[GB] Bias - GB Complete, Extras available

[Baionlenja]

Bias R2 Group Buy by Baionlenja

Years of work and 7 unique prototype rounds later, Bias is ready to be made public.



Raffle Info

620 USD
VAT included for EU buyers

Raffle on 16th of November 2021
Raffle form opens tomorrow at UTC 12:00 and is open for modification for 48 hours
Ships from Finland Q3 2022 or before
Bias will be retired after this group buy

Raffle form will be posted here
Shopify invoices will be sent to winners by email on 18th
Payment window is 24 hours after invoices have been sent
Contact me if you need a bit more time to pay
Otherwise unpaid invoices will be swiftly re-raffled in my Discord





Update 30.11.2021
Order has been paid and placed at the factory! I will update bi-weekly every sunday, then switch to weekly updates as GB nears completion.




More detailed information at the end of post





Bias

OG Bias group buy was ran invite only in 2020 and I have been getting tons of requests from vendors and fans of my designs to sell it publicly.
Instead of just using the original design to cash out, I wanted to improve Bias as much as I could to make it worthy of your consideration.
Thus began a wild ride of endless prototype rounds, thousands of hours of testing, development, sourcing and learning.
And finally here we are. I sincerely hope you will appreciate the passion and commitment I've put to every single millimeter of Bias.

Photos & Renders

Main Features

Fixed WKL TKL layout
17.5mm front height
7 degree typing angle
"Seamless" HHK+B Sides
M3 Hex screws flush to the surface
All this and the mounting system fits inside the classic bezels without dodgy thin walls
Very grabbable sides
Recessed USB-C port angled to the table
Bumpon cutouts
40$ more expensive than Bias R1, but with significantly upgraded features and materials



Evolved grommet mount

I wanted to make a mounting style that had the isolated plate and softer typing feel like gasket mount, but without the faffing around with foam stickers, misaligned plates or trying to get the stickers off when swapping plates.
In 2020, I started experimenting with rubber grommets and made a couple projects around them (WB for example).
With what I learned I decided to continue improving the design and this is the result.
These custom injection molded silicone grommets easily snap onto the plate and automatically align the plate assembly to the center.
They're removable, and you will receive two sets of different softnesses for more customization.



Leaf spring cuts

Additionally I experimented with leaf spring cuts on the aluminium plate.
I included them in several projects (Bias 1.5 and 2.0) but with Ophanim and WB I combined the milder leaf cuts with the custom grommets which yielded excellent results.
What you are seeing in Bias is the result of all this work. The polycarbonate plate option does not have leaf springs as it would be so flexy it would be unusable   



BAION WAVE ^TM (patent pending) /s

These distinct waves on the case floor allow the pcb to flex more without the switch pins contacting the case.
It's among the many interesting machining details for those who enjoy exploring the insides of every keyboard.



PCB Film

Another thing I've been working on for a while. I'm a big fan of offering built in sound customization options that do not affect typing feel.
It's a glossy film with a thin poron layer which goes on the pcb and under the switches.
It creates a more firm connection from switch to PCB and results in an interesting sound profile without muting the entire distinct sound of the board.
It's extremely tough which lends to good durability when redoing builds, and it's completely optional, not affecting typing feel with or without.

I recommend trying it! I personally like it with Gateron switches, but prefer to take it off for Cherry switches.




Two colours

Radiant sunshine battery acid eggplant atrocity  Black
Emerald sugarplum starshine cerebrospinal fluid  Silver




Click here for more renders
Click here for more prototype photos

Many of the features in this keyboard are to address my personal grievances

• JST cable channel is widened for ease of building. (You'll thank me when you're building it.)
• Screws are thick and flush to the surface. No more deep screw tunnels that end up in you scratching the sides of the screw hole because your screwdriver is too short.
• All case internal geometry is extra thick and robust.
• No glue involved in the mounting system.
• Grommets can be replaced with standard grommets found in mcmaster catalogue.
• Case and plate align themselves.
• Screws and mounting points are very carefully placed to minimize bezel sizes.
• PCB has some very specific design features which increase longevity such as spare diodes.
• Case is very easily liftable because "someone" dropped their Ikirouta on their finger once and vowed for such tragedy to never happen again.

