Reply to UC-33/e vs BCR2000

Please pardon for the large post..

Looking to add some knob control to compliment my monome setup. I used search and couldn't find a thread on this subject already, so I figured I'd make one because these controllers are old but still useful and relevant. I plan on using a setup with 8 channels in live of possibly volume and mostly FX. So a few points I'd like to have people clear up between the two are
-build quality (both case and actual components)
-driver quality
-am I really going to hate soft takeover that much?
-is there better controller for the price?
-Difference between UC-33/e?
I was dead set on the BCR mostly because I heard the build quality of the UC was horrible. After some searching I've heard users say the UC's build is actually pretty good. Then I realized, it'd be nice to have some faders plus the UC is smaller plus the BCR is ugly. Either way my facts on the units are too cloudy to make a definite decision, so if you all could post which you have used and which you prefer. And no K2 recommendations or anything, I'm looking for cheaper control.
Thanks a ton for the help!