I prefer a stick for aerobatics, and a yoke for long-distance touring.
A stick in general has less control linkages so feels more direct. But the disadvantage of most sticks (except Airbus or Cirrus-style side-sticks I presume) is that you can't hold anything in your lap.
I transitioned from yoke (PA28) to stick (Robins, Diamonds) and never found it a problem whatsoever. Both feel really natural to me.