Originally Posted by veganbikes

Yes you could use the wrong shifter and make it work. Would I, no especially when the proper shifter exists. The reason you DON'T use the wrong shifter is you have to lock out so it doesn't make that third shift which most people would know would go outside of the cranks which is bad and overtime you are likely to break that lock out and you have the problem. Yes you could tell someone hey your shifter has three shifts (or five with trim) but don't use that third shift and guess what someone will forget make a mistake or maybe a mechanic could screw it up not knowing or not noticing. It is simply not worth it personally to recommend incorrect parts except in an absolute emergency but this is not one of those times.

Why do you doubt it? You don't think people would counterfeit a part from a company? Is it that far fetched because they are Taiwanese? KMC is a Taiwanese company and people counterfeit their stuff so why is this so far fetched? Unscrupulous people will counterfeit just about anything and sell it on all these 3rd party platforms it is not some something that only happens to Brand A and B and brand C is left out. They fake Sharpies, a simple low cost permanent marker for cripes sake.