I mean - I think it just depends heavily on what game you're playing.
If I'm playing a game designed around a console experience, I want the sticks - they feel natural in that space in a way that the touchpads don't compare with.
If I'm playing a game designed for a mouse and keyboard... I definitely don't want the sticks. I want the touchpads (at least one of them). The sticks feel horrible as a mouse for these games (although sometimes one can replace WASD panning controls)
Basically - games like Rimworld/Dwarf Fortress DO NOT WORK without the touchpads. Period. The touchpads are not "alternative"... the touchpads are the reason the deck can make those games playable.
If I'm playing a game designed around a console experience, I want the sticks - they feel natural in that space in a way that the touchpads don't compare with.
If I'm playing a game designed for a mouse and keyboard... I definitely don't want the sticks. I want the touchpads (at least one of them). The sticks feel horrible as a mouse for these games (although sometimes one can replace WASD panning controls)
Basically - games like Rimworld/Dwarf Fortress DO NOT WORK without the touchpads. Period. The touchpads are not "alternative"... the touchpads are the reason the deck can make those games playable.