Atomic Releases ‘Severance’-Inspired Keyboard — No Escape Key
Atomic Keyboard has unveiled the Severance-themed MDR Dasher keyboard, which is an exact replica of the device used by the Macro Data Division (MDR) staff in the show.
The new keyboard’s appearance is immediately noticeable, thanks to its compact layout and trackball on the right side. Despite its vintage style, the keyboard has modern features, such as USB-C connectivity and, according to rumors, compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Thus, as Tom’s Hardware notes, the device remains user-friendly for the modern user, while maintaining the spirit of an archaic, niche design.
The prototype that became the basis for the MDR Dasher design goes back to 1977 — to the Data General 6053 Dasher terminal. In the series, it was stylized as retro technology, reflecting the strictness and solidity of the corporate culture. Now this image is embodied in a real working device. The keyboard received 73 keys in a compact 70-percent layout and is equipped with a built-in trackball and a block of navigation buttons.
The number of devices is limited and is available for pre-order on the company’s website. The preliminary price is $399.
“Severance” tells the story of the employees of Lumon Industries, a corporation whose workers undergo a “split operation.” As a result, their memory is split into working and non-working – one of their personalities does not know what is happening outside the office, and the other is the opposite.
