Amanda, I think the pic makes it looks especially tall, but it's certainly up higher than any STS!
If you wanted it shorter, I imagine you could just cut the outer stalk and the inner push-down rod, cut the same amount off each and it should retain the exact same function, just a little lower.
Valthun, jsut replacing the knob would be a cinch, once you found one you liked, like 2 screws and you'd be done really!