The rubber headed key is part of a safety system. If you contacted the key during a crash it would break off. I can't speak to the quality of the plastic ones.
Some things to help key life :
Don't turn and hold the wheel, then remove key and let go of the wheel. If the steering lock is against pressure, extra force is needed to turn the key. If this happens, turn the wheel to remove pressure then turn key.
Turn the key close to the dash. Don't turn the end or grab the key ring / key bunch and turn from there. Switch blade keys will eventually come apart when twisted from the end.
More than 10 keys on a ring is probably too many as is a heavy key fob.
Insert the key fully before turning.
I've seen all of these on various cars over the years.
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