I find it doubtful that a company that sells as many gauges as autometer does not produce a decent product. Of course there are going to be a few bad parts but thats something that can apply to any manufacturer. I might not use something like an EGT gauge from them or an A/F gauge since they are heavily dependant on the probe used.
Does anyone actually believe blitz, Greddy and others make their own gauges. Of course they don't. I always wonder why a name brand boost gauge costs like $150 ->$15 gauge, $5 electronics and $130 box!! Their gauges might use higher quality parts but I find it highly doubtful that their parts are 4X better. They do offer more features but my blitz turbo timer also shows boost with a peak reading feature and it only cost me $35 dollars more than a regular turbo timer.
Besides gauges aren't exactly rocket science. You can buy an unlit industrial boost/vacuum gauge for like $4 used. Looks EXACTLY like a automotive boost gauge.
As for the whole electronic vs mechanical debate. The gauges are either exactly the same OR the mechanical would probably be more accurate.
electronic
read pressure -> translate to electronic signal -> interpret/display electronic signal
mechanical
read/display pressure
or
read pressure -> translate to electronic signal -> interpret electronic signal in gauge
Are defi gauges the networked gauges. Those gauges I actually like. Not that I would spend all that money but they're still cool.