I was hunting around for black sockets and switches last year, ended up reading a lot of reviews of the cheaper ranges on the big DIY store websites. It seemed like a lot of the negative comments weren't due to low quality but, for example, someone who'd bought a flat plate socket without realising you can't just slot them into the existing back box, you need a slightly deeper one. And people who seemed amazed to discover that shiny brass light switches show fingerprints really easily?
Maybe they've upped their quality recently, but a few years ago a friend bought some super cool light switches and a dimmer from Buster & Punch and said she really regretted it. The part you could see/touch felt so substantial and luxurious, but I remember the dimmer was erratic and I know she had other problems with them.
So I do suspect it's one of those instances where a mass market option is a safe bet. But will be interested to hear other opinions.
I ended up with G+H brand sockets and switches. Sockets are fine, not at all stiff, really easy to fit (I didn't get flat plate, as much as I love how they look). And I bloody love the toggle switches, just so satisfying. I purchased online from the Socket Store – really great service, but man, there's some UGLY stuff on their website.