I have both. I can fly with one type of controller, yoke or stick, but want a bit of that "real" feel according to aircraft type. I really believe that pedals are a must for that feeling as well. Auto rudder is OK, but taxiing, taking off, and landing with those fine pedal rudder movements, just increases the reality.
Now, I flew IL-2 Sturmovik with my yoke, not the stick, and did just fine, but I felt unathentic. Just me. Start with a stick (inexpensive) and, if you don't get that unsatisfied feeling, stay with it. On the other hand.....
Happy landings, chum.