Microsoft lost me in the 2000s with terrible key feel. I remember bouncing over to the company store for an Ergo 4000 and being incredibly disappointed; I could barely type on the thing. They continue to screw up (e.g., decent keyboards, with good feel and layout . . . but only bluetooth).
I have a couple of UHKs. They do not have an ESC key, something I hadn't internalized when I ordered them. I do not recommend them.
You would use their agent software:
Ah, the troubles we go through for the perfect HID!
The customization of both the RGB and the keys themselves as well as the ergonomics have been well worth it. I use a USB switch and use the keyboard for both Windows gaming and development on Mac.
One quirk of my typing style is that I use my right index finger for the space bar, so my left space bar effectively went unused when typing. I rebound the left space bar to the Command Key on my Mac profile so I can use my thumb for it like I would on a Mac keyboard.
I use it for gaming too. Sometimes I move the right side completely out of the way so I'm just using the left and my mouse.
I'm not saying these are all features exclusive to this particular keyboard. But a split keyboard was a great investment that I'd recommend.
My left space bar is backspace. I sometimes get confused when I switch to a different keyboard, though.
What do you use for a microphone? I have a Shure SM57, bought to record guitar, that I have repurposed into my PC mic, and the reduction of background noise vs laptop/webcam mic is _enormous_. You can't hear my mechanical keyboard at all, and it's sitting about a foot from the mic. The SM57 isn't really a vocal mic, but it works great. I'm sure a more purpose built vocal mic would be even better.
If you are currently using a built-in mic then I think something like that in conjunction with a BG noise reducer would basically get you the rest of the way. You just need to figure out a configuration that works for you and keeps it (at least relatively) out of sight.
It also has the added benefit of hugely improving your audio quality.
What's particularly great about them is that you can set them up vertically so that your wrists are completely neutral. Same concept as a vertical mouse, and similarly restrictive in its functioning.
Most people probably don't need this level of relief. Idk.
Have you looked into swapping out the switches? It looks like they aren't hot-swappable, but de-soldering switches isn't too difficult and there are a ton of amazing silent switches out right now. Check out Zealios for a great silent tactile switch.
I use Zilents on my daily driver. They're pretty quiet as far as mech switches go, but still a lot noisier than a standard laptop keyboard. No complaints so far.
But they are quit.
Also the arrow keys are mushed up with other keys and it’s hard to differentiate
* using it in full vertical is hard because there's two columns of buttons on the left & extra buttons on the right side. i diy but there is a "Ascent" package for some keyboards for full verticle. less arm twisting as you type; it's amazing, keyboard not stellar for it though.
* the stock "split" cable at 18" is pretty skimpy. the used to be an XL cable but even it was not super long and i don't see it on their store right now. RSI is about changing your posture, & when i literally use two keyboards & can put them wherever, i find myself sometimes going into a "butterfly stroke" (from swimming, arms out) position for some variety. and even basic adjustment is pretty limited at 18".
I was in a similar situation with my pok3r keyboard. I started to lower the microphone volume and people stopped complaining ymmv
It's just that some folks care enough to mute for the sake of others' ears, and some folks, not so much.
Have never been a perfect, trained touch-typist - so there has been a learning curve, but it is worth it.
My wrists feel so much better, and I am almost back to full speed. (Previously, I would just use laptop KB's).
The only complaints... Not from me, but when I am on web meetings, I have to be on mute, because everyone finds the KB noise too loud when I am typing... Lastly, very expensive, but much like my Ergotron monitor arms, this will likely outlast generations of equipment it is currently used with.