Shifter question

[VeloVT]

Different levels of shifters can have different mechanical design. The throw to shift can be shorter/longer and pressure needed can be lighter/heavier. The shape of the hood can be vastly different.

I have heard that DA shifters require a very light touch to shift compared to Ultegra and I have seen that the DA hoods are narrower. Both of these being great for small hands. I don't know how Ultegra compares to 105.

yeah, this is true. The 2008 Ultegra on my new bike is much lighter-shifting than the 2004 Ultegra on my old bike (which felt about the same as the 2005 105 on my cross bike -- both require a big shove to shift into the large chainring, whereas with the newer Ultegra shifting into the big chainring is basically the same as shifting the rear der.). But this is a separate issue from shift quality I think (how smoothly, quickly and reliably the chain actually shifts). I was wondering more whether different shifters actually affect those issues as much as derailleurs do? It seemed like the original question was more about shift quality than shift feel (though I definitely agree that shift feel is important), and there certainly are differences in shift quality between different components.