I've heard that the Baldwin locks have better mechanisms. But we like the look of the Emtek better. I read in an old thread on this site that Emtek uses the Schlage lock mechanism and they aren't as good as the Baldwin.

If we go with Baldwin we'd probably go with the Boulder in the Images series or the Stonebridge Bronze. In the Emtek we'd go with the Sandcaste Bronze tubular set. The Baldwins are much more expensive and we don't like the look as much. Since we won't be using this entry all that much, but are more interested in how it looks, I'm leaning toward the Emtek. Since I usually go for function over looks, I'm second guessing this decision.

Does anyone know about the quality of the Emtek lock?

Emtek uses the Schlage 'C' keyway in all of their locks. This makes their keys compatiable with the entire Schlage residential line. A "keyway" is the keyhole in a cylinder lock and is not the "lock mechanism". Compatibility between locks is important when different brands are used on the same job and you want one key to work all of the locks.

Schlage makes several levels of quality from Home Depot junk to high security commercial hardware so it is pointless to ask which name brand is "best".

Get what you like.