For not-too-complex machines, give me a memory checklist every time. A logical 'flow' around the cockpit for prestart checks, and a remembered sequence for pre-takeoff and landing vital actions etc.
Written checklists can certainly be distracting when you're trying to fly as well, and it's too easy to miss checks by jumping to the wrong place on the list after you've had to look away and then back again.
One good aid to memory checks is a few good mnemonics; eg, a simple one we used to use for 'rejoin' checks in fixed wing trainers was "Hate My F'in Instructor' (Hatches/Harness, Mixture, Fuel, Instruments); or CLEAROF for navigation (Compasses, Log, Engine, Altimeter, Radios, Oxygen, Fuel).
Some checklists you get from approved flight manuals seem to miss out some important stuff - for example, the Bell 206 Before Takeoff checklist doesn't mention fuel, or hatches and harness for example. Instead of the flight manual one, I use a memory list that goes:
Hatches
Harness
Heaters
Electrics - switches, CBs, loadmeter
Caution Panel
Fuel - quantity, pressure, selector
Ts and Ps normal
Full throttle, 100%
Floats
Frictions
Flight Instruments
Works for me anyhow...