Also, IIRC, higher end brifters simply have the upshift paddle underneath the lever. For these microshifts, the problem is not with the upshift, which isn't so bad, but the downshift, which is awful awful awful. Only by moving the entire brake assembly can you comfortably get the range of motion and leverage needed to shift well.
I thought the design would have had a tighter clearance, in which case it would have made sense. But the throw is just as long as a shimano brifter, only you have to stretch your middle and fourth finger b/c the brake lever doesn't move. It's a really ****ty design.