the operation of the handle is real but not magic. All decent cartridges offer the same feel for the first year or two, the question is is the same after 5 years. Grohe passes that test.
one thing nobody mentions is the temperature stop button on many of the thermostatic models. Super useful if you've got small children in the house. The button allows you to override the setting but prevents you from accidentally scalding yourself when someone flushes the loo.
