Recreated Functional Likeness of the Distinctive Blue Keyboard from 'Severance', a Notable Achievement by Atomic
In the world of film and television, vintage keyboards have often been used to create specific settings or moods. Companies like Atomic Keyboard, specialising in custom keyboards, have capitalised on this trend by creating replicas of vintage keyboards for various reasons, such as aesthetic appeal, historical accuracy, and branding.
One such replica was created for the Apple TV+ series "Severance," a show that delves into themes of identity, work-life balance, and psychological mystery. The show's setting, involving a mysterious workplace, required unique and captivating props to add depth to the narrative.
Atomic Keyboard's involvement in creating a replica for "Severance" resulted in a keyboard that fits the show's aesthetic and themes. The MDR Dasher keyboard, inspired by the show, features a 73-key layout with the absence of an ESC key. It also boasts an optical trackball module and a mechanical keyboard specification.
The production design of "Severance" pairs a tech-focused present-day real world with a very sterile '70s-looking aesthetic in the office milieu. The custom keycaps of the MDR Dasher keyboard feature design elements specific to the MDR department from "Severance."
The replica MDR Dasher keyboard's housing is made of aluminium, and it plugs in via a USB-C cable, making it compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Atomic Keyboard has opened a signup list for the initial limited-edition launch units of the MDR Dasher keyboard replica.
The original Dasher D200 keyboard, which inspired the design of the "Severance" replica, was a notable model due to its ergonomic design, tactile feedback, and unusual key layout, including specialized function keys. However, it was not a widely recognized or documented model in the history of computer keyboards.
The first season of "Severance" debuted in 2022, ending with a cliffhanger that left fans eager for a second season. The pre-order pricing for the MDR Dasher keyboard is $399, with the regular price yet to be determined. The second season of "Severance" was released three years after the first season.
Data General, based in Massachusetts, released its first product, the Nova minicomputer, in 1969. Early models of the Nova had on-board keyboards, but units that could be used apart from the computers were introduced in 1976. With the rise of the microcomputer and workstation in the late '80s, the Eclipse, and thus, the Dasher, was phased out.
In an exciting development, Atomic Keyboard is seeking to bring another element from the show "Severance" to life: its computer keyboard. However, without specific details about the Dasher D200, it's challenging to provide direct information on its history or influence on the "Severance" keyboard replica. If more context or clarification about the Dasher D200 becomes available, insights can be offered with precision.
- The MDR Dasher keyboard, inspired by the show "Severance," showcases a unique blend of technology and style, featuring a 73-key layout, optical trackball module, and mechanical keyboard specification, making it a perfect gadget for fans of the series.
- As the production of the second season of "Severance" commences, Atomic Keyboard continues its pursuit to create replicas of smartphone accessories and gadgets, aiming to bring the show's fictional technology closer to reality, in a bid to provide an immersive experience for the viewers.
