What type of cooking are you talking about? Gas? Induction? Electric?

I have both and don't have problem with using either one. Some shorter people have problems reaching over to the back controls. Some people don't like front controls because of little hands playing with them. It's just your preference. You don't have to give up the rear panel just because you have front controls. My one stove has the controls for the burners on the front, but the back panel has the digital controls for the oven.

I do prefer a back panel for the same reason as you, cooking splash on the backsplash. Plus I like to see the timer, if the oven is preheated or just the time without having to walk over to the stove.

Just to get the names right - a range with a back panel is called a "free-standing" range. A range with controls on the front is called a "slide-in" range. It is useful to know these terms so that when you are shopping - whether online or in a brick-and-mortar store - you are clear on what you are searching for.

It used to be that freestanding ranges did not have the annoying oven fan, because the controls on the back panel were far from the heat so did not need the fan. When the controls are on the front, they are in direct exposure to the oven's heat, and require fans to cool the electronics. There are a lot of complaints about the noise from the oven fans in ranges, not only while cooking, but also can go on for 20 minutes after your oven is turned off. I just don't know if it is still the case that the freestanding ranges do not have oven fans, but it is worth checking out if you think fan noise will bother you.

I prefer the front controls. That's called a slide-in range (usually unfinished sides) and the one with back controls is called free-standing.

I like the cleaner sleeker look of the slide in. The backsplash is little use for spatters, behind the slide-in I have a tile back splash that only needs a quick wipe to clean.

I chose a GE slide-in because the controls are on the vertical surface. The controls on the horizontal will get messy and be more of a clean up every time you use the range.

I have the GE Profile in gas. It was about $400 less than MSRP at an indie dealer's sale.

I like the range a lot, have had it for 3-1/2 years.

https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-Profile-30-Smart-Slide-In-Front-Control-Gas-Fingerprint-Resistant-Range-with-No-Preheat-Air-Fry-PGS930YPFS

A slide-in can finish off for a more integrated appearance when the hood and backsplash are included. A higher end look that goes with the counters many kitchens are using.

All slide-ins might have controls on front, but front controls doesn't mean you're looking at a slide-in. I don't think the distinction is as meaningful as it was 20 years ago.

If you like the "pro style" ranges, some of them have an optional riser in the back to catch splashes (and prevent fires).

The only time my front control is a pain is when I have parties and people tend to lean on them!