I would definitely put pulls on white cabinets, to protect them from touches. Your countertop overhang should stick out a little bit to prevent the pulls from being 'in the way'

As for soft close, we just got them in our bathroom cab and I Iike it so far, but it adds $15 or so to each drawer. I suppose it depends on how your kitchen cabs are and how you are used to living. Also. I would consider the proximity of your bathroom to sleeping space, and what kind of household you have.

I have two rough boys and the bath is just off the bedrooms. Soft close was definitely worth it!