I can vouch for the VKB pedals, got them for about $200 USD. I got them for Helos and they feel great for that, but work well for planes too of course. It's not too hard with Joystick Gremlin to set up a toe brake axis that you can use with a modifier in DCS. They are all metal, feel really well made and precise, and have fairly low resistance (but this can be changed with alternate springs). Also comes with a very small center detent that can be removed by changing cams.
I have everything on default and it has easy movement and a noticeable center bump that does not slow movement through it. Great product.