If anyone else runs across this thread, another dirt cheap caliper that's worked well for me is the VINCA 6" digitals. They're usually the same price as Neikos and probably the same manufacturer. The red makes them look different from the harbor freight ones so I can tell them apart at the local maker space.

Mitutoyo calipers are great, but the $100+ price tag can be rough. If you're in the US, MSC Direct has them on sale from time to time in their metalworking flyer.