limit switches: mech vs proximity

Is there a strong reason to prefer one type over another, if either
was compatible w/ the control system?

As WallyK has pointed out in off-board comm, mech types can be set up
to have lots of overtravel, but prox sw's have to get pretty close to
the target before tripping--hence the possibility of crashing them.

Prox sw's are conveniently small, while industrial grade mechanical
units are like a pack of smokes cut in half the long way. Maybe a
prox sw could be mounted on a spring mechanism to protect it?

Voice of experience?

Thanks very much.

--Jack W.