Severance, the dystopian workplace thriller that captivates Apple TV+ subscribers, makes the leap from screen to desk with a meticulously crafted replica of the show’s distinctive keyboard. Atomic Keyboards announced recently that its MDR Dasher Keyboard — inspired by the mysterious input device used by Mark S., Helly R., Dylan G., and Irving B. in Lumon Industries’ sterile offices — now heads to Kickstarter with reservations open for just $10.
Just remember, the retro keeb is three keyboards in one, but it features no Escape, Option or Control keys. And it’s steep pricing might make you lose hope altogether.
Severance MDR Dasher Keyboard: Three keyboards in one premium package
So the Severance MDR Dasher Keyboard’s price point of $899 retail — but as low as a pretty high $599 via early-bird reservation — places this firmly in premium territory. But the combination of the hit show’s cult following (with a field-leading 27 Emmy nominations in 2025), the keyboard’s unique features and its connection to both retro computing history and contemporary sci-fi storytelling could make this a must-have collectible for Apple TV+ subscribers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.
What sets the cool keeb apart from typical mechanical keyboards is its innovative swappable layout system. The device offers three distinct configurations that can be changed in seconds thanks to a magnetic mid-frame design.
Three configurations:
- Innie Layout. It faithfully recreates the eerie keyboard seen in Severance‘s Macrodata Refinement department. It comes (in)complete with its conspicuous lack of Escape, Option and Control keys. That’s a design choice that feels deliberately symbolic for fans of the show. This layout includes the mysterious six buttons positioned above and below the arrow keys, plus an integrated trackball for that authentic Lumon Industries experience.
- For everyday productivity, the Outie Layout transforms the keyboard into a standard 60% layout suitable for regular computing tasks outside the confines of Severance‘s basement offices.
- The Dasher Layout pays homage to the keyboard’s real-world inspiration: the Data General Dasher 200 terminal from 1977. So it bridges decades of computing history with Apple TV+’s speculative future.
While the Kickstarter campaign page is live, it hasn’t started taking pledges yet, as of Monday. But it provides lots of information about the keyboard “for work that’s mysterious and important … Please enjoy each keystroke equally.”
Premium construction meets retro-cool aesthetics
Photo: Atomic Keyboards
And it appears Atomic Keyboards hasn’t cut corners on build quality. The 7-kilogram behemoth features a fully CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminum case that the company describes as delivering “thocky, firm, and deeply satisfying” keystrokes.
All switch positions support hot-swappable switches, allowing users to customize their typing experience beyond the three pre-configured layouts.
The optional 50mm trackball comes with two CNC-machined custom keycaps paired with MX switches for clicking duties, and the entire system can be configured through a web-based app without requiring additional software or drivers.
Early bird pricing and availability
The $10 reservation on Atomic’s website for the Severance MDR Dasher Keyboard locks in the early adopter price of $599 — a significant discount from the stratospheric $899 retail price. Once the Kickstarter campaign launches, pricing will tier upward: $649 for tier 1 backers and $699 for tier 2, before reaching full retail pricing.
Reserving also includes a free desk mat and guarantees access to the discounted pricing when the crowdfunding campaign goes live. The keyboards are expected to begin shipping in November, giving Severance fans plenty of time to prepare their home offices for a touch of Lumon’s unsettling corporate aesthetic.
Watch Severance on Apple TV+
Severance season one and two now stream on Apple TV+. Read Cult of Mac‘s detailed recaps for season two episodes. Apple TV+ is available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 471 wins and 2,090 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
Apple TV+ is home to more than 200 exclusive movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso). The service also offers documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
