What we prefer is individual, and what works for you is fine. I would say neither gives more or less control (Promise! I have both types and use them). We are used to pedals these days, and at some point in the late 1960s hardly any machines came with knee lever anymore. The pedal wasn't a new thing compared to knee lever, in the early 1900s, when electricty still wasn't in every house, both were available. Around 1930 when the electrical motor and lights became more common (prices dropped) both options were possible and it looks like it always have been. From what I have noticed here, it also looks like most machines in bent wood cases, wood bases in general and cabinets had the knee lever controller though. The suitcase type machines often have pedal; it's often machines from the 50s, some late 40s. Later cabinets usually have a knee lever bracket with a button type pedal inside, both options in one. Bernina kept the option for knee lever control longer than most makers, but gradually fewer from around 1960. The internal resistor part is exactly the same on both options, (one or two stacks of carbon disks encased in plastic or porcelain); knee lever has stronger spring and is a bit larger, but generally works exactly the same. Some of new pedals we buy today work differently, but they weren't introduced until decades after Singer stopped making model 15s and 201s. Those brown bakelite button pedals can go from zero to full speed and little inbetween, which means it needs to be adjusted; I guess it's the same for knee lever controller too. If one gives better control than another, I that's likely the explanation.
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