Sram's shifting is rough and very mechanical. The great thing about Sram is that the brake and shifter positions can be adjusted if you're a rider with small hands. Plus, when you're in the drops, you can 'pull' the shift lever towards you for more comfortable shifting in that position. I LOVE sram hoods. They're small and compact and just put your hands in a straight line from wrist to hand.

Shimano's shifting is like butter. It's smooth that sometimes you don't even feel it. Shifter adjustment can only be done with shim, so tough luck if you're a rider with small hands. Shimano hoods are big and bulbous. I understand that it's that way to fit all the shifter componenents but hell it can be pretty uncomfortable at times!