So as you can see my personal obsessions experiences over the years have influenced this keyboard's smaller features heavily.
I hope that you will appreciate them as much as my poor fingers do!
Additionally I have gathered tons of feedback and suggestions from other hobby veterans.

Layout

• Winkeyless only
• Fixed ANSI with optional stepped caps lock
• Optional fixed ISO plate with optional stepped caps lock
• Plate files for more layouts will be released before Bias is shipped so that you can get your own plates made ready

Typing test

Pre-Order Information

• Group buy format: Raffle
• Group buy date: 16th of November, 2021, 12:00 UTC time
• Raffle window: 48h
• Ships from Finland

Raffle form, updates and future projects will be posted in Geekhack and in my Discord

Estimated shipping date: Q3 of 2022 or earlier
Extra units available after shipment

Base kit includes

• Bias Keyboard
• Stainless steel multicolor weight
• Custom PCB by Yiancar (case is also h87 compatible)
• Aluminium plate
• Two sets of custom grommets at different softnesses
• 2 x Custom molded poron PCB film
• Carrying case with custom molded interior
• Hardware and stickers
• 2 Year standard European warranty

Pricing

Bias Kit

• 620 USD

For EU buyers price includes VAT. For those outside EU, check your local tax rates for importing.
All orders are shipped from EU

Shipping

DHL Express Worldwide

• International 45 USD

Extra parts

• Extra PCB with daughterboard: 60 USD
• Extra aluminium plate: 50 USD
• Polycarbonate plate: 60 USD
• Misc Kit (2 sets of grommets, 2 extra PCB films, stickers and extra bumpons): 20USD

 



I will be stocking replacement parts such as PCB's grommets and PCB films.
Additionally I will provide a 2 year warranty for the buyer with quick and easy replacements.
A keyboard such as this is a big investment and I want to make sure you can find spare parts whenever you need them.



Additions after IC

I've sneakily increased the prices for shipping by a few euros in hopes of purchasing a second yacht 
But for real I got a quote from DHL and I decided to go with them instead of the very slow Finland Post.
I've also very slyly removed the notion of how many raffles spots there are. Time for another private jet 
If there's a gargantuan amount of raffle entries, I will dispense some extra spots to not dilute the chances of the who have been exited and following this project from the start. I now have some able extra hands to help me with the soul crushing task of QC and packaging 
Since Shopify does not offer multiple currencies for Finnish stores, EU people will have to be paying in USD. Don't worry, VAT is still included in price. Downside is that you are now in the mercy of exchange rates. 

Thank you for reading my IC and GB posts. The kind words mean so much to me and I never thought I could get a reception like this. It really has inspired me to pass on the kind words and try encourage others as well.
And here's one for the lurkers, yes you. The valiant heroes of the forum and Discord server bandwidth, those who simply observe. Thank you for blessing me with your eyeballs. I will do my best to make my keyboards equally available to even those who do not engage in the community verbally.

Thank you for considering HHK+B

^{edits:
Added two more irl pics
added raffle link}

[Baionlenja]

Updates

Update 30.11.2021
Order has been paid and placed at the factory! I will update bi-weekly every sunday, then switch to weekly updates as GB nears completion.

Update 05.12.2021
Orders for the cases were placed few days ago and orders for the Bias Bags was also placed. ETA is looking good despite CNY approaching fast.
For the next weeks I will be busy setting up the warehouse. Will be getting things like storage shelves, desks and equipment for QC and packaging, security measures etc.  I'll be posting pictures of the warehouse on the upcoming weeks in my discord for those interested!
For the next update, I'll make a sound test of the alu plate w/ retools and PCB film vs no PCB film comparisons.
And as always, don't hesitate to contact support@baionlenja.com if you have any worries about your order, or just want to ask anything!

Update 12.12.2021
Production is proceeding as planned. Our order will likely be made after CNY, but this is something I took into account already.
Lately I've been busy setting up the warehouse. I'm currently in the process of cleaning it and moving in desks, setting up security etc

Update 02.01.2022
Happy new year! Holidays and the warehouse have kept me busy, but otherwise things are going as planned. So nothing special to report today.

Update 16.01.2022
CNY is upon us and factories will be taking a break during it.  Currently there is nothing more to do than wait. But I'll still keep you updated if anything interesting happens.

