"Continuous" meaning you have the gas cooktop wired into a regular electrical circuit, right?

Those will be as simple and durable as it gets.

Battery powered ones are for off-the grid use and for places where you can't conveniently hook into an electrical system. Day-to-day operation is equally simple, but .... Think about battery powered ignitors on gas grills (basically the same thing as on the cooktop.) Think about battery corrosion. Do an internet search to see how many folks have problems with these things on their gas grills and stoves. You also would need to periodically check for battery corrosion. Shouldn't be a big deal but somehow it can be for some people. Maybe no big deal when it is your stove in your home and you are aware of the peculiarities. Maybe keeps you awake at night when you've got tenants of uncertain competence?

OK, sounds like "continuous spark" is what I want. Yes, it's plugged into a regular electrical outlet in a normal apartment building. Thanks for your quick reply!

We have many management agents in NYC who use battery iginition because they have no choice. They don't like them. Lots of complaints from tenants because the batteries die and tenants don't pay attention. Get electronic ignition!