Are you looking to get into it because you want a good keyboard that feels good; or do you want to get into it because you like the idea of weird layouts, building your own keyboard, trying different switches, weird color schemes, custom key shapes, or all the other interesting but not typing things you can do. Nothing wrong with that second group, even though you can probably tell from my tone that I don’t see the point myself (if this is you I can’t give good advice so stop reading).
Rates are not high. 20 years ago they were higher yet - and people are cheering the historically low rates. However if you don’t remember 20 years ago it is easy to think they are high now when in fact they are probably closer to normal.