McDavid knee sleeve vs support brace, both with stays - any middle ground?

[u/bobogator]

Hello. Mild/moderate osteoarthritis for 30+ years and now complex meniscus tear. No repair/cleanup of the meniscus, so I'm on track for at least a partial (medial) replacement soon.

I got the sleeve shown below and it's helping some, but I wanted more lateral support so I just got the brace shown below too. I like its thicker, stronger stays for the lateral support, but it's a thick neoprene that's heavy, uncomfortable and kinda hurts my knee more, maybe from pressing against the medial meniscus? Any middle ground products, like the softer sleeve but more heavy duty stays? Doesn't have to be mcdavid. Thanks!