Markins, ReallyRight Stuff, Kirk, Arca Swiss, Foba all use the Arca Swiss standard for full compatibility of their plates.
Also KangRinpoche uses Arca Swiss standard of plates. I have not used KangRinpoche but checked them out in stores and recommended to friends. KangRinpoche may not be same quality as the others I mentioned above, but they offer a bargain in solid and strong clamping well worthy to check out for someone who wish to spend less. The Foba Superball M-1 is excellent and low price, but not to the same clamping strength as the others above. Actually when I was going to recommend that one to a friend when we went to a shop they had KangRinpoche also, and I ended recommended the KangRinpoche... it is that good, I am very picky of ballheads. As far as the plates... I use both Markins, KangRinpoche and sometimes Foba..., also used Kirk & RRS special camera/lens plates. Markins is best generic plates because very light, but KangRingpoche is not far behind.
Where Markins ballhed truly wins is in its low weight in bag (for its size), and yes... it indeed is very smooth and high quality. Nikonians.org had an article comparing the Markins to RRS and Arca around five years back, please check. Markins is arguably the best (although some might not agree...).
Anders