The quality is really bad compared to original. I’ve tried both.
Sadly, I think Apple Milanese uses some kind of better material.
Apple Milanese band is softer. I use 3rd party Milanese loop and Milanese leather loop for my series 2 SS. The 3rd party leather loop seem to have a layer of coating to make it water resistant but it also feel harder than the original. However, both 3rd party loop magnets are strong enough to hold in place without coming loose. I am in repair line and I don’t need to keep adjusting the band during my daily work. I read some 3rd party Milanese loop magnets are not strong enough and come loose easily.
The black loop, the colour is darker than the original one. This loop painting will kind of peeled off if it get scratched (even by its own magnet part) exposing the silver part. I used for like 1.5 years and got some slight scratches on the black loop. Can see some sliver color on the band.
I also bought a 3rd party sport band. This band quality is obviously much inferior compare to the original one. It is hard & attracts dust very easily. Then it start to look dull because of the dust. I washed it with soup but no help. As for the original band, mine is white color. Even after 1.5 years, it still looks very new. When it get dirty I just wash with water and it’s clean. Material is softer and more comfortable to wear.
Price wise, the 3 party band add up is still cheaper than 1 original cheapest band/loop. If you want many bands to switch around, the original one will cost you a lot. But buying too many 3rd party bands, the sum will come close to the Aluminum watch also LOL.
If I were to buy a sport band, I would save up and choose the colour I really want. The original one is really much better than the 3rd party sport band.