Update 30.01.2022
Not much to update in terms of case production, but I do have PCB updates! Here's pictures of the official PCB bias will be using. Yiancar has been super helpful in implementing some of the interesting QoL features I really wanted.
Some of the features include:
- Spare diodes for DIY PCB repair
- Easily accessible reset by removing capslock keycap and using tweezers
- Built in caps lock and scroll lock indicator leds

Update 13.02.2022
Still waiting for manufacturing to pick back up after CNY.
 But in the meantime I've been making typing tests among other things.!

Update 27.02.2022
Manufacturing has picked back up and we got some photos of the boards in progress!

Update 13.03.2022
CNC is progressing as expected, I'll be sure to share pictures when I get them as they move into anodising!

Update 27.03.2022
CNC still taking place! I'll let you know once the boards enter anodising.

Update 10.04.2022
First boards have entered anodising!

Update 17.04.2022
Anodising still in progress, weights are preparing for final coating.

Update 01.05.2022
Anodisation is still in progress! Some boards are pretty much finished, but there's still reano needed for some.

Update 15.05.2022
Anodisation is just about finished.  I'll post pictures as soon as I can! Next up is factory checking each board and packing them for freight. After they arrive in Finland, I will QC them myself (which will take some time) and start shipping them out to y'all!

Update 29.05.2022
Case anodisation finished, weights are still being coated.

Update 12.06.2022
Weights are just about finished, I've asked for pictures. PCBs are finished!

Update 30.06.2022
PCB's have been shipped and we got pictures of the weights!

Update 17.07.2022
Weights are almost finished! All other parts are ready but the coating on the weights has taken a long time to get right.

Update 31.07.2022
About 200 weights are left to coat with desirable quality. Good news is that most of them are extra weights, so we're pretty much finished in a moment!

Update 29.8.2022
Production is finished! Boards will soon start heading here!

Update 12.9.2022
Boards are packed and will be on the way to us this week!

Update 26.9.2022
Now we wait for the boards to arrive here

Update 7.11.2022
Looks like there's going to be 30-40 day delay until the boards get here.    Manufacturer forgot to include a batch of plates and so the shipment missed the boat.

Update 22.11.2022
Just got the tracking for the shipment!
Estimated date of arrival to port is 16th of december.

Update 5.12.2022
Boat made it through Suez canal  We're now currently setting up the QC and packaging line at the warehouse.

Update 2.1.2023
Keyboards have arrived safely!
Now begins the QC process, we're gonna inspect/clean each one. So that means this is the last chance to update shipping address!
I don't want to rush the QC, so I'm not promising any date for when it's done, but we're going to start shipping in batches once enough units have been QC'd

Update 17.2.2023
Roughly half has gone out!
Extras and B-stock will be raffled soon!

Update 11.4.2023
All GB units are set to be sent out before end of April.
Check out the FAQ https://baionlenja.com/pages/bias-faq
B-stock units shipping this week.

Update 28.4.2023
Group buy complete! Some extras are available with more to come!

[kiyoboard]

I wasn't very vocal about it, but being following this for sometime, and really like the improvements over the R1. Glad finally time has come Hopefully I can snatch one.

[treeleaf64]

What's your Bias?  Good luck with your group buy Mr Baion!!!!

[BouncyChillups]

Thank you for considering HHK+B

Good times

[speedycake]

my bias is bias

[L4ll1g470r]

Mmm, the tension is rising, it’s almost time 

Check out Damen yachts, btw. The new Seaxplorer range is just the thing after running a limited gb.

[whirlwind]

That's it, chief

[fishbiscuit13]

Bias is the best board

so happy to see it's made it to this point

[baka jiken]

Chief called

[Baionlenja]

Added link for raffle form

Raffle live!

[gunchi]

Stunning board! Good luck with the GB

[brownie]

man, this is truly beautiful.

[Liub]

Good luck^not everyone!

[maximize]

Insane board, very nice work Baion! I have seen these on Youtube and wondered where in the heck they came from! Fingers crossed. 

[L4ll1g470r]

Insane board, very nice work Baion! I have seen these on Youtube and wondered where in the heck they came from! Fingers crossed. 

Yeah that video by Lighning in particular is so good it should be marked NSFW 

[Pach]

smexy

[Vadurr]

NE Split Backspace support?

[carlouws]

I love hhk+b

[Surefoot]

Secured one Quite interested in plate files too.

