vscode ssh trouble on windows

first time posting so hopefully this is the right place.
I'm trying to connect vscode to my server host because I'm fed up with using the cpanel editor (🤢 I know it's been too long). But I keep getting resolve issues where it can't find the private key.

I can connect perfectly fine with putty, so I know the keys are working. Openssh and putty are both active. The file name/path are correct (unless I've lost my mind) under IdentityFile, and HostName, User, and Port are also defined (and confirmed as correct with normal ssh).

And I have this problem with 2 separate web hosts (both using cpanel), so it's something to do with my setup.

Anyone know about this issue?
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