While the folks at the Macrodata Refinement facility in Lumon’s ‘severed’ division really had no idea what it is they were actually doing, they definitely had some incredible gear to work with. The computers seen on the sets of Apple’s hit TV series Severed were heavily inspired by the Data General “Dasher” Terminals from 1977. With a similar white and blue aesthetic, they embodied the cathode-ray clicky keyboard bakelite generation of tech from the 70s and 80s, which I believe adds to Severance’s mystique and appeal. You marvel at the designs on the show, without really being able to place them in a defined year. Is Severance a period sci-fi show? Is it futuristic? Current day? You can’t really tell.
However, if you’re looking for a taste of the severed lifestyle, Atomic Keyboards is now selling a replica of the MDR keyboard from the series. It’s built to be absolutely usable, with a 73-key, 70% layout… but with no Escape, no Control, and no Options keys. Sound familiar? Also, please try to enjoy each keystroke equally.
Designer:
Severance has really managed to cultivate a hardcore audience over the past few months, with Season 2 vastly outpacing its first season in crowd appeal and anticipation. Severance’s crew made multiple pit-stops across the world, with crowds thronging to attend themed events. In fact, Apple’s website even has a listing for the ‘Lumon Terminal Pro’, playing perfectly into the hype.
However, if you’re looking for some Severance memorabilia or merch, there’s nothing much Apple offers. You could sign up for a Neuralink chip but I would highly recommend against it. The closest second step is buying the MDR Dasher Keyboard, which Atomic Keyboard’s built to perfectly replicate the peripheral from the series. It comes with the exact same shape and color scheme, the same keys, and the same trackball on the right. There is, however, a palpable lack of a few keys, like an escape, control, or alt key. Because on the severed floor, there’s no escape, no sense of control, or no alternative. Praise Kier.
The MDR Dasher Keyboard is up for preorder if you’re interested in a unique peripheral that’s *somewhat* useful. Typing should be fairly comfortable, given the cherry-esque keycaps and (presumable) mechanical switches. Use it to send mails, sort ‘scary’ numbers, or tell your annoying colleagues to devour feculence. Don’t blame us if you get reported to Ms. Huang… or worse, get sent to the Break Room. You can, however, blame your Outie instead. I hear that works.
The keyboard’s original price was listed as $399, but it’s safe to assume that tariffs have thrown the tech world in a bit of a tailspin. I’m assuming there may be revisions (maybe even discounts), but the only way to get your hands on this, for now, is to go to the (make sure you notice the website logo on the top left!), claim fealty to Kier Eagan, and sign up for more news and a preorder date.
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