“Because the switch assembly includes the airbag clock spring” is precisely why this part is so outlandishly priced. For comparison, the 1988-1992 Toyota Corolla did not have airbags, and you can still get the switch assembly for approximately $250 including tax and shipping. That’s a currently-produced part made by Standard Motor Products, btw.
That being said, with the new part costing this much money, I’d be willing to take my chances at a junkyard. Around here, the “you pull it” junkyards have a set price for each specific type of part, for example “cylinder head” or “radiator fan assembly”, and the price is the same regardless of what model it’s for, or what the part costs new. This is why some parts are actually cheaper to buy new than at a junkyard, and some are an amazing deal compared to new.