How can you tell good stuff from cheap crap?
A good rule of thumb (though it's not always 100%), if it's an unappealing metal box, it's probably good.
If it's angular, or pretty, or "decore", or GAMER, I garuntee you it's shit. Network equipment should be a simple metal box. I happen to like the aesthetic, so I think "ugly metal boxes" are cool looking, but it's an acquired taste for sure.
You want pretty, or you want it to work well? You rarely get both.