Map Tilde key to ESC and add tilde/backtick to touchbar instead: Fix for new macbook pro lost physical ESC key is driving me bonkers!

Well, I got partway there only (but it was quick to get there):

And it works like a champ (but my new muscle memory is not ready to accept it yet). However, I don't see any way to either swap out the virtual ESC on the Touchbar for a tilde/backtick, and I don't see any way to make a modifier so I could at least do shift-ESC (shift-tilde) to access the tilde or backtick.

*sigh*

Tips?

Is this an auto-response? I was of course being facetious calling it "lost physical ESC key." I didn't break the new macbook pro -- some genius Apple designers did. If put to a vote: Keep, Remove, or Don't Care, I highly doubt there will be a resounding, "Yes, I am so glad we finally get rid of that big, scary ESC key that has been plaguing my precious keyboard zen since the first Apple computer!"

I appreciate your clear-headed, diplomatic response, Tom. Clearly I'm frustrated and and bewildered how the manufacturer of one of the most sought after, mission-critical machines can, in my mind, make such an egregious misstep. I am obviously not only looking for solutions, but by my flippant tone, am probably just trolling for pity and rallying to see if I'm not alone. Maybe I am :D

I'll check out that other forum you linked and will try to round back here if I have any updates. Thanks again, Tom!

Thanks Tom - An answer there led me right to a neat, open source project that runs in the background to provide audible, haptic, and even visual feedback for presses of Touch Bar ESC and other buttons!

Thanks Tom - An answer there led me right to a neat, open source project that runs in the background to provide audible, haptic, and even visual feedback for presses of Touch Bar ESC and other buttons! There are currently two apps linked there, but the one I pointed to is open source and, ideally, provides opportunity for ongoing contribution and development.