[audax989]

 

[Baionlenja]

NE Split Backspace support?

Sorry! Not for this keyboard.

However, I'm releasing multiple plate files with multiple layout options for those who wish to get one made. 

[SolidCactus]

I struck out on this one! Congrats to the winners 

[cadrev]

Hello! Just wanted to ask if are there going be issues with fulfilment time with the increased units?

[mr_fro2000]

Hello! Just wanted to ask if are there going be issues with fulfilment time with the increased units?

nope

[namidettje]

Sad since got double L but congrats to the winners.

A very well thought board with some pretty distinct features. Looking forward for your next projects!

[cadrev]

Hello! Just wanted to ask if are there going be issues with fulfilment time with the increased units?

nope
(Attachment Link)

Thanks, wasn’t able to get back at this but I paid the invoice already!

[Baionlenja]

Last minute colour changes are available until Sunday 28th!

I took pictures of the silver prototype and added to the photos album

[rikercd]

Are US buyers going to get VAT refunded, or does the statement "(VAT is already included for EU buyers)" mean that you are covering the VAT on your end?

[Baionlenja]

Are US buyers going to get VAT refunded, or does the statement "(VAT is already included for EU buyers)" mean that you are covering the VAT on your end?

Sorry for the confusing display that's on me. I'm covering the VAT for EU buyers on my end!
At least that's what I tried to get across 

I will make changes on the way I display prices for the future to alleviate the confusion hopefully!

[Baionlenja]

Production orders have been paid! I will update bi-weekly every sunday until the manufacturing is complete. Then I will switch to weekly updates.

[audax989]

Production orders have been paid! I will update bi-weekly every sunday until the manufacturing is complete. Then I will switch to weekly updates.

Great News!

[Baionlenja]

Hi! Here's the first update!

Orders for the cases were placed few days ago and orders for the Bias Bags was also placed. ETA is looking good despite CNY approaching fast.
For the next weeks I will be busy setting up the warehouse. Will be getting things like storage shelves, desks and equipment for QC and packaging, security measures etc.  I'll be posting pictures of the warehouse on the upcoming weeks in my discord for those interested!
For the next update, I'll make a sound test of the alu plate w/ retools and PCB film vs no PCB film comparisons.
And as always, don't hesitate to contact support@baionlenja.com if you have any worries about your order, or just want to ask anything!

Also, here's the choices you have made 

[Baionlenja]

Here's the second update!

Production is proceeding as planned. Our order will likely be made after CNY, but this is something I took into account already.
Lately I've been busy setting up the warehouse. I'm currently in the process of cleaning it and moving in desks, setting up security etc

For now, I wish everyone merry Christmas!  I'm gonna be quite busy moving things back and forth between my place and the warehouse 

[Puddsy]

Also, here's the choices you have made 
(Attachment Link)

what's really interesting about this graph is that it matches the anecdotal evidence people have been using for years. roughly 5% ISO adoption, and 60/40 black/silver. on an extra high end board like this you might expect it to skew a little bit but it's interesting to see it track.

[Baionlenja]

Happy new year! Holidays and the warehouse have kept me busy, but otherwise things are going as planned. So nothing special to report today.

[Baionlenja]

CNY is upon us and factories will be taking a break during it.  Currently there is nothing more to do than wait. But I'll still keep you updated if anything interesting happens.

[Baionlenja]

Hi! Not much to update in terms of case production, but I do have PCB updates! Here's pictures of the official PCB bias will be using. Yiancar has been super helpful in implementing some of the interesting QoL features I really wanted.
Some of the features include:
- Spare diodes for DIY PCB repair
- Easily accessible reset by removing capslock keycap and using tweezers
- Built in caps lock and scroll lock indicator leds

[soloplayer]

can we have black or red pcb?
also baion simp!

[Baionlenja]

Still waiting for manufacturing to pick back up after CNY. But in the meantime
 I've been making typing tests among other things.

Gateron Yellows, Alu Plate, PCB Film

Mx Blacks, Alu Plate, No PCB Film

[Baionlenja]

Manufacturing has picked back up and we got some photos of the boards in progress 

[audax989]

Manufacturing has picked back up and we got some photos of the boards in progress 

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

thank you for the constant communication on this buy.

[Baionlenja]

Manufacturing has picked back up and we got some photos of the boards in progress 

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

thank you for the constant communication on this buy.

