It also can be the master cylinder piston size. I smaller master cyl. piston can give better pedal feel. I went from 1 1/18" to a 1" master on my all wheel disc brake system, and the brake feel was much better, and the car stops better as well. That is because of the higher line pressure.
I do not use a residual valve. My master cylinder is wheel height. I do not want the drag, and I do not need to pump the pedal.
Jack