Atomic Keyboard Launches 'Severance'-Inspired MDR Dasher with Intentionally Missing Escape Key

The tech world is buzzing with excitement as Atomic Keyboard unveils a meticulously crafted replica of the iconic keyboard featured in Apple TV+'s hit dystopian series "Severance." The MDR Dasher Keyboard, inspired by the workstations used by the Macrodata Refinement team in the show, offers fans a tangible piece of Lumon Industries to bring into their own homes - minus the memory-wiping procedure.

Faithful Recreation of Lumon's Retro-Futuristic Interface

Atomic Keyboard has gone to extraordinary lengths to replicate the distinctive terminal used in "Severance." Based on the 1977 Data General "Dasher" terminal, the keyboard features the same off-white and blue color scheme that fans will instantly recognize from the series. With its chunky retro design and integrated trackball on the right side, the MDR Dasher perfectly captures the show's distinctive aesthetic that blends vintage computing with dystopian flair.

"The keyboard has become a symbol of the show's distinctive aesthetic and themes," notes Atomic Keyboard on their website, highlighting how their creation embodies both retro computing nostalgia and the show's unique dystopian visual language.

Intentional Omissions Make a Statement

What makes this keyboard particularly intriguing is not just what it includes, but what it deliberately leaves out. The MDR Dasher comes with a 73-key, 70% layout that is fully functional for modern computing needs, but with three notable absences: there's no Escape key, no Control key, and no Option key.

This design choice is no oversight but rather a clever nod to the series' themes of confinement and control. Just as the "severed" employees of Lumon Industries have no escape from their mysterious work tasks, users of this keyboard will find themselves similarly constrained - at least symbolically. As the company's tagline suggests, "Please try to enjoy each keystroke equally".

Rising Popularity Alongside Season 2

The timing of this release couldn't be better, as "Severance" continues to cultivate a dedicated fanbase with its second season vastly outpacing the first in terms of audience appeal and anticipation. The show's popularity has sparked real-world fan events across the globe, with Apple even briefly listing a fake "Lumon Terminal Pro" on its website as part of the promotional activities.

While that listing was just a promotional stunt, Atomic Keyboard is delivering the real thing to enthusiasts who want to bring a piece of the show's distinct world into their everyday lives.

Premium Product for Dedicated Fans

The MDR Dasher is positioned as a premium peripheral, with an original price point of $399. It features an aluminum case, custom-designed keycaps, and presumably mechanical switches for that satisfying tactile feel that keyboard enthusiasts crave.

"Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate the vintage-inspired design, unique keycap profiles, and the tactile, satisfying typing experience suggested by the show," explains Atomic Keyboard, understanding their target market well.

Limited Availability and Growing Interest

Atomic Keyboard has opened a pre-order list for the MDR Dasher on their website, where interested buyers can sign up to be notified when the keyboard becomes available for purchase. With over 300 subscribers already on their notification list, it's clear there's significant interest in this unique peripheral.

For fans looking to express their appreciation for "Severance" beyond just watching the show, the MDR Dasher offers a functional conversation piece that bridges fiction and reality - though users might want to keep a separate keyboard with an escape key handy, just in case.

Whether you're a devoted fan of the series, a collector of unique tech items, or simply someone who appreciates distinctive design, the MDR Dasher Keyboard provides a rare opportunity to bring home a piece of television's most thought-provoking workplace dystopia. Just remember that on the severed floor, there's no escape, no control, and no options - exactly as Kier would want it.