It's not much but I'm glad it's appreciated!



Update 13.03.2022
CNC is progressing as expected. I'll be sure to share pictures when I get them as they move into anodising!

[Baionlenja]

CNC still taking place! I'll let you know once the boards enter anodising.

[Baionlenja]

First boards have entered anodising!

[aa212121]

although im not in the gb, it is refreshing to see continuous updates. good work.

[bruin]

yes thank you for the updates 

[Baionlenja]

Anodising still in progress, weights are preparing for final coating.

Thanks for the encouragement, happy to see frequent updates are appreciated!

[Baionlenja]

Anodisation is still in progress! Some boards are pretty much finished, but there's still reano needed for some.

[crestia]

I really appreciate the fact that you are updating the geekhack thread along with the discord server.

[Baionlenja]

Anodisation is just about finished.  I'll post pictures as soon as I can! Next up is factory checking each board and packing them for freight. After they arrive in Finland, I will QC them myself (which will take some time) and start shipping them out to y'all!

[macclack]

 Thank you again for the continued communication and check-ins!

[Baionlenja]

Case anodisation finished, weights are still being coated.
Plate files have been posted in the Discord!

[Baionlenja]

Weights are just about finished, I've asked for pictures. PCBs are finished!

[Baionlenja]

We're back from our national holiday: midsummer fest!

PCB's have been shipped and we got pictures of the weights!

[Puddsy]

We're back from our national holiday: midsummer fest!

PCB's have been shipped and we got pictures of the weights!

(Attachment Link)

oo those look nice

[Baionlenja]

Weights are almost finished! All other parts are ready but the coating on the weights has taken a long time to get right.

[Baionlenja]

About 200 weights are left to coat with desirable quality. Good news is that most of them are extra weights, so we're pretty much finished in a moment!

[Baionlenja]

Production is finished! Boards will soon start heading here! 

[Baionlenja]

Boards are packed and will be on the way to us this week!

[audax989]

Boards are packed and will be on the way to us this week!

While I do get your updates in discord, I also appreciate the fact that you constantly update your gh page as well. looking forward to the board in November!

[Baionlenja]

Now we wait for the boards to arrive here

[iamtragic]

Any updates? Just noting it's been a month.

[Baionlenja]

Any updates? Just noting it's been a month.

My bad! I forgot to forward the updates to geekhack after doing them on my discord server, will do a proper update tomorrow! Thanks for reminding!

Update 7.11.2022

Looks like there's going to be 30-40 day delay until the boards get here.    Manufacturer forgot to include a batch of plates and so the shipment missed the boat.
I've been armwrestling with the manu, trying to get some proper compensation for this, but looks like I just need to eat the costs of extra warehouse rent etc. 

[Baionlenja]

Just got the tracking for the shipment!

Estimated date of arrival to port is 16th of december.

[Baionlenja]

Boat made it through Suez canal  We're now currently setting up the QC and packaging line at the warehouse. Won't be long now!

[Baionlenja]

Also since this GB has taken longer than expected, I'm adding some little extra accessory items to hopefully compensate a little for the delay!

One of them is a keyboard travel pouch

[Baionlenja]

Boat made it to port! Now the shipment will make it's way to us via land. 

[NightFox99]

Now we wait :wtfzoom:

[Baionlenja]

They're here!



Now begins the QC process, we're gonna inspect/clean each one. So that means this is the last chance to update shipping address!
I don't want to rush the QC, so I'm not promising any date for when it's done, but we're going to start shipping in batches once enough units have been QC'd

[Baionlenja]

QC still ongoing, had to get new bumpons to replace some scuffed ones

[Baionlenja]

Good news! Boards will start shipping this week!

[NightFox99]

Good news! Boards will start shipping this week!

Great news ! Europe first please 

[Baionlenja]

Beginning was a little slow due to printer software being what it is, but now we are at full speed, sending batches every day 

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Any chance to change our address? Didn't see a change address email but maybe I missed it.

[Surefoot]

Got mine today. Everything is perfect, the signed case and microfiber pouch, the case is just as advertised, and the GB itself (great communication by Baion).

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Oh-if you need to change your address, either email Baion or head to the discord. He’ll get you set.

[Baionlenja]

Got mine today. Everything is perfect, the signed case and microfiber pouch, the case is just as advertised, and the GB itself (great communication by Baion).

