Fans of the hit Apple TV+ series Severance will be excited to learn about a new keyboard, aptly named the MDR Dasher, which has just become available for order. This innovative mechanical keyboard has been designed by Atomic Keyboard, a company that is not affiliated with Apple, and it draws inspiration from the vintage Data General Dasher terminals that were featured in the Macrodata Refinement department.

The MDR Dasher stands out with its striking 70% layout, which includes a built-in trackball, deep blue housing, and rounded keycaps that echo the eerie aesthetic of the television series. However, what really sets this keyboard apart is its deliberate absence of key elements that one might expect to find on a traditional keyboard. Notably, the Escape, Control, and Option keys are missing a design choice that seems to resonate with the show's themes.

In Severance, employees working on the severed floor of Lumon Industries undergo a radical procedure that effectively separates their consciousness, creating two distinct identities: the 'Innies' who work tirelessly in the office, and the 'Outies' who live their lives outside of work. The absence of the Escape key on the MDR Dasher serves as a clever visual metaphor for this unsettling premise: it symbolizes the inescapable nature of a reality that the workers are not even aware they are trapped in.

This design choice also serves as a critique of modern work culture, where many employees might feel confined within their jobs, often without a clear exit strategy. The keyboard resonates with those who have felt the pressures of a demanding work environment, where escape feels impossible.

Despite its dark inspiration, the MDR Dasher is fully functional and compatible with various operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. Atomic Keyboard has confirmed that the device can cater to both your 'Innie' and 'Outie' sides, making it suitable for tasks ranging from formatting spreadsheets to 'refining macrodata'.

Severance, which has been widely acclaimed by critics as a thrilling exploration of work-life balance, showcases the surreal and sometimes chilling experience of its characters. The narrative invites viewers to reflect on the implications of their own work environments and the psychological toll of separating personal and professional lives.

The MDR Dasher keyboard is currently in a limited pre-launch phase, with Atomic Keyboard inviting interested users to sign up for early access and updates regarding the upcoming group buy. While pricing details have yet to be announced, excitement is already building among fans of Severance and collectors of unique mechanical keyboards.

It's worth noting that the MDR Dasher is an independently created replica and is not officially endorsed by Apple, despite the company having introduced a fictional 'Lumon Terminal Pro' as part of a marketing campaign. The keyboard represents a creative intersection of entertainment and practical design, appealing to those both invested in the show and in high-quality keyboard aesthetics.