PPG's (to my knowledge) are very close to stock, i believe they do have a longer first gear and a slightly shorter second gear.
Straight cuts gears make the infamous whining sound. Helical cut gears are similar to stock with a very slight whine. I know this videos might get deleted or something but it is a good example of a 1st-2nd straight cut, 3rd-4th helical cut ppg gearbox. Notice how after he shifts out of 2nd gear, his exhaust pretty much covers any sound from the helical gears.
YouTube - 07 STi Limited vs 02 WRX Cobb VF34