Atomic’s MDR Dasher Is a Replica of the Computer Keyboard from ‘Severance’

Few TV shows over the past decade have been as hyped up as Severance. The phenomenal first season debuted in 2022, ending with a cliffhanger and leaving fans clamoring for a second season for literally years. 14 Emmy nominations and three years later, that follow-up finally arrived, and has been as good as anticipated.

Following a group of employees at the fictional Lumen Industries who have undergone a procedure to keep their work and home memories separate, the Apple+ series is not only known for its superb writing and acting but also its effective production design, which pairs a tech-focused present-day real world with a very sterile ‘70s-looking aesthetic in the office milieu. 

Following the show’s season 2 finale, newcomer Atomic Keyboard has sought to bring an unexpected element from the show to life: its computer keyboard.

Turning on the ‘70s Charm

Of course, like most screen props, the keyboard from the show had its own inspiration, looking firmly towards the real-life Dasher D200 by Data General. Based in Massachusetts, Data General released its first product, the Nova minicomputer, in 1969. The Nova was popular for its affordability, especially among scientists and educators. Early models had on-board keyboards, but in 1976, the company decided to make units that could be used apart from the computers. 

Debuting in 1976, the Dasher keyboards were made specifically for pairing with the Nova, followed by its successor, the Eclipse. However, with the rise of the microcomputer and workstation in the late ‘80s, the Eclipse, and thus, the Dasher, was phased out as well. 

The Replica

What made the Dasher D200 notable, according to Atomic, were the “ergonomic design, tactile feedback, and unusual key layout, which included specialized function keys.” These specifications were adapted by the production team for the Severance, while also retaining the distinct blue color of the original.

Bringing a durable and lightweight structure to the replica, Atomic opted to use aluminum for the housing. This version features 73 keys, with a “70% layout inspired by the show,” including the absence of an ESC key. And to make this new MDR Dasher model even more specific to the show, the custom keycaps have been given design elements specific to the macrodata refinement (MDR) department from the show.

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, the keyboard plugs in via a USB-C cable and also features an optical trackball module.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Urging users to “please try to enjoy each keystroke equally,” Atomic Keyboard has opened up a signup list for the initial limited-edition launch units of the MDR Dasher keyboard replica. Pre-order pricing will be $399, with regular price yet to be determined. There’s no release date yet.

Atomic Keyboard MDR Dasher Severance Replica

Atomic Keyboard’s MDR Dasher is a replica of the computer keyboards used by the workers in Apple+’s hit show Severance. The show’s keyboards are based on the Data General Dasher models from the ’70s