For things like decreases, there are videos, blog posts, and discussions going into fine details about the subtle differences between each, showing several versions on one sample, but I can't find anything like that for twists. I couldn't find a discussion on this anywhere, but different tutorials show it different ways, and no one comments on the differences.

The two versions---using the LT as an example, but this applies to RT, LTP, and RTP as well---are:

k 2nd st tbl (leave on needle), k 1st st (slip both st off)

and

k 2nd st tbl (leave on needle), k2tog

Tutorials for the zig-zag rib seem to always use the first version. I tried it with both, and it definitely looks better with the first, imo. Most basic tutorials for the LT itself use the latter, and it looks great in mock cable patterns. I tried a few rows the second way for mock cable, and I think it doesn't look as good, but I honestly can't tell a huge difference. The second way is much more difficult, and I find myself taking three or four times as long to execute it. Rather than keep experimenting, I thought I should ask here.

Which version do people here use? Does it depend on the application---say, first version for zig-zag rib and second for mock cable, as above? If people are getting good results with the first version for mock cable, I will use it on a small project and see how it turns out. If not, I will persevere with the second version and try to improve my speed with it. Any personal anecdotes and/or blog posts and videos would be much appreciated.

Cheers.