Thank you, hope you will enjoy it! 

[Baionlenja]

Roughly half has gone out!

Extras and B-stock will be raffled soon!

[SoloMilo]

 

[Baionlenja]

Some bad news regarding Silver Bias. I have halted shipments of any new Silver units because I discovered a new reoccurring defect on the top case.
I ordered a massive amount of extras, but despite that the defect rate has been close to 70%
I went through every single Silver unit again and took pictures and documented the defects to the manufacturer, as this is absolutely unacceptable.
The manufacturer agreed to refinish 50 units free, then quote me a price for fixing the rest.

Somehow they managed to not spot this and produce this same defect on a huge amount of silver units
I am beyond frustrated at this, considering how long I had to wait to receive these

I will be sending an email to every silver owner still waiting for their board. Black units are looking good and possibly we can offer some color swaps or sending the board as is with some extras like free pcb. In case you dont want to wait for the board to get refinished.


Update: Took pictures of 4 different case tops with the defect in differing lighting conditions

https://imgur.com/a/nompxta







Currently we need to finish sorting through silver units that we will send back while shipping black units.
I will keep you updated on how this progresses.

[Baionlenja]

Currently it's too early to tell when the cases will be refinished. They are only willing to re finish 50 pieces and rest will be up to me to pay.
Even the manufacturer does not yet tell how long it will take. I am looking into options domestically, as I have been testing several promising firms. If I can get them redone here, this all will be done much faster, but it will be more expensive for me. So I would have to sell some b-stock first.

Really sorry to everyone waiting for a Silver unit, I am furious at the manufacturer, and I am working day and night to fix this.

[kronograf]

Some bad news regarding Silver Bias. I have halted shipments of any new Silver units because I discovered a new reoccurring defect on the top case.
I ordered a massive amount of extras, but despite that the defect rate has been close to 70%
I went through every single Silver unit again and took pictures and documented the defects to the manufacturer, as this is absolutely unacceptable.
The manufacturer agreed to refinish 50 units free, then quote me a price for fixing the rest.

Somehow they managed to not spot this and produce this same defect on a huge amount of silver units
I am beyond frustrated at this, considering how long I had to wait to receive these

I will be sending an email to every silver owner still waiting for their board. Black units are looking good and possibly we can offer some color swaps or sending the board as is with some extras like free pcb. In case you dont want to wait for the board to get refinished.


Update: Took pictures of 4 different case tops with the defect in differing lighting conditions

https://imgur.com/a/nompxta

Show Image

Currently we need to finish sorting through silver units that we will send back while shipping black units.
I will keep you updated on how this progresses.

Hi Baion,

Does this mean that the silver ones that already went out are fine?

[Baionlenja]

Yes, some may have slipped through at the beginning, but for the rest I utilized the extras to swap good units etc.

Email has been sent to all affected
Options are as follows
1. Wait for the case to be re-finished
2. Priority delivery as is with 75$ refund
3. Change colour to black and shipped as normally
4. Cancel order
Here is the link to the google form https://forms.gle/S7Tpah6EMKEFxdHZ8

[Baionlenja]

On a lighter note,

Jae from Prototypist built their Bias recently and here's the VOD:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1743143853

Typing test:
https://clips.twitch.tv/InterestingResourcefulTildeSmoocherZ-oWp_YiV2IavvWaNo

[Baionlenja]

Yesterday I traveled across finland and visited the anodiser that made the finnish ophanim protos. I sat down with them and we spent a while discussing the anodisation. I left 10 boards for reano testing and will revisit them in a few days when they're done to give feedback and further improve it.

Meanwhile I will be doing the same to 3 other anodising firms and go through the same process in order to have backup options.

[Baionlenja]

Last third of boards to send and we have now run out of good black units as well. I finished sending the last good ones and now we are all in the same boat, waiting for the results for refinishing.
We have been sending units by oldest order. So if you have not gotten a shipping notification yet, it means you're in the last batch gang.

As I kept sending out more and more black units, it kept getting more and more difficult to find a-stock.
Last week I went through all the remainder and unfortunately the quality issues just kept growing. Same scratch as on the silver units, absolutely atrocious.
My hypothesis is that they got good at doing the black ano halfway through and thus not needing to sandblast and reano it. Leading to more visible surface defects.
In total, 50% of all keyboards I received were in unacceptable condition. And nearly every single extra unit I bought were dead on arrival as well.
Manufacturer is not willing to refinish more than 50 individual parts, which means 25 units. Which means this falls on me to deal with.

