True! Don't need to. I don't like the way some of them look or some of the functionality. Not my jam.
For example, Keychon's don't make a single model with media/volume controls. Not one that's available here stateside. Varmilo? Same problem. Some of the Akko's at least have a volume control knob, but only on mini keyboards. Not one model available from those companies has anything I would consider acceptable. They're either the wrong form-factor, missing functionality and/or just plain crazy expensive.
But hey, if you like them, more power to you.
There is not a single
good (no, Logitech or Redragon is not that) keyboard which has dedicated media buttons, like in the mid-2000's.
On the other hand, there are a
shitton Keychron boards with tactile, pushable (metal) knob, which is programmable, and its default setting is volume control/mute (but you can set it up to zoom, changing brush size etc.). Not to mention, that most of their models are QMK/VIA-compatible, meaning every single key can be set up how you want it, including complex macros, special functions or media controls.
Here's your dedicated media buttons, above the num pad, on the primary layer: Play, Stop, Rew, Frwrd. I presume you don't use Scroll Lock/Pause-Break/PrintScrn too much, so there's an additional 3 buttons there on the left for extra media controls (their original function can go to the second layer).
The wonders of QMK/VIA – and a decent board.
Which, in this case, is a Keychron V6 Max. Not even expensive. I mean 110 bucks for a pretty good all-around board – with tri-mode PCB, I might add – is anything, but ungodly. Double gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, dye-sub PBT keycaps (OSA profile), 2,4 GHz/BT/wired, 1000 Hz, foams, PET film, lubed switches and (screw-in) stabilizers, 5 possible layers, you can switch between Windows and Mac modes with a physical switch, and can be easily disassembled, because the manufacturer expects you tinkering with it. It's
actually nice to use it, Logitech or Redragon has absolutely nothing on it, really. Oh, and it comes with two dongles; a Type-C and a Type-A.
https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-v6-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard