I bought this bridge mainly to be able to get the intonation correct, which is impossible with the "compensated wraparound bridge" as designed by Gibson.
This version fits the the US made Gibson LP special perfectly and installation took less than 15 minutes and another 15 to get the intonation correct once the neck and strings have settled.
I also took the lowest position possible in terms of strings height as this bridge is slightly larger (higher) than the original.
I have the LP special vintage cherry so the black version of the bridge looks much better in my opinion, however I realize that this is just a matter of taste...
Whether this bridge is a must will depend on how important you think that intonation is, if important the answer is yes.
As for the sound I think both bridges sound very similar.