Since everyone who hasn't gotten shipping notif yet are in the same boat, I will be making a new form with more options.
I will be offering new anodising colors and adding some new items for everyone's order to help ease the wait.

New form will go live once I have confirmed the anodising samples in about one or two weeks.

It's a devastating situation and I am beyond stressed by all this, but I hope I have been handling things well.
I won't stop until everyone has a perfect Bias on their hands.

[Baionlenja]

Since all units that could've been sent have been sent, some B-stock units are now available.
I'm selling these now rather than refinishing and selling as a-stock so that I can fund the refinishing and extra items.

https://baionlenja.com/collections/in-stock

[kronograf]

I won't stop until everyone has a perfect Bias on their hands.

Well, since you haven’t replied to the email I sent two weeks ago or my DM, I’m going to ask again - is this A-stock in your eyes?

I’m kind of miffed getting a board with visible indents on it, even if they aren’t huge.

[tactilesbad]

Since all units that could've been sent have been sent, some B-stock units are now available.
I'm selling these now rather than refinishing and selling as a-stock so that I can fund the refinishing and extra items.

https://baionlenja.com/collections/in-stock

are A-stock extras going to drop at some point?

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Probably. They haven’t all shipped.

[walie]

Since all units that could've been sent have been sent, some B-stock units are now available.
I'm selling these now rather than refinishing and selling as a-stock so that I can fund the refinishing and extra items.

https://baionlenja.com/collections/in-stock

are A-stock extras going to drop at some point?

you're going to be waiting a long time

[Baionlenja]

Hi, we're getting back to work now. But expect it to take a day or two for us to get reoriented again. It has been a very tough time for us for the past couple weeks.
If you're curious what has happened, imagine the worst possible call you could get from a hospital. That sorta stuff.
I appreciate the patience of you all, I have been working on this project during the time of grief regardless to make sure things keep moving.


dreadfully, more bad news are at hand

I went to the local anodiser to take a look at the results and the scratch is still present, even after immense sandblasting. Worst of all, all the boards are quite at their limit of sandblasting and develop hideous pitting very quickly, which means re anodising is completely out of the question.

I just don't understand how the factory managed to screw this up so bad.
This also means that their offer to reanodise a whole 25 keyboards is useless as they will develop pitting and not solve the issue at all.
That leaves us only one option:
Ship the boards with a small refund + some store credit. And order cancellations to those who wish so.

We will soon send an email in a day or two to everyone affected with further instructions.

As of now this affects the last 1/3 of orders.

Another idea floating around is to offer a replacent part GB for Bias owners manufactured by DDS. Could offer a lot of colours and this time in perfect quality. But let's worry about that once current units have been shipped.

[Baionlenja]

Well, since you haven’t replied to the email I sent two weeks ago or my DM, I’m going to ask again - is this A-stock in your eyes?

I’m kind of miffed getting a board with visible indents on it, even if they aren’t huge.

Understandably so, I wouldn't consider that A-stock. Apologies for that!
Human error happens which means normally I would offer a free return and swap to a flawless unit, but considering the current state of affairs, it's not entirely doable.
We simply have completely ran out of usable A-Stock, despite me ordering hundreds of extras.

Thus the only thing I can offer is a refund and a free replacement for the defect on the bottom. I will send an email to everyone with instructions for situations like this.

It's been an incredibly unfair year with absolutely stupid and unpredictable problems, and I've been putting my all into handling this as best as humanly possible.
I won't give up and hopefully I can eventually make everyone happy.

[Baionlenja]

Lots of requests to take pictures of the scuff on the black unit. Here you go.
There's some variance from unit to unit and some require harsher lights and different angles to notice.

