The cloth-backed diapers tend to be quieter and the hook-and-loop tabs easier to position (and reposition). And if you don't end up using your diaper, a cloth-backed diaper can usually be removed and reworn (to an extent). Of course, there are “hybrid” plastic-backed diapers that also have hook-and-loop tabs. I also agree with some of the plastic-backed advantages stated above, especially the one about smell. Cloth-backed diapers, because they tend to "breathe" more, "exhale" odors. I'm not too offended by it, but it's definitely a thing.
All that said, I find myself leaning toward cloth-backed diapers (like Little Kings) mostly for their similarity to modern baby diapers. All functional considerations are secondary. I mostly wear reusable cloth diapers, which are also what I wore as a child. My preferences in disposables don’t owe much to nostalgia and tend to follow along with what the babies of the day are being put in.
It’s tough to discuss these things objectively. In the end, for me, it’s all about whether a diaper “does it for me”—makes me feel little, turns me on, whatever. Sometimes it’s difficult to spot patterns, and every pattern comes with exceptions. There are plastic-backed diapers that I love too. PeekABUs, for example: Love ‘em. 🤷♀️
