I use iterm, and terminal lots.. editing/mod txt files on 2018 Macbook pro ( ESC key in the way )

Hello,
I use my macbook pro lots using terminal, securecrt, iterm, etc... I use VI, and edit various files. My issue is that I always end up hitting the ESC key on the touch bar. Has anyone created presets or even better a away to hide the ESC key until I hit a specific key sequence like 'SHIFT :' would show the esc key??

Any ideas or suggestions, I would appreciate it