins Core has a metal top plate that makes the board feel solid and premium. It doesn’t flex when you press hard, and the weight keeps it stable during intense gaming sessions. The RK55’s plastic frame feels flimsy in comparison.

DEDICATED MEDIA KEYS AND FUNCTION LAYER

The Alloy Origins Core has a dedicated media key row and a function layer that gives you quick access to volume, playback, and RGB controls. The RK55 forces you to use Fn combos, which is annoying if you adjust volume frequently.

REAL DRAWBACKS OF THE RK55

RGB LIGHTING IS A MESS

The RGB is bright but inconsistent. Some keys light up brighter than others, and the software (if you can even get it to work) is buggy. If you care about RGB, the Alloy Origins Core’s lighting is far more polished and customizable.

BUILD QUALITY IS INCONSISTENT

Some units have loose keycaps, rattly stabilizers, or a wobbly spacebar. Quality control is hit or miss. You might get a great board, or you might get one that feels like it was assembled in a garage. Returns are a hassle if you buy from third-party sellers.

NO WIRELESS OPTION

The RK55 is wired only. If you want Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The Alloy Origins Core is also wired, but at least HyperX has a reputation for wireless keyboards if you’re willing to spend more.

REAL DRAWBACKS OF THE HYPERX ALLOY ORIGINS CORE

NON-HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCHES

The Alloy Origins Core has soldered switches. If you want to change them, you’ll need to desolder and resolder, which is a pain. The RK55’s hot-swap sockets make customization much easier.

KEYCAPS ARE ABS AND THIN

The keycaps are made of ABS, which wears out faster than PBT. They’re also thinner and less textured than the RK55’s keycaps. If you type a lot, you’ll notice the difference in feel and durability.

NO DETACHABLE CABLE

The cable is fixed, so if it gets damaged, you’ll have to replace the entire keyboard or deal with a messy repair. The RK55’s detachable cable is a small but useful feature.

WHO THE RK55 IS GENUINELY RIGHT FOR

BUDGET-CONSCIOUS MODDERS

If you want to experiment with different switches without spending a fortune, the RK55 is one of the cheapest hot-swappable boards available. It’s a great starter board for learning rk55.