[Baionlenja]

Well, here we go again
Third round of QC starting with now us disassembling every keyboard, rating each part again and categorising them on each shelf
then we pick and match pieces to make sure GB owners get as perfect units as possible
(aside from the scratch at the f row)
this means we're scavenging the all the extra and b stock boards as well and making sure no good part goes to waste
we're going to start by sending b-stock and once they're done we bulk ship remaining gb units
I also did some counting and I can allow 20 silver units to swap to black, so when we send the form first 20 answers get priority
I'm estimating that last units go to their owners in 2 weeks

On a slightly positive note, the scratch is really hard to see without these two photography lights blasting at full force

ALSO For those whose boards have already been shipped and they arrived with issues, I will take care of them case by case basis. For example some parts can be swapped to better ones and some can receive refunds if there's no suitable part

[tactilesbad]

after all QC, swapping, and shipping of the GB units is done, will there be more extras for sale (any grade is OK)?

[Baionlenja]

after all QC, swapping, and shipping of the GB units is done, will there be more extras for sale (any grade is OK)?

a very small amount of b-stock will possibly go on sale

[Baionlenja]

Hi! Big update time.

All GB units are set to be sent out before end of April.

B-stock units shipping this week.

FAQ

Where is my Bias?

More

Shipping for the last 1/3 of orders has been delayed to the discovery of a machining mark.
Shipping is now continuing, but keyboards sent will now have a mark. Those affected will be compensated.

What does the mark look like?

More

The mark is a small line behind the F-Keys. Most of the time it is only visible from certain angles and at certain lighting conditions.
It cannot be felt by hand and it is under the anodisation layer.
In reality it won't be as visible as in these pictures.

Who are affected by the mark?

More

Orders shipped after 4.2023.

 If your order shipped before this has the mark, send us an email.

If you wish to know more, feel free to send us a message via email or discord.[/more]


Will there be compensation for those affected?

More

Yes, there are three options:

130$ store credit
This option will be automatically applied on June 2023. Credit is usable on any in-stock item or GB.

Additionally this store credit is usable on the exclusive DDS Bias replacement part GB.

 

or


50$ Partial refund
To choose this option, send us an email indicating you want this option before June 2023. The refund will be processed and returned to the original payment method within 14 business days.

 

or

 

Swap unshipped GB Bias for 1:1 DDS Bias

If your GB Bias has not yet shipped, send us an email wanting to convert your order into a DDS Bias. This change cannot be reverted and you will have to wait until the DDS Bias GB runs. You can choose the colours and other added items at a later date. This option is not possible for B-stock orders.

Due to us starting to ship the GB Biases out soon, response must unfortunately be quick. Deadline for DDS Bias swap option is 17th of april.


If you received a Bias with a mark or other flaw before this, send us an email and we will make sure you will be compensated as well.

Order cancellations are still available and will be processed within 14 business days.

Will Bias be available again?

More

Bias will be retired and will not return.

Why has my email not been answered?

More

Due to a family tragedy we had to take an unexpected break. We have now ugraded to a ticketing based email support system and we urge anyone waiting for an answer to send a new email to support@baionlenja.com.

The new system allows us to better process tickets and all new emails will be handled within 2 business days.

What is the DDS Bias Part GB?

More

Estimated to begin in June or July, all Bias owners including B-stock buyers can join to get new parts or an entirely new keyboard made by DDS, one of the most highly regarded manufacturer.

The price will be lower than normal GB prices and the 130$ store credit is applicable for this GB as well.

There is a wide variety of colours available and any part is available.

More info on this is coming later. Pricing will be released well before June deadline.

Who can join the DDS Bias GB?

More

Anyone who has bought a Bias from us! Including B-stock orders. You can join by emailing us to swap your unshipped GB Bias OR by waiting and joining the GB normally once it is beginning.

Only GB owners can 1:1 swap their unit for this. (weight material will no longer be rainbow PVD)

However those that purchase B-stock Bias are still eligible to join.

Will there be more extras/B-stock?

More

Yes!  Keep an eye out on the store and server for best chance to obtain.

I'm going to keep expanding this FAQ in the website, so take a look there for the latest questions https://baionlenja.com/pages/bias-faq
It's been a long long time, but finally the goal is visible! Just one last stretch! Thank you for sticking around and for the continued support.

[Baionlenja]

Finally good news!

Every last Bias order is shipped before saturday!

[Baionlenja]

All keyboards have been shipped, group buy has been concluded! Thanks everyone for participating!

There's some B-stock now available at the store!

[iamtragic]

Congratulations on completion - love my Bias, looking forward to Synovia and DDS Bias.

[macclack]

Yes, congratulations. Loving my Bias too