I think that the experience one has on Mastodon is greatly influenced by the app that is used. I am on iOS mobile and have tried the Mastodon app, Metatext, Tooot and a browser.
So far, I like the browser and Tooot interfaces best but actually the search feature is stronger on the original Mastodon app. I doubt if the average user would experiment as much in order to find their preferred UI. (I wouldn’t have if it weren’t my former career.)