Some trigger shifters are tough with their front shifting, others are fine. I find thumb shifters to be clumsy and tough to push if you don't want them ghost shifting (aka tightened down). If you knew how the Microshift stuff feels when its without cable, then you can perhaps try with some Shimano ones. My experience with Microshift is nearly zero as I trust a larger company that has proven they can make a great looking and great operating range of products (Shimano). Shimano trigger shifters are pretty nice, and I've come into contact with many of them (usually down range from XT/XTR).