To be fair, the 360 controller does take longer to get used to because if you go from PS3 to 360 for the first time, the area around your left thumb hurts from using the 360 controller because the PS3 controller is so small and the placement of the left stick is moved. Eventually though you get used to it and quite frankly, it gets better than the PS3 controller (imo of course).

PS3 controller for sure, greater range of motion on the sticks and a smaller deadzone, makes for better movement and accuracy. The 360 bumper is also crap compared to the PS3 r1/l1. The PS3 sticks also have a textured surface which make your thumbs stick to them and not fall off like the 360 controller.

The left analog stick is also located in an odd position which does not fall in line with a standard hand placement. 360 does have better triggers though.

This^^

It is a fluid situation 

PS3 controller. Analog sticks are aligned (symmetrical) instead of ...whatever the 360 one is. The 'triggers' arguement doesn't really work for me as most FPS games don't use R2 and L2 as 'triggers' they use R1 and L1, and I rarely play games that rely on the 'triggers' that much. And I can't use it to play Fighting games (d-pad), although I've recently become more skilled at using the stick on the 360, silly housemates.

The 360 controller is also too big for my hands. 

Logitech Cordless Action PS2 pad.



It was perfect as it was slightly bigger than PS2 dual shock.

I hate triggers on current gen pads, and i don't like swapped d-pad/analog on X360 pad.

I prefer XB pad... always had... can't stand the dual shock ergonomy.... analog stick crooked and missplaced... good D pad but that thing gives you blister if you play hard for too long... bad overal shape in the hand.... never liked that pad since day one of PS1.... now that said the debate is still irrelevant now a days there are always a way to plug a pad from console X to console Y.... I use to have one so my PS fan friends couldn't use the excuse it's the pad I'm not used to lol

I think both controllers have various strengths and weaknesses. I think much of it comes down to personal preference (what you are used to) and gaming genres you prefer. IMO the xbox 360 controller is best in shooters, which I do play a lot of. The PS3 controller seems better for fighting games. All in all I like the layout of the Xbox 360 controller the most. It fits my hands the best, I like the positioning of the thumbsticks and buttons, and I also just like the feel of it better in my hands.

imo there is no difference in any of them, i have never understood how people can notice little difference's on a controller enough for it to distract them from playing

I may be in the minority but I actually prefer the xbox 360 controller for everything (including fighting games). The circular nature of the 360 d-pad is actually more appropriate for pulling off certain moves in fighting games. 

Also the 360 d-pad has actually been fixed. I'm not talking about the more expensive new controllers I'm talking about any standard xbox controller made after 2009. There was an issue with responsiveness thats pretty much been resolved. I used to think it was just a bad design but there is nothing really wrong with the circular design it was just a wierd issue that old controllers had. My current controller responds perfectly. When I press right it goes right, etc.

Thats probably the worst thing about the PS3 controller, its why you see so many third party controllers for PS3 giving you the option to change that.

Symmetrical analog sticks made sense back in the 2d era and back when platformers were the number one genre.  Back then most people used the d-pad and face buttons for most games. In this day and age it no longer makes sense. The inputs you use the most should be in the primary position. Left stick and face buttons are the most used inputs for most games, the 360 got it right by putting them in the primary position.

I probably wouldn't have even bothered buying a PS3 if not for the third party controllers and adapters. I gave my dualshock away.