Redoing our bathrooms. I've had pop up drains my entire life. I see "push pop" drain assemblies are now available. Seems like the advantages of push pop are cost and easier to clean.

Any downsides? We rarely if ever close a bathroom sink so putting our hands in dirty water to open the drain is unlikely.

Both types installed by Plumbers graded from cheap to A+ and would vote 75% PopUp, 25% Rod control.
When (not if) the rod fails to hold water, it's a pain to adjust DIY

When the PopUp plugs up, this was not fun but easier to clear DIY. Once in a blue moon ... If all else fails, then a garden hose w/power spray takes care of this pronto. Dirty water? Haha - you are AT the sink & it rinses off.

Even the lesser option = manual PullUp, PushDown still rates higher than the Rod ..... IMHO.