From youtube and reading around they sound like you are always in reverse. But depenedin on exhaust and the level at which you listen to music that might not be a problem. I cant remember of the top of my head the ratio of the gears, but I do believe they are more similar to stock. I believe on their website they have (or at least they used to) the ratios for the gear set.
YouTube - WRX STI With PPG Gear box the best sound clip but it illustrates the sound that the straight cut make.
http://www.ppgearbox.com.au/files/pd...007.pdf...list of ratios, remars about fitment and what not. Hope this helps a little.