they look the same, but are not the same quality as MAC brushes. i own theSS 224 and the SS197 from them and i have not had any problems. MAC does not have a brush like the SS197 that i know of (flat top small kabuki) so i decided to give that a go. i got the SS224 from them because it was cheaper than MAC's. I wanted to try that type of brush out., before I made the commitment to the MAC 224. i also own their travel set which is pretty good and durable for what i need it for.
i hear, alot of the fluffier ones shed and come apart. some people look to them as good starting brushes because of the cheaper price point. i suggest if you have time to do a you tube search on them. you can really get a feel of the pros and cons from